Dance means to move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps. It is a language that anyone no matter their race, gender or sexual identity can understand. Dance doesn’t divide people it brings them together. Whether it be several different groups of people getting together to see a ballet or a group of young boys and girls going to their first dance class. Dance is a language that stands the test of time.
In the opening of the article it says that “Dance, like all forms of cultural expression, reflects the society in which it exists.” For example dance used to be used as a form of “showing off” people would gather in large ballrooms for galas and events just to be able to show off their skill and ability to dance. Which you could say people still do today when they go out to dance and night clubs.
As time changed, dance changed. People went from waltzing to polka dancing from the Charleston to the Jitterbug. Today we still have dance crazes sweeping the nation with trends like the Dougie, Harlem Shake, the Superman, Single Ladies and yes even twerking.
Dance isn’t a dying trend it’s been around since long before you and I were born and will be around long after we’re gone.
As I was reading your post, it occurred to me that over time dance seems to be getting less about showing off money and more about showing off your body in a sexual manor. To me, a large part of late Romantic dances (Waltz, Polkas, and Marches) was to flaunt or show off your money. The women were dressed in elegant dresses and the men were often in suits or tuxedos and they would dance in elegant halls filled with other rich couples. Today this doesn't seem to be the case at all. The focus has seemed to turn to showing off of bodies. Dresses that are low cut, short, and have lots of skin showing are often the ones sported at proms and weddings. Later in the party men are dropping of their shirt and coat and settling with a vest, pants, and a bow tie. Couple are out on the dance floor twerking and grinding and seeing who can get the dirtiest. I don't quite understand either of those reasons for getting out on the dance floor but nonetheless I find it humorous.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you brought up that everyone can understand dance no matter their race, gender, or sexual identity. This holds true for the majority of art forms, such as music, theater and art.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. Dance will never die out. Dancing will be around for a very long time. As I was reading your post I also think that dance is not meant for a specific person or race, gender, or sexual identity. Anyone can dance no matter age, race, gender, or sexual identity. I also like the quote you used from the article.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a great point. After watching the videos of older dance styles (the Waltz) you can still see how today we dance to prove ourselves. You are almost judged if you can't do the Dougie. But like you said dance has changed, today I feel dance is more about expressing yourself and showing off your creativity. Although dance changed to be more about yourself with the Charleston. I agree that dance has changed a lot since the Waltz, but I can also see that dance has been consistent.
ReplyDelete