Chief Executive Officer of Dancetera and lead organiser of the Ghana Dance Festival, Robert Klah, is calling on stakeholders in Ghana's creative space to show greater respect and support for dancers-both in terms of recognition and fair compensation. According to Klah, dancers have long been sidelined within the entertainment industry, despite playing crucial roles in performances and helping shape the success of many musical acts.
He described their contributions as vital, yet frequently downplayed or ignored."The marginalisation of dancers isn't a new issue," Klah said in a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz. "These artistes are consistently overlooked, even though they are the driving force behind many musical successes." He pointed out that Ghanaian cultural identity is deeply intertwined with dance, citing how traditional rhythms like Adowa, Agbadza and Borborbor are often more vividly remembered for their dance movements than their musical elements. "Think about it," he said, "yes, they may have unique sounds identifying them, but at the mention of Adowa, Agbadza, Borborbor, etc., what readily comes to mind?
It's not just the music-it's the dance that brings it to life.
For Africans, dance is intertwined with every celebration and cultural expression; it is our heritage." Despite this cultural importance, Klah lamented the lack of structural support for dancers, ranging from insufficient media representation to the absence of platforms that showcase their craft.Read Also: We had to prolong the red carpet to accommodate some people - Robert Klah "How many platforms truly celebrate dance?" he asked. "We need the media to step up and broadcast the rich tapestry of dance culture.
