Essay on Dance

500 words essay on dance.

Dancer refers to a series of set of movement to music which we can either do alone or with a partner. Dancing helps us express our feelings and get active as well. If we look back at history, dance has been a part of our human history since the earliest records. Thus, an essay on dance will take us through it in detail.

essay on dance

My Hobby My Passion

Dance is my favourite hobby and I enjoy dancing a lot. I started dancing when I was five years old and when I got older; my parents enrolled me in dance classes to pursue this passion.

I cannot go a day without dance, that’s how much I love dancing. I tried many dance forms but discovered that I am most comfortable in Indian classical dance. Thus, I am learning Kathak from my dance teacher.

I aspire to become a renowned Kathak dancer so that I can represent this classical dance internationally. Dancing makes me feel happy and relaxed, thus I love to dance. I always participate in dance competitions at my school and have even won a few.

Dance became my passion from an early age. Listening to the beats of a dance number, I started to tap my feet and my parents recognized my talent for dance. Even when I am sad, I put on music to dance to vent out my feelings.

Thus, dance has been very therapeutic for me as well. In other words, it is not only an escape from the world but also a therapy for me.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Hidden Language of the Soul

Dance is also called the hidden language of the soul as we use it to express ourselves when words fall short. The joy which comes with dancing helps us get over our sorrow and adversity sometimes.

Moreover, it is simply a translator for our hearts. What is most important to remember is that dance is not supposed to be perfect. There is no right way of dancing, as long as your heart is happy, you can dance.

When we talk about dance, usually a professional dancer comes to our mind. But, this is where we go wrong. Dance is for anybody and everybody from a ballet dancer to the uncle dancing at a wedding .

It is what unites us and helps us come together to celebrate joy and express our feelings. Therefore, we must all dance without worrying if we are doing it right or not. It is essential to understand that when you let go of yourself in dance, you truly enjoy it only then.

Conclusion of the Essay on Dance

All in all, dance is something which anyone can do. There is no right way or wrong way to dance, there is just a dance. The only hard part is taking the first step, after that, everything becomes easier. So, we must always dance our heart out and let our body move to the rhythm of music freely.

FAQ of Essay on Dance

Question 1: Why is Dance important?

Answer 1: Dance teaches us the significance of movement and fitness in a variety of ways through a selection of disciplines. It helps us learn to coordinate muscles to move through proper positions. Moreover, it is a great activity to pursue at almost any age.

Question 2: What is dancing for you?

Answer 2: Dancing can enhance our muscle tone, strength, endurance and fitness. In addition, it is also a great way to meet new friends. Most importantly, it brings happiness to us and helps us relax and take a break from the monotony of life.

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Home Essay Samples Life Dance

What Does Dance Mean to Me: A Personal Exploration

Table of contents, self-expression and identity, emotional release and catharsis, connection and community, personal growth and exploration.

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Essays About Dance: Top 5 Examples Plus Prompts

If you are writing essays about dance, see our essay examples and prompts below to inspire and guide you for your next essay. 

Dance refers to a sequence of rhythmic body movements, usually in sync with a beat or music. The earliest historical dance records can be found in cave paintings and are suggested to be associated with religious purposes. Today, one can dance for several reasons. It can be a channel to express their emotions and ideas, release energy, conduct a ritual, celebrate a tradition, or simply exercise. 

Check out our round-up of five great essays that can inspire you in writing your piece about dance: 

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1. Are Humans The Only Species That Enjoy Dancing? by Jason Goldman

2. ballet and modern dance: using ballet as the basis for other dance techniques by helen kantilaftis, 3. bollywood dance explained by lucy townsend, 4. essay: when i broke up with ballet by stephanie wolf, 5. explained: breaking rules, moves and format by aarish ansari, 1. dance as a passion., 2. types of dances. , 3. health benefits of dancing., 4. preserving traditional dance., 5. the most iconic dance moves of all time. , 6. protecting choreographic works., 7. dance as an expression of culture., 8. animals that dance., 9. dance as a source of livelihood., 10. life values learned from dancing..

“Snowball became famous on the internet when videos were uploaded of the twelve-year-old cockatoo appearing to dance to a Backstreet Boys song. He seems to bob his head up and down in sync with the beat of the song… Could it really be that humans aren’t unique in their abilities to dance?”

The article amusingly explores certain animals that are proven to have a beat for dancing. While videos of dancing animals are a rave on social media, the article reveals that the discovery of dancing animals may have been as early as the time of Charles Darwin. The naturalist discovered and theorized that birds use dance to pick their mates, a process that a study showed is more common in humans than we thought. 

“Ballet is like the mother of all dance techniques. Most Western dance styles today can be traced back to ballet, and its codification has been extremely influential in all styles of dance.”

Ballet can improve one’s musicality, awareness, tempo, strength, and agility. Kantilaftis explains that other dances borrow many techniques and moves from ballet. For example, if you take hip-hop or jazz class, chances are there will be movements that could be enhanced by learning ballet first. The author then provides tips on how dancers can incorporate ballet to enhance their routines and be well-rounded dancers overall. You might also be interested in these essays about color .

“Bollywood dance is easy on the eye. Dramatic facial expressions and cinematic pizzazz mean any viewer, dance aficionado or not, can follow the story. But beneath the fizz is a series of historic symbols and traditions, which originate in India’s numerous traditional dance forms.”

No good Indian film is complete without the famous Bollywood dance. In this article, the author uncovers the symbolisms behind the hand gestures, facial expressions, neck movement, footwork, and vibrant costumes in Bollywood dance. It turns out that each movement and accessory contribute to telling a story with themes ranging from weather to animals and destinations.

“After 12 years of fighting for my dance career, it became clear this was not an injury from which I could bounce back. My body had already been through too much, and I felt fatigued from chasing my dreams. While I had always had outside interests, I was now forced to really look at what life would be like post-dancing.”

A former ballet dancer talks about her heartbreaking story of ending a dance career over two decades ago. The breakup was the inevitable consequence of an irreversible injury, causing emotional shock over a loss of identity. Several years forward, Wolf admits that she remains to grieve over the end of her dancing chapter but continues to find new sources of hope to continue living.

“From the streets of New York in the 1970s to the grand stage of the Olympic Games, breaking has charted a course not many would have thought was possible… breaking has evolved into a proper dance sport, with a fixed set of rules that make for fair competition.”

The article celebrates breakdancing’s breakthrough to be part of the Olympic 2024 as a silver medal event. In addition, the article dives into the signature moves that define breakdancing and judges’ criteria for selecting the winning breakdancers. 

10 Prompts On Essays About Dance

Essays About Dance: Dance as a passion

For more essay ideas, take a pick from one of our prompts below:

If you have a passion for dancing, write your story about how you have discovered this passion. Describe what dancing does to your mind and body. Write about your dance style, how often you dance and what kinds of music you love dancing to. If you’re not into dancing but know others who are passionate about this art form, interview them instead. 

Research about the different kinds of dances. There are many popular ones, such as ballroom, ballet, contemporary, hip-hop and jazz. To narrow down the scope of this prompt, pick five that interest you the most. Then, describe each and elaborate on their influence on art, culture, and society. 

Dance can strengthen cardiovascular health, reduce stