Dancing is an art and also a form of recreation. As an art, a dance may tell a story, set a mood, or express a motion. Some Oriental dances consist of gestures that can tell a story completely through movement. As a form of recreation, dancing has provided fun, relaxation, and companionship. Dancing at a party or other gathering remains a popular way for people to enjoy themselves and make new friends.

Throughout human history, dancing has been used in worship. Prehistoric people probably made up dances to gain the favor of their gods. Many North American Indian Tribes danced in appealing for rain and good crops. The history of dance in America is short and unique. It has marked the development of two idioms, ballet and modern dance.

Ballet began in the royal courts of Italy in the 1400’s. Ballet dancers learn how to hold their bodies in the upright posture of ballet. The line of a dancers body is important in both performing and appreciating ballet.

Many ballets of the 1800’s told stories of delicate, imaginary creatures. Since the 1900

All countries have some form of dance that is immediately associated with that country or is considered the national dance. The Irish are known for the Jig, the Scottish for the Highland Fling, the Russians and French for their ballet, and Slavic for Polka. Americans are known for their tap dancing.

A dancer who wishes to have a long career must train his body organically. He must find a teacher who gives good results.

When Africans were brought to the new world, they packed on slave ships. Once a day they were taken up on deck to “exercise”, so they would look healthy in the new world. The exercise was called “dancing the slaves.” The music was provided by a slave beating on the drum or the bottom of a pot.

The ancient Greeks regarded dancing as essential to education, worship, and drama. The Greek Philosopher Plato urged that all Greek citizens be taught to dance to develop self-control and skill at warfare.

Once they got in the New World the slaves usually danced in the slave quarters. They had Sunday off so Saturday night was a time of celebration. The white people suspected the blacks were using drums to communicate so they were forced to use other instruments for dancing and singing.

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