The Origins of Dance – You need to Understand Human Movement

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Dance has been an integral part of human culture and history since ancient times. The origins of dance can be traced back to primitive humans who left drawings on cave walls depicting people dancing. As human civilisation progressed, so did the evolution of dance.

The origins of dance can be linked to the human need for self-expression and communication. Movement and music were used as a form of communication before the development of language. And dance was a natural extension of this.

In ancient civilisations, it was used for religious ceremonies, healing, and storytelling. But as societies evolved, it became a form of entertainment and a way to celebrate cultural traditions. Today, dance is a universal form of expression that transcends language and cultural barriers.

Dance has undergone numerous transformations throughout history.

• Court dances of the Middle Ages.
• Modern-day hip hop, and
• Contemporary dance.

Different types of dances have emerged from many cultures, each with unique style and purpose. Despite differences, dance remains a powerful tool for self-expression and communication.

The Birth and Origins of Dance and Movement

Dance history has been a part of humankind since the earliest of times. It is believed that dance was born out of a need to express and communicate. The origins of dance and early forms of dance were likely to have been simple human movement.

Movement was used to convey emotions, ideas, and information. Over time, dance evolved into a complex art form. As a result, it is now an integral part of most cultures of the world.

It is a commonplace that music moves. However, there is little consensus about how music moves, or what precisely is meant by “movement” with respect to music.

CAIRN.INFO

The earliest evidence of dance comes from cave paintings that date back to prehistoric times. The paintings depict figures engaged in movement and they suggest dance was an important part of early human life. They also suggest dance was used as a means of ritual and expression.

Dance was also used as a means of survival. And in many early civilisations, it was used to communicate information about hunting and other life preserving activities. This helped people work together more efficiently and effectively, which was essential for survival in a harsh and unpredictable world.

As humans developed, so did dance, and it became more sophisticated. It was a way to communicate complex ideas and emotions, and people used it as entertainment. Tomb paintings from ancient Egypt depict dancers engaged in complex movements, suggesting that dance had become an art form by that time.

The birth of dance can be traced back to the earliest days of human civilisation. It was born out of the need for expression, communication, and survival, and it has evolved into a complex art form that is now an integral part of many cultures around the world.

Dance in Ancient Civilisations

The history of dance has been an integral part of human evolution since the earliest times. Dance had a significant presence in the everyday lives of ancient civilisations such as Greece and Egypt. As an ancient performing art, dance was entertainment but it also played a vital role in rituals and ceremonies.

Greek Dance

Dance in ancient Greece was linked with music and was an essential part of religious rites and festivals. Greek theatre incorporated dance into its performances, with actors and dancers performing together to tell stories.

Even the Greek gods were associated with dance, and Apollo was the god of dance and music. In ancient Greek mythology, the Furies were goddesses associated with dance. They were believed to dance around the souls of the dead.

Then there was Aristotle, the philosopher, who believed dance was an essential part of education. He said it could help to develop a person’s character.

Egyptian Dance

Dance in ancient Egypt was an integral part of religious ceremonies and was often performed in honour of the gods. The movements of the dancers were believed to have a spiritual significance and were thought to bring the dancers closer to the gods. Surprisingly, Egyptian tomb paintings depict dancing figures from as early as 3300 BC.

Other

Dance was an important part of harvest festivals and other ceremonies in ancient civilisations. In some cultures, it was believed to help bring about a successful harvest. So, dancers would perform specific movements to honour the gods of the harvest.

Takeaway

Dance in the Middle Ages (476 CE to early 14^th Century)

Dance played a significant role in the social and cultural life of people in the Middle Ages. It was an integral part of weddings, feasts, and religious ceremonies. It was not just entertainment but also a way to express emotions, tell stories, and preserve cultural traditions.

An essential part of medieval theatre, dance was used to tell stories and convey emotions. Many of them were performed as part of theatrical productions, in which the dancers often wore elaborate costumes and masks.

Music was an essential component of medieval dance. Musicians played drums, lutes, and pipes, to accompany the dancers. The music was lively and upbeat, and the tempo varied depending on the type of dance.

Dance in the Middle Ages was not just a performance but also a ritual. It was a way of connecting with the divine and spiritual world. Many dances had religious connotations and were performed as part of religious ceremonies.

The Carol dance was a popular Christmas dance with religious themes.

Takeaway

Dance during the Renaissance (14^th to 17^th Century)

The Renaissance was a period of great artistic and cultural growth in Europe, and dance was not excluded. The dance forms that were prevalent in the medieval era evolved as novel dance forms emerged.

