Every year, Level Ground residents curate their own syllabus to reflect the critical, creative, and imaginative foundations of their residency work. This syllabus, from 2023-2024 resident artist Aya Umoh explores the preservation of traditional African dances.

CURATOR’S NOTE:

Exploring Traditional Rhythm and Future Frequencies: Synthesizing Ekombi Movements with Techno Vernacular Creativity

How can creative coding deepen our connection to traditional African dance, making every movement an illuminated experience? Can innovations truly amplify the profound emotions woven into these dances, passed down through generations?

Dance is not just movement but a vibrant expression of culture, history, and the human spirit. When paired with technology, it has the potential to evolve into an experiential narrative of joy and celebration, inviting audiences into the very heart of these traditions. This body of work explores the rich legacy of traditional African movement and the dynamic innovations of the present.

At the core of this exploration is the Ekombi dance from the Efik people of Nigeria. This dance isn’t just a series of steps; it’s a living narrative, a heritage exuding jubilation. While Ekombi’s essence is deeply rooted in tradition, there’s an exciting potential for remixing its elements to evolve movement through a digital lens.

Guided by the principles of Techno Vernacular Creativity (TVC) and informed by literature like “Interactive Digital Narrative”, “Afrofuturism”, and “Tandem Dances”, the collection delves into the interplay of culture and technology. It’s a space where music, traditional African movement, and cutting-edge innovations come together, crafting an immersive journey that captivates and connects.

But it’s more than just an artistic exploration. It’s a commitment to preserving and elevating our cherished dance traditions from Nigeria, ensuring they resonate vibrantly in today’s digital age. The aim is to craft a bridge that brings audiences on a transformative journey, an immersive narrative that captures the joy and celebration intrinsic to Ekombi.

As you navigate this blend of tradition and innovation, ponder a question: In our rapidly changing world, how can we keep our revered dance traditions alive, allowing them to flourish and inspire in fresh, contemporary ways?

—Aya Umoh

1. Dance Aesthetics and Cultural Implications: A Case Study of Ekombi Dance and Asian Uboikpa Dance by Margaret G. Akpan & Blessing U. Ekong (Article, 16 pages)

3. Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture by Ytasha L. Womack (Book, 224 pages)

2. Digital Performance: A History of New Media in Theater, Dance, Performance Art, and Installation by Steve Dixon (Book, 828 pages)

4. Techno-Vernacular Creativity and Innovation: Culturally Relevant Making Inside and Outside of the Classroom by Nettrice R. Gaskins (Book, 206 pages)

5. Tandem Dancdes (Book, 288 pages)

6. Dancing to - ADOD UKARA an AKWA IBOM song by el Mafrex (Ekombi) style. (Video)

7. Hamlet on the Holodeck: The Future of Narrative in Cyberspace by Janet H Murray (Book, 440 pages)

8. Storytelling for Virtual Reality: Methods and Principles for Crafting Immersive Narratives edited by John Bucher (Book, 346 pages)

9. Creating Worlds: How to Make Immersive Theatre by Jason Warren (Book, 244 pages)

10. Interactive Digital Narrative: History, Theory, and Practice by Hartmut Koenitz, Gabriele Ferri, Mads Haahr, Diğdem Sezen, and Tonguç İbrahim Sezen (Book, 286 pages)

11. Dancing Many Drums: Excavations in African American Dance by Thomas F. DeFrantz (Book, 352 pages)

12. The Archive and the Repertoire: Performing Cultural Memory in the Americas by Diana Taylor (Book, 352 pages)

13. The Language of New Media by Lev Manovich (Book, 400 pages)

14. ISANTIM virtual recording - An Efik Folk song performed by friends of Mr. Effiom Ephraim "POWERLESS" (Video)