The History of Dance

In Hunter/Gatherer Societies:

No one will ever know when someone first raised arms into the air, pivoted and took a few light steps this way and that …and danced. Archaeologists are at a loss to know the origins of dancing in prehistory because they didn’t have convincing evidence The best they have been able to do is get information back from the ritual dances practiced by hunter-gatherer societies that have survived into modern times. Dr. Yosef Garfinkel of Hebrew University in Jerusalem said, "Dancing was a means of social communication in prestate societies. It was part of the ritual for coordinating a community's activities. `Hey, it's time to plant the wheat or harvest it.' So everyone would gather and dance, and the next day they would go to work.”

Social Dance:

Social dance in the western European tradition is thought to have its origins in the pre 16th century. The community dance has always filled a need in our society. People have always yearned for each other's company, to be a part of something bigger than themselves. The young need to meet eligible mates, get a chance to flirt, and figure out if they are gentle or brutish, clumsy or graceful, malodorus or fresh, and able to follow simple directions. Some social dances include Ballroom Dancing. Ballroom dancing originated in England in the 18th and 19th century's Balls and social events. Other forms of social dancing include the Waltz, the Foxtrot, and Swing.

Modern Dance:

As our country grew, and people became ever more distant from their roots, we gave our dance its own identity. As dances were handed down, many of the frills of the original were dropped. It was during the explosion of new thinking and exploration in the early 20th century that dance artists began to appreciate the qualities of the individual, the necessities of ritual and religion, the primitive, the expressive and the emotional. In this atmosphere modern dance began an explosion of growth. There was suddenly a new freedom in what was considered acceptable, what was considered art, and what people wanted to create.

Lesson Review:

1. When Dr. Garfinkel said, "Dancing was a means of social communication in prestate societies”, what do you think he meant by social communication? (4-5 sentences)

2. What was the purpose for Social Dance?

3. How did Modern Dance develop?

4. Teaching Dance is a component of California’s Physical Education Standards. Why do you think the state feels that dance should be included in Physical Education classes? Give at least 2 reasons and explain your answer.