SALAKA DANCE Ensemble last week introduced pupils and students of the Nungua Anglican Primary and Junior Secondary School in Accra to the rich rhythms of traditional music and dance. This forms part of its mission, which includes educating Ghanaian kids on the need to respect and appreciate their culture and traditions through constant lectures, workshops and performances. Enthusiastic students were taken through various movements of some traditional dances as well as Kpanlogo songs, while various traditional drums, shakers and bells flowed with maximum intensity from the stage. Visibly fascinated by the experience, the students tried their hands on the indigenous instruments while others danced to the sweet drum rhythms. Later, they were briefed on the significances of some dance pieces and their relation to society. Among the Salaka dancers were people from Europe and Australia who are currently participating in a traditional music and dance workshop dubbed, “Ekome Study Tour”. They interacted with the students and briefed them on their experiences in Ghana and overseas. Earlier, the group performed a series of traditional dance pieces to entertain the students and their teachers, who cheered them on. The group has plans to train students to play the atumpan drums so it can be used as a signal for the changing of lessons. It has a youth group that also performs regularly during functions in numerous primary and junior secondary schools. Salaka Dance Ensemble has over the past several years thrilled audiences in several parts of the country with their own variations of traditional and contemporary dance pieces. Daily Guide