Apatampa
Apatampa is a dance performed by the Fanti's in Ghana. Historically, It is believed that, the name of the dance was derived from an incident that happened a long time ago where a giant use to attack and kill the Fante men at night. One night, when the giant was fighting the last man, a woman appeared and danced gracefully to distract the fight which gain the attention of everyone. She was praised for separating the fight (apata ampa in Fante).
Instruments
Instruments used in performing the Apatampa Dance includes; a large rectangular plywood where drummers strike the open surface with their palms, a pitch metal whistle which is locally known as "aben" and castanet (locally known as afrikyiwa)[1]
Performance
The dance starts with the individual creating a beat by hitting both thighs with both hands twice and clapping on the third beat. The performer then beats their chest twice on the fourth and fifth beats. This is performed with a smile and cheerful expression while moving. The dance follows the rhythm of the instruments.[2][3]
References
- ↑ "Apatampa – Anomabu, Ghana: Musicking in a Fante Community". Retrieved 2021-04-29.
- ↑ Bannerman, Benjamin (2019). Dance and the Anglican Faith: Rethinking Ghanaian Neo Traditional Dances For Church Ministration. University of Ghana.
- ↑ "Fabric collage wall art, 'Apatampa Dancers I'". NOVICA. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
External links