In the vibrant culture where rhythm and movement take center stage, the CEO of Dancetera—organisers of the Ghana Dance Festival—Robert Klah is making a powerful plea to event organisers, musicians, and all players within the creative industry to honour dancers with the respect and compensation they deserve.
For far too long, dancers have been treated as mere accessories, with their vital contributions to Ghana’s cultural and entertainment landscape overshadowed by other creatives.
Despite their pivotal roles—whether electrifying high-profile performances or bringing music to life through captivating choreography and viral dance challenges—dancers remain undervalued and underappreciated.
In a recent conversation with , Klah voiced deep concern about this oversight.
“The marginalisation of dancers isn’t a new issue,” Klah stated passionately. “These artistes are consistently overlooked, even though they are the driving force behind many musical successes. Think about it: yes, artistes 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.”
Yet, the dance industry in Ghana faces significant challenges, from structural issues that hinder progress to the lack of dedicated platforms that showcase talent, and the absence of sustained media attention on dance as a legitimate art form.
“How many platforms truly celebrate dance?” Klah questioned. “We need the media to step up and broadcast the rich tapestry of our dance culture. What the public sees is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Klah passionately urges the media to shine a spotlight on dancers—their stories, their artistry, and their events.
“Mainstream media do not have enough programmes to project dancers. We lack dedicated journalists with an interest in dance-related activities, and there is little funding for dance events, affecting both their organisation and publicity. We need TV shows that celebrate dance beyond competitions. Print and online media must publish articles, interviews, and regular coverage dedicated to dancers and their invaluable contributions. It’s essential for our collective progress.”