BEYOND DISABILITIES, THERE IS COMMUNICATIVE POTENCY IN THE PERFORMER'S BODY: A STUDY OF ONE-LEGGED SOLO PERFORMERS IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA.

Resumen

The non-disabled dancers have appreciated the essence and value of dance more because of their body flexibility, displays, and the chronological patterned movements created by a choreographer. However, dancers with disabilities, especially in Nigeria, have been dehumanized as non-performers rather than mere side attractions for comic relief and pity based on their disabilities. This narrow assumption has led notable dance troupes in Nigeria to use these disabled dancers only for fundraising, excluding them from performances. This narrow perception has demoralized many talented disabled performers, causing them to shy away from dance as a profession and communicative tool. This research analyzes a notable disabled one-legged dance performer in Enugu state, Nigeria, who has used his disability in dance performance as social propaganda to mirror the negative ills happening in the country.