Dance – A Language That Everyone Understands

People have been dancing for as long as they have been standing upright. There are many drawings and other indications found during archaeological investigations that give us the proof that dance have always been present in human society.

From primitive tribes dancing around the fire to honor the spirits of the great animals they have hunted and killed for food, dances in grand medieval halls, dances in huge castles where royalty gathered to socialize and celebrate, to today's grand spectacles, as well as informal dancing in nightclubs, dance has always been one of the things that makes us human.

But, why do people dance?

The answer is simple. We dance because we want to express emotion and celebrate something. There are many cultures across the globe, and each and every one of these cultures has some form of traditional dance.

At the beginning of human history, dances were performed as a part of celebrations and rituals. Weddings, the birth of a child, a successful conquest after a long war – they all were the most common reasons for celebration in the ancient world. Rituals for fertility, prayers to the gods for better crops and weather were also performed as a form of sacred dance by spiritual leaders such as shamans and priests.

Some of the most popular dances today still give a hint of what these dances were initially used for:

In the Middle East, Belly Dance, one of the most sensual dances, was initially performed as a fertility ritual, and contrary to popular belief, was not for men's entertainment. Men were not even allowed to see it. In the article Belly Dance – The Sensual Dance From The Middle East you can find more information about how this dance, originating from the Middle East has evolved over time.

In ancient Ireland, the Druidic society, which inhabited the land hundreds of years ago, has used Irish Dance as a form of prayer, part of their rituals. Today, variations of this dance are popular across the world. Irish Dance – From The Druids To Today tells the story of jigs, the polka, the reel and other traditional Irish Dances.

Ballroom dancing is one of the most popular and spectacular forms of dance we do today. Many people take classes and learn how to dance one or more ballroom dancing styles. The most sensual of the ballroom dances is Salsa, a dance originating from Cuba. If you want to learn how Salsa appeared, check Salsa – Rhythm and Fire From Cuba.

People also dance to connect with each other. As social creatures, we gather together and communicate. However, not all communication has to be done in a verbal way. As dance can express equally strong emotions as a song or speech, it is often used when people gather together to celebrate.

One of the most important parts of a wedding ceremony is the Wedding Dance. Every newlywed couple dances this in front of their family and close friends, gathered to celebrate the couple's union. The Wedding Dance – The Most Enjoyable Part Of The Reception is a very interesting read and explains a lot about the Wedding Dance.

All in all, people dance for many reasons. To celebrate, to communicate, as a prayer, or simply for fun and because we feel good when moving our bodies to the rhythm of music we like!

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