Italian courts played a significant role in the development of Renaissance dance. Italian nobles were known for their love of dance and were responsible for the creation of several contemporary dance forms. The most popular were Basse, Pavane, and Galliard.

• The Basse Danse was slow and graceful.
• The Pavane was a statelier dance often performed at court.
• The Galliard was a lively dance characterised by jumps and leaps.

The English contribution to the development of Renaissance dance was the Country dance. More relaxed, it was performed by people of all social classes at social gatherings.

Dance during the Renaissance period was closely tied to the court. Court dances were performed by trained dancers to display wealth and power. Louis XIV was known for his love of dance and he helped to popularise ballet in France. It became a formal dance form performed at court and required years of training to master.

Takeaway

Origins of Different Types of Dance

Dance has been an integral part of human history and culture for centuries. Over time, distinct types of dance have emerged, each with a unique style, music, and movements. Let us take a quick look at some of the most popular types of dance and their origins:

Ballet

Ballet is a classical dance form that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts during the 15th century. It is known for graceful, flowing movements and intricate footwork, which require years of training and practice. And it tells stories through choreography. The dancers wear tutus and pointe shoes while dancing to classical music written for the ballet.

Jazz

Jazz dance is a style of dance that emerged in the early 20th century in the United States. It is known for its syncopated rhythms, dynamic movements, and improvisational style. Jazz dancers wear form-fitting clothing and perform to jazz music. Jazz dance incorporates elements of African and Caribbean dance seen in musical theatre and commercial dance.

Modern Dance

In the late 19th century, a group of choreographers and dancers rebelled against the rigid rules of classical ballet. The strict movements of ballet were not compatible with their main purpose – communication. This group sought to create a new form of dance that would allow them total freedom of expression.

James King Blog

Contemporary Dance

Contemporary dance is a modern and expressive form that combines elements of ballet and other dance styles. It often focuses on emotional and abstract storytelling through movement.

Salsa

Salsa is a vibrant social dance style with its roots in Latin America. It involves energetic footwork and partner work, and it is popular in clubs and social dance scenes.

Flamenco

Flamenco is a traditional Spanish dance that combines singing (cante), guitar playing (toque), and dance (baile). It is characterised by intricate footwork and emotional expression.

Belly Dance

Belly dance is a Middle Eastern dance form known for fluid movements of the torso and hips. It can be solo or group-based and is often performed at cultural events and in restaurants.

Irish Step Dance

Irish Step Dance is a traditional dance style from Ireland, featuring intricate footwork and a distinctive upper body posture. The amazing Riverdance is a famous performance and magical rendition of Irish Step Dance.

Breakdance

Breakdance is an urban dance style that includes acrobatic moves, spins, and freezes. It emerged from hip-hop culture and focusses on individual expression.

1920s Dance Shift

In the 1920s there was a momentous change in dance styles, as people looked for new ways to express themselves. Then came:

• the fast footwork and swinging arms of the Charleston, and
• the Black Bottom from African American communities in the deep south of America.

In a decade of experimenting, new dance styles reflected changing attitudes and values which helped shape popular culture.

Tap Dance

Tap dance is a dance style that originated in the United States during the 19th century. It is known for its rhythmic tapping sounds created by metal plates on the soles of dancer’s shoes. Tap dancers wear tap shoes and perform to a variety of music styles, including jazz and blues.

Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing – male and female partner dances – is a style of dance originating in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is performed to a variety of music genres, each associated with specific ballroom dance styles. The choice of music is an essential component of the dance style, as it sets the tempo, rhythm, and mood for the dancers.

It includes the:

Waltz

A graceful dance to 3/4 time music. The music for the Waltz is typically slow and romantic, with a distinctive 1-2-3 rhythm.

Foxtrot

A smooth dance that can be performed to a variety of music styles, including Big Band, Swing, and jazz. The Foxtrot is characterised by smooth and flowing movements.,

Tango

A dramatic and passionate dance that is usually performed to tango music, the Tango has a distinctive 2/4 time signature and a strong, staccato rhythm.

Quickstep

An upbeat and energetic dance performed to fast-paced music, the Quickstep is in 4/4 time.

Cha-Cha

A lively and flirtatious Latin dance performed to music with a strong and syncopated rhythm. Latin music, including Cha-Cha, often features Cuban or Afro-Cuban rhythms.

