Dance is older than writing, with interpretations being found as early as 8000 BCE. In the early stages of dance, its primary use was for rituals and religious occasions. This can be shown in ancient Egyptian tomb paintings that depict ceremonial movements, which was also known as a ceremonial dance. Around 3300 BCE, more expressive and interpretive forms of dance were starting to come up beyond just the ceremonial movements. During the early stages, dance was just used for worship and rituals, but then had developed as a form of celebration, mainly to honor gods associated with wine and festivity in Roman Culture.
Dance did not stay religious for every culture because of how it grew to also be a source of entertainment and communal enjoyment. As the world grew and people started to explore, their traditions began to spread as well. For example, in India, dance was very important for their hindu religious practice, and in China, dance grows through ceremonial and folk traditions. Even to this day, Chinese culture still uses dance to celebrate traditions such as the Dragon Dance and the Lion Dance. Also, in Europe, dance had evolved into different social forms, which had led to ballroom dancing. Dance has made a cultural impact on societies, it has also evolved on an individual level.
Dance has not only evolved in society, but it also evolves for an individual as well. Everyone has a different story for how they got into dance and where they are today. The meaning of dance is a big thing that can evolve for people as well. The question was asked to members of the Green High School Dance Team, “How did you get into dance, and where are you now as a dancer? Also, how has the meaning of dance evolved for you?”
Sophomore Grace Kemple said, “I got into dancing because both of my sisters did it, and now I have the chance to dance with them. It started as something just for fun, and as I’ve grown, it’s become a way for me to express myself in ways words never could.”
Another sophomore, Julia Hill, said, “I got into dancing through a close friend, and I’ve gotten to where I am now by working hard and enjoying what I do, along with the friends I’ve made along the way. The meaning of dance has evolved for me because of the personal relationships I’ve built with friends and teachers in the dance world.”
Grace and Julia’s answers give examples of how dance evolves for an individual. Dance has been around for many years and has evolved in so many ways for so many people. From ceremonial movements, to honoring the gods, to cultural traditions, to finally expressing oneself “in ways words never could.” Dance has evolved and will continue to evolve past this current generation, and will affect generations to come.
