Dance refers to art performance that incorporates human movement selected sequences. The movement has the value of aesthetic and symbols and the performers and observers acknowledge it as a dance within a specific culture. Mostly, the culture of dances is categorized and described by the historical period, movement’s repertoire, place of origin as well as choreography. In the United States, there are varieties of dance culture that are characterized by different dancing styles. This paper will focus on the study of Native American, European American, African American, Chicano/Latin American, and Asian American dance culture from their historical origins to the present.
Native American dance also referred to as America Indian dance is important for amusement and solemn duty. The dance was played for religious purposes as well as other ceremonies. In some culture, people danced only by the sound of a drum and their voices while other incorporated rattles and bells. Some culture of dances were regional and singers performed with their native languages as a way of identity while other dances welcomed visitors thus making the immigrants feel appreciated. The movements of the dancers illustrated the purpose of the dance, for instance, victory dance, expressing prayers mythology among others. Dance culture continues to play an important role in Native American culture since they were far from all encompassing
Latin American dance reflects the different mixture of European influences that have shifted the area over time. The culture of dance was important since it incorporated creation stories that were an aspect of spiritual practice. Through the dance culture, the animal spirits, and the natural forces were honored as dramatic actors while the dance rituals explained cataclysmic events. In some culture, the priests trained people the ritual dance movements to perform in organized ceremonies. Some dances- drama were imported to America, but the oppositional forces in it were refashioned to cast good against bad. This culture of dances created a sense of identity to Latin American since the narrative theme in the dances incorporated entertaining tales in traditional carnival festivals. Moreover, dance culture served to unite the many people in the region such as the African, American, and Europeans among others. Throughout Latin history, certain dance culture genre and body movements, especially the pelvis swing, have been banned, and others celebrated.
African American dance is well developed in black American communities. These cultures of dances were characterized by ongoing development and change placing a certain measure of value on improvisation. The main purpose of the dance culture is self-expression since they exist in social spaces. Hence, they reflect the interests, needs, as well as the personality of the participants. The most popular culture of the dance of all American dances is tap, and its roots form salve hybrid and Irish clog dancing. The dance cultures impersonate and parody the dress and behavior of the masters.
Asia American culture of dance simply bridges the gap between the east and the west through the art of dance. The dance culture shares a common feature such as the hand positions, body positions, and expressive acting. Some culture of dances influences culture interactions between diverse regions. All the Asian American dance culture involve participants holding hands and would make rhythms with shoulder and legs. Other forms of dance culture are simply to welcome and also give the participants a sense of identity.
By studying this course, I have learned that by studying the culture of dance from different regions activate brain circuitry. Moreover, the study fosters the ability of an individual to interpret nonverbal communication that is nonverbal. There are various benefits of studying this course, but for my case, I have learned that dance culture in the United States provided an option to negative alternatives in the world that are unsafe and unpredictable for students. I also learned that cultural norms were a huge influence on the second generation of modern dance. I have experienced personal growth in several areas in life through the study of dance culture. I have also learned that dance culture contributes to national education objectives of developing kinesthetic intelligence
The most intense learning that this class gave me was a variety of dance culture education which has assisted me in higher order thinking skills. This was very exciting since I had the desire to know about dance culture, but I did know where to the sources of information. For instance, it is known that studying dance culture helps students to understand better the culture and respect them. My thought about dance culture is that dance communicates in many ways that include physical, intellectual, and spiritual and when it is incorporated into the curriculum, it is help appreciate the diversity of culture. It is not the same thought I had at the beginning of the course since I did not understand what culture of dance entailed. I now appreciate dance culture since it has increased my physical confidence and self-esteem through studying dance culture. As a result of studying this course, my values and skills of creativity have improved.
This class has led me to achieve my goal of learning dance culture. In this class, the time I felt most valued and affirmed was a during my performance of ballet dance that earned me a standing ovation. This was because it was based on traditional ballet culture I had learned and presented to the class. The knowledge I have acquired through this class will fulfill my desire to teach people of different dance culture in future. By successfully completing this course, it means I have appreciated the culture around the world, and I have also appreciated the fulfillment of my goal.
In conclusion, dance culture is important for amusement and solemn duty around the world. Moreover, the culture of dances is characterized by ongoing development and change placing a certain measure of value on improvisation. I have experienced personal growth in several areas in life through the study of dance culture. Therefore, I will use the attained knowledge on dance culture to develop my career.
