The Unsung Heroes of Music: Why Dancers Deserve More Respect
By Augustine Atobrah Nyantakyi
In today’s music industry, the spotlight often shines brightest on the singers, producers, and even the instrumentalists—while dancers, the very people who bring music to life through movement, are frequently overlooked. My name is Augustine Atobrah Nyantakyi(The Media), and I am a blogger, vlogger, teacher, and humanitarian. But before all these titles, I was—and still am—a dancer.
The Decline of Dance in Our Era
Years ago, dance was a highly respected art form. From traditional African dances to modern choreography, movement was an essential part of storytelling and entertainment. However, in recent times, society has slowly diminished the value of dance, treating it as a mere side attraction rather than a profession deserving of recognition and fair compensation.
My Journey as a Dancer
In my early days, I was deeply immersed in dance. I was the first dancer from Ghana to perform and promote Black Sherif’s "Cry for Me", showcasing how movement amplifies music. Recognizing the need to nurture talent, I formed Big Boys Family (BBF Dancers), a group dedicated to training genuine, skilled dancers who could elevate the art form.
My inspirations came from legends like Incredible Zigi and Allo Maadjoa, dancers who proved that movement is just as powerful as the music itself. Yet, despite their influence, many still view dance as a hobby rather than a career.
Dancers Deserve More
Why is it that musicians perform on grand stages while dancers are relegated to the background? Why do we celebrate songs that go viral—often because of the dance challenges they inspire—yet fail to acknowledge the dancers who made them popular?
- Dance is a Job: Just like singing or producing, professional dancing requires skill, discipline, and creativity. Dancers spend hours perfecting routines, yet many are underpaid or not paid at all.
- Dancers Boost Music Trends: Many songs become hits because of the dances attached to them. Think about how viral dance challenges on TikTok and Instagram push songs to the top of charts.
- Equal Stage Presence: If musicians deserve big platforms, so do dancers. Concerts and award shows should feature dancers just as prominently as the artists themselves.
A Call to Action
It’s time to respect, uplift, and pay dancers fairly. The entertainment industry must recognize that dance is not just an add-on—it’s an essential part of music culture. Let’s give dancers the credit they deserve, book them for major events, and ensure they earn a living wage for their craft.
To all the dancers out there: Keep moving, keep inspiring.Your art matters, and the world will catch up soon.
What are your thoughts? Should dancers get more recognition? Drop a comment below!
#RespectDancers #DanceIsAJob #AugustineAtobrah #BBFDancers #MusicAndMovement
Augustine Atobrah Nyantakyi is a passionate advocate for dance, education, and youth empowerment. Follow his journey on SocietyUnplugged
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