Dance
had always been an integral part of a country’s tradition and culture. Since
time immemorial, dance played a significant role in a country’s distinct
culture and heritage. Dance is also considered as one form of communication –
to be able to express one’s emotions through body movements.
Dance Differentiate The Upper Class From The Lower Class
Some
forms of dance like the folk dance was created to distinguish the upper class
from the lower class and usually depicts the traditional way of living of the
inhabitants of a particular region or culture. The accompanying various steps
involved in this dance are handed down from generation to generation and are
often observed or showcased during festivals or cultural celebrations.
Dance For Different Festivities
We
can often witness dances to be a major part of any cultural affairs and used to
liven up the celebration.
“Quadrilles”
for example are performed during the Irish’s St. Patrick’s Day when the Irish
dancers perform classical Irish folk dance.
The
“Square Dance” on the other hand is an American folk dance which is performed
by eight dancers arranged in squares.
Dances
spice up festivities and provide people a glimpse of the way of living in the
past.
Historical Significance Of Dance
Different
forms of dance which are passed down from many generations until the present
modern times allow historians and citizens to witness a living, and moving
example of how their ancestors danced and moved with each other. The
distinguished steps themselves connote different meanings and we can often get
a sneak peak of the traditions and customs of different cultures along with the
costumes dancers wear when they perform.
The
so-called Elizabethan and Restoration kind of dance are specifically created
for the sophisticated upper class owing to its fine and very graceful, modest
movements. These are more formal and can be noticed that partners hardly touch
each other. The rural English dances meanwhile show the daily lives of the
locals.
Dance As Part Of Other Activities
Dances
are also major parts of religious activities. They can also take part in
rice-planting as in the Japanese rice-planting dance which is performed to help
get work done faster. In other cultures, dance is performed by a “shaman” or
healer in order to cure or remedy a lingering illness.
The Evolution of Dance
The
different forms of dance may come and go as years go by as new trends are
welcomed by every culture. We can deny the fact that dance constantly changes
and can go out of fashion and can also be reinvented during these modern times.
Different
cultures possess unique kinds of dances but all for the main purposes of having
fun, expressing our emotions and to depict our distinct cultures.
***Author/Poet
Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo is an Internationally-Published Author/Poet and
Professional Writer and has 2 published international books, “Seasons of
Emotions”, UK and “Inner Reflections of the Muse”, USA and a co-author to more
than 60 international anthologies. She is a member of American Authors
Association (AAA), and PEN International.
[ELIZABETH ESGUERRA
CASTILLO]
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