About

Aristedes Narh Hargoe (PhD) is currently a lecturer at the Department of Dance Studies, School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon. He is a University of Michigan African Presidential Scholar (UMAPS – Fall 2022) and doubles as the Artistic Director of the Ghana Dance Ensemble of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana Legon. 

He holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology from the University of Cape Coast, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees from the University of Ghana.

 His research interest lies within the domain of Dance Aesthetics, Performance Studies and Semiotics. He is also interested Dance Therapy, and Dance Ethnography. 

Aristedes Narh Hargoe has extensive experience working with children with special needs (children living with hearing impairment and autism). He also has a decade of experience teaching children La Four Prima and Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet syllabus at the Pippa’s Health Center, a private Ballet Dance Academy in Ghana. He also works with African Women’s Development fund (AWDF) on their Dance and Wellness program.

In 2010, Aristedes Narh Hargoe received the first Faculty of Arts Deans Thesis Grant from the University of Ghana, Legon. 

Education

PhD in Ethnomusicology from the University of Cape Coast

 Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the University of Ghana

Bachelor of Fine Arts(BFA) degrees from the University of Ghana

Research Interest

Lies within the domain of Dance Aesthetics, Performance Studies and Semiotics. He is also interested Dance Therapy, and Dance Ethnography.

Publications

Hargoe, N. A. (2018). Klama Music and Dance: Wellbeing and Communitas. In Joseph B.A. 
Afful, Peter K.T. Grant, & Anthony Y.M. De-Souza (Eds.), The humanities and indigenous knowledge in health (pp. 121-136). Cape Coast, Ghana: Faculty of Arts, University of Cape Coast. 

Hargoe, N. A.& Jebuni, T. S. (2014). Dance in Worship: The Disposition of Islam and Christianity. In Asiedu, Mana Awo. Collins, John E. 
Gbormittah, Francis. Nii-Yartey F. (Ed.), The Performing Arts in Africa: Ghanaian Perspectives (pp. 96–106). Oxfordshire: Ayebia Clarke Publishing Limited. 

Hargoe, N. A. (2014). The Deaf can dance: Hearing through the body. In Asiedu, Awo Mana, Collins, John E., Gbormittah, Francis and Nii-Yartey F. (Ed.), The Performing Arts in Africa: Ghanaian Perspectives (pp. 88–95). Oxfordshire: Ayebia Clarke Publishing Limited. 

Hargoe, N. A. (2012). Creating Identity: The Deaf, Dance and Sensory Games. Journal of Performing Arts, 4(3), 35–54. 

Feb. 15, 2022 Title of piece: Obaa mmo (Well done woman)  
This piece was choreographed for the inauguration of the 4th occupant of the Kwame Nkrumah Chair of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana and performed by the Ghana Dance Ensemble at the great Hall of the University of Ghana.  

Dec. 16, 2021: Ofosu, T. and Hargoe, A. N. Co-scripted and choreographed and curated a twenty minutes performance for the L.O.C. of the All-African Olympic Games Launch at the Conference Centre Dome on December 16, 2021, titled Kpo Djiemor (Outdooring of Triplets) and Choreoppoem: Unveiling the Triplets. 

Oct. 26, 2021 Title of piece: Obaasimaa (The ideal woman) 
This piece was choreographed for the inauguration of the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo and performed by the Ghana Dance Ensemble at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana. 

Aug. 18-20, 2021     Recording of some repertoire of GDE and Prof. Alorwoyie’s work with same.  

Jan. 30, 2021 Director, “The Zong”. An International Play reading. Written by Michelle Faubert. 

Jan. 6, 2020 Assistant Choreographer for the opening ceremony performance for the GUSA (Ghana Universities Sports Association) Games LEGON 2020.

Jan. 18, 2020 Assistant Choreographer for the Closing ceremony performance for the GUSA (Ghana Universities Sports Association) Games LEGON 2020.

Oct. 19, 2019 Re-run of Ajenuloo (Riddles) at Alliance Francaise Accra. 

Sept. 19-21, 2019   Re-run of Ajenuloo (Riddles) at the EST Drama Studio of the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana. Legon. 

May 11, 2019  Title of piece: AJENULOO (RIDDLES) 

A dance choreography that speaks to some cultural practices like indigenous ways of riddle performance which seems to be losing grounds to new media technology. This piece is performed at the Alliance Francaise in Accra. 

May 3, 2019  Title of piece: ODOMANKOMA (A multi-disciplinary memorial  performance). This performance was held in honour of Prof. Emeritus  
          
J.H Kwabena Nketia at the National Theatre of Ghana, Accra. 
April 10, 2019     Title of piece: AKWANTU (JOURNEY) 
A music and dance performance organized to mark one month after the demise of Prof. Emeritus J.H. Kwabena Nketia held at the Institute of African Studies. 

March 21, 2019 Title of piece: MPUNTU (DEVELOPMENT). 
A dance choreography set to Dr. Ephraim Amoo’s song “Yaanum Abibiman”. This dance was choreographed for the Aggrey-Frazer-Guggisberg Memorial Lectures held at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana and presented by K. Riva Levinson. 

Feb. 27, 2019 Title of piece: TABILOI (WARRIORS) 
A dance choreographed for the launce of Institute of African Studies Book launch titled BUILDING THE NATION: SEVEN NOTABLE GHANAIANS. 

Dec. 5, 2018 Title of piece: KAIMͻ (REMEMBRANCE) 
This choreographic piece was presented at the All African Peoples’ Conference (AAPC) organized by the Institute of African Studies and performed at the Bank of Ghana conference facility of the University of Ghana.