Throughout history, we have seen several developments in dance. Some of these ancient dances and rituals are still practiced today by those who honor their stories religious or cultural, while many have unfortunately been lost through the ages. However, one thing remains constant. Dance has always played an important role in companies, large and small, of the world.
Dating from the beginning of the history of dance has been an essential element of society. Dance was involved in the celebrations and preparations for war. Dance was part of the rites and ceremonies of worship. Dance is part of life and we live in a society today which seems more label dance as a form of entertainment more than a way of life. It is perhaps part of the reason why we have increasing awareness when it comes to depression because fewer people are experiencing the joy of dance.
Did you used Spartan warriors dance in their preparations for the battle? They have integrated a "weapons dance" which was designed not only to familiarize themselves with their weapons, but also to help them be more agile in their use. Believe me when I say that very little ever dare question the masculinity of the Spartans on the battlefield. These soldiers were prepared for war and a large degree of which is the result of their dances weapon as a physical and mental preparation for the art of war. With the Spartan war was very definitely an art form.
Eastern Dance was common in what became known as Biblical times and remains today a very remarkable form of dance. In fact, oriental dances, also known as Belly Dancing, appears to be struggling with a renaissance so that its popularity spread throughout the world in recent years. This dance style was used in religious ceremonies as well as to seduce fans and encourage them to lust and in some cases to represent fertility. Eastern Dance has a long and intriguing history which is well worth further study if you are the spirit to do so.
In medieval times, dance was a social requirement by those means or status. In fact, what we know today that dance began during this period and has somewhat evolved over the years in operation, faithful to its original form to a certain extent. The Church at the time frowned upon but on dance, well that many members of the Church not only tolerate dancing but has also participate in these dances. After much pressure from the population, the Church finally accept and embrace dance.
Movements for the medieval dance steps have rather simple and repetitive. While some of the dances of the day were performed by couples there were several processional dances or line that were popular during this period. Who would have thought that the dance of the line had such a long and distinguished history?
As times have evolved a therefore dance. In today's society, dance is often limited to contests, festivals and parties rather than the importance it held in the society. The good news in all this, is that the dance is no longer, for some members of society, an activity which is exclusively reserved for the richest among us. If access to dance lessons, classes, videos, etc. is in no way solid evidence that they will be used, the fact remains that very few cities in the United States does not dance classes that are at least marginally affordable for those involved. Competitive dance however is another matter all together and can provide a significant price tag to those who are not aware or taken by surprise. However, dance recreational costs often little more than the music with which to dance and the dance deeply within will. Live in a nation of opportunity, not waste us the opportunity, we have to incorporate the simple pleasure of dance in our daily lives.
