An archetypal or traditional dance serves as a source and background on African contemporary dance. In Igbo society, most contemporary dance can be traced back to traditional forms. However, their structure and style may differ. This paper explores the structure and style of the Ohafia people’s archetypal Iri-Agha dance theatre. Field interviews and observation show the structural and stylistic differences in the Iri-Agha’s two dance genres. The structure and style of presentation in contemporary Iri-Agha dance can be aesthetically appealing and exude excellence in artistic presentation; thematically, it remains an enigma to non-indigenes, however. In such settings audience and participants witness merely one section in a spectrum. It takes the combination of visible stage action and an understanding of the imagined contents of missing sections for audiences to fully appreciate the meaning and significance of Igbo dance theatre. The missing sections are generally inferred or derived from legends, myths, folktales, and social commentary. Because of the sequestered and abstract structure and style of presentation, some cultural information may not be clear to the audience. This paper therefore recommends the inclusion of other sections in the structure of Igbo dances for a breakthrough theatre experience.

Keywords: Archetypal, Contemporary, Structure, Style, Iri-Agha, Dance theatre.