Roots in Motion Brings Yoruba Dance and Cultural Heritage to Theatre Deli

Nigerian dance artist Fatima Tijani recently led Roots in Motion at Theatre Deli, introducing participants to the timeless Yoruba Cultural Dances; Bàtá and Dùndún dance through movement, rhythm and cultural exploration, while contributing to wider engagement with African diasporic dance practices in the UK. 

Theatre Deli recently hosted Roots in Motion, a Yoruba cultural dance workshop focusing on the traditions of Bàtá and Dùndún, led by Nigerian dance artist Fatimo Tijani as part of this season's Deli Meets programme. Bringing together participants with an interest in movement, culture and dance, the workshop offered an opportunity to engage with Yoruba artistic traditions through practical exploration and discussion.

The two hour workshop explored the timeless traditions of Bàtá and Dùndún; two of the most ancient and sacred percussion instruments of the Yoruba people of Southwest Nigeria, West Africa. Participants were introduced to the cultural and spiritual significance of both drum traditions including their communicative function through Àmì Ohùn, the tonal system of the Yoruba language, which gives both drums their distinctive rhythmic and melodic qualities. A key focus of the workshop was the relationship between movement and rhythm within Yoruba performance traditions. Using recorded music and drumming, participants explored how dancers respond to rhythmic structures and musical cues. Visual materials featuring the Bàtá and Dùndún drums provided further insight into the significance of these instruments within Yoruba culture and their role in ceremonial, social and performance settings.

The workshop introduced participants to the Foundation Stance of Bàtá dance, a grounded, earth rooted posture combining alternating weight shifts, rhythmic alternating footwork and continuous shoulder and arm rolls. Participants then explored the Eléèsé rhythm, a ceremonial and stately Bàtá dance tradition historically performed for royalty and dignitaries, developing their movement vocabulary and dynamic response to the drum through structured and improvisational practice. Central to the workshop’s methodology was the concept of Jíjá ìlù.

The dancer’s emphatic physical response to the peak moment of the rhythm, developing participants’ musicality, dynamic awareness and authentic engagement with the drum’s language. Speaking about the workshop, Fatima Tijani said:

“Roots in Motion was born from a genuine and powerful moment. People saw Yoruba dance (Bàtá and Dùndún) and wanted to learn it. After performing at a production in London, I had people come to me requesting if I offered dance classes as they’d really love to learn the dance. Those responses told me there was a real hunger for authentic cultural engagement, especially among second generation cultural audiences, African and Black British diaspora communities, Nigerian and Yoruba heritage communities and university and arts sector audiences and I wanted to meet that. That inspired me to create a space where the tradition could be properly shared, explored and understood. This is just the beginning, more workshops are coming and I look forward to welcoming more people into this tradition”

Alongside practical dance activities, participants were introduced to cultural perspectives that underpin Yoruba performance traditions, encouraging a deeper understanding of the relationship between movement, music and identity. The workshop created space for learning, dialogue and exchange, enabling participants from different backgrounds to encounter Yoruba culture through embodied practice.

The event reflects a growing interest in African and diasporic dance practices within the UK dance landscape and highlights the value of culturally specific movement traditions in broadening artistic perspectives and participation. By creating opportunities for engagement with Yoruba dance and cultural heritage, initiatives such as Roots in Motion contribute to ongoing conversations around diversity, representation and cultural exchange within the dance sector.

The workshop attracted a diverse audience of dance enthusiasts, cultural practitioners and arts professionals, including representatives from One Dance UK and recognition from Dance Art Journal. Roots in Motion forms part of Fatimo Tijani’s ongoing artistic practice, which centres on Yoruba dance traditions and creating accessible spaces for cultural engagement through movement, performance and education. Fatimo trained at the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture and the Ogun State Art Council in Nigeria, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts and Culture. She brings Yoruba cultural performance to UK audiences through both independent and collaborative productions.