A Window on ...Dance
AboutDance
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A Window on ... Dance |
About Dance |
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 | The History of Dance No-one really knows when or where dancing first started. It is probably as old as civilisation itself. Over the centuries basic spontaneous movements have been formalised into rhythms and patterns to make up different dance types. Music has developed alongside these dance patterns. Sometimes music is written to accompany a dance, sometimes a dance is made up to accompany the music.In some societies, dances have become rituals often involving a whole village or community. These type of dances have been used to tell traditional stories or have become part of a religious ceremony. Some of these dances are still performed today. In our society we usually think of dance as a hobby or an interest, something we do for fun; a form of entertainment or an activity to help us keep fit. Yet, many of the dances that we take part in have developed from traditional forms of dance. Dancing with a partner has developed from the many courtship dances; dancing without a partner is an exhibition form of dance where you can just be yourself. Just like our ancestors, we dance in groups, forming circles and lines, and we follow a recognised series of steps either with the group or with a partner. When we improvise and 'do our own thing', we still often keep an eye on what everyone else is doing - and its not surprising that many others are doing exactly the same as you! Dance is a communal activity. All types of dance are there to be enjoyed either by watching or by participating. If all this talk of dance makes you want to join in, then check out some of the dance suggestions on this page. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DancesDancing is an activity that you can do alone, with a partner or as part of a group. There are so many types of dances to choose from that it is hard to know where to start. Perhaps this table can give you a clearer idea.
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Some of these dances such as sword or morris dancing and some ethnic dances are performed with a view to entertaining other people as well as for the group members' enjoyment. Many of the others can be learnt just for your own pleasure. Although some dances have been listed as a type of dance for an individual, many of these dances are taught and practised as part of a group. Much of the pleasure you get from dancing is being able to dance with other people.
