A Discourse on Efficacy of Dance Competitions in Television Reality Shows in Nigeria

Abstract

Dances have been an important aspect of human culture for centuries, with different styles and traditions evolving over time. In recent years, competition dance has become increasingly popular, with dance reality shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, and World of Dance, Strictly Come Dancing, Maltina Dance All, etc attracting large audiences. These shows feature dancers competing against each other, with the ultimate goal of winning a prize and achieving recognition. Dance reality shows in Nigeria since its inception has been tremendous and dynamic as it concerns both participants (dancers) and audience across the country. It has made significant landmarks and has been able to help participants in diverse ways despite its competitiveness. This act of competition is what makes a Nigerian survive amidst where and what they do in contemporary Nigeria. The study identified diverse styles, techniques, and trends in the dance and examined the efficacy of dance in social-cultural well-being of the society. This research adopted the content analysis approach in its examination of dance the within the context of dance reality shows. It employed the data to analyse the influence of dance reality shows in Nigeria thus far as it will seek to gain insight into dance arts among competing participants, viewers and the wider dance community. The research concludes that change is dynamic and as globalization continues to greet the universe, transformation in all facets of life and society is inevitable and dance as well as dancing is not an exemption. Keywords: Discourse, Nigerian Dance Competitions, Reality Television Shows