Rumba

A slow and sensual Latin dance, the Rumba is typically danced to music with a slow and romantic tempo.

Samba

A lively Brazilian dance with a distinctive 2/4 rhythm. The Samba is performed to music with a strong, syncopated beat.

Jive

A fast and energetic dance, the Jive is typically performed to Swing and Rock ‘n’ Roll music, featuring a quick 4/4 beat.

Pasa Doble

Inspired by the Spanish bullfight the Pasa Doble is performed to music that reflects the drama and passion of a bullfight.

Ballroom dance music encompasses different genres, from classical and jazz to Latin and pop. The key is that the music should match the rhythm and character of the specific dance style. Professional ballroom dancers and choreographers carefully select music that complements their routines and enhances the dance’s expression and style.

1960/70s Dance Shift

The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a significant cultural change, and dance styles of the era reflected this change. Some of the most popular dance styles from the period are:

The Twist

A dance that originated in the 1950s, the Twist became extremely popular in the 1960s.

The Mashed Potato

The Mashed Potato is a dance that was popularised by James Brown and characterised by its jerky, twisting movements.  

The Watusi

A dance that originated in Africa, the Watsui became popular in the 1960s. It is fluid with rolling movements and hip swivels.

The Frug

A dance that was popular in the 1960s, the Frug is characterised by jerky, robotic movements with sharp arm and leg movements.

Hip Hop 

Hip hop is a popular dance form that originated in African American and Latino communities in the United States during the 1970s. It is characterised by its energetic and dynamic movements, which include popping, locking, and breaking. Hip hop dancers wear loose-fitting clothing and perform to hip hop music.

Disco

Disco dancing was a popular dance style that emerged in the 1970s during the disco era. It is energetic, upbeat music, accompanied by flashy fashion. Disco dancing performed in nightclubs, was popular among young people. Some types of disco dancing are:

• The Hustle: a popular disco dance with fast footwork and synchronised movements.
• The Electric Slide: a disco era line dance popularised with simple steps and repetitive movements.
• The Bump: a dance that involves bumping hips with a partner.
• The Robot: involved imitating the movements of a robot with jerky, robotic movements and mechanical arm and leg movements.

Dance Across Cultures

Dance is a universal art form that has been an integral part of human culture for centuries. From North to South and East to West, dance has been used as a means of expression, celebration, and ritual. It is a beautiful activity that allows performers to express their emotions and energy through movement.

In many cultures, dance is closely tied to traditional rituals and ceremonies. For example:

• In Asia, traditional dance is often performed during religious ceremonies and festivals.
• In India, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak are closely tied to temple rituals and mythology.
• In Greece, dance was an important part of religious ceremonies and was used to honour the gods.

Dance is not just a means of expression, but also a form of entertainment.

• In France and Italy, dance has been popular in theatre for centuries. During the Renaissance, dance was used to tell stories and convey emotion. As dance evolved, choreography became more complex and intricate, leading to the development of Ballet.

Final Thoughts

Beyond entertainment, dance is also an art form that allows performers to interact with one another and with their audience. It is a form of communication that transcends language and cultural barriers. From traditional folk dances to modern hip hop, dance has the power to bring people together and create a sense of community.

Dance is a beautiful and powerful form of art that has evolved across cultures and throughout history. Whether used for expression, drama, emotion, pleasure, or performance, dance remains an integral part of human society and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the earliest known forms of dance?

Some of the earliest known forms of dance include ritual dances performed by ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These dances were often performed as part of religious ceremonies and were believed to have spiritual significance.

What is the timeline of the history of dance?

The history of dance can be traced back to prehistoric times, with evidence of dance found in cave paintings dating back to the Stone Age. As civilisations developed, dance continued to evolve and take on new forms. From the ancient Greeks and Romans to the Renaissance and Baroque periods, dance has played a key role in human culture.

How has dance evolved over time?

Dance has evolved significantly over time, with new styles and forms emerging in distinct parts of the world. For example, ballet originated in Italy during the Renaissance and has since become a highly technical and stylised form of dance. Similarly, Hip Hop dance emerged in the United States during the 1970s and has since become a popular form of urban dance around the world.

Throughout history, dance has been influenced by social and cultural factors, such as changes in fashion, music, and technology. Today, dance continues to evolve and adapt to contemporary trends and influences, with new styles and forms emerging all the time.

Why not Join Us

If you enjoyed this article, we would like to offer you two gifts – our Starter Pack of 4 James King’s books and our Weekly Digest, which you can receive by email.