Ghana for Kids – Kpanlogo

The KPANLOGO is a recreational dance of the Ga people which they created in the late ’50s/early ’60s in part to celebrate Ghana’s independence from the British. The movements are bold and radiate joy. The term “kpanlogo” can also refer to a type of drum, as well to a style of music that has had substantial influence in the West.

Dancing the kpanlogo helps us relate to the optimism Ghana and other African nations felt as they shook colonial powers in the 1950s through the 1970s. We can also follow the kpanlogo bell pattern across the Atlantic, creating a rhythmic “paper trail” to connect West Africa with the Americas.

PLEASE NOTE: The lesson and embedded video are NOT “How to dance the kpanlogo” tutorials. The goal of this lesson is to provide the tools for you to treat your very youngest students to their first introduction to the kpanlogo and to inspire you to get up and dance together. (Your dance moves can’t be any worse than mine!) Ideally the lesson will be the first step on your and your students’ road to exploration of authentic kpanlogo rhythms and dance.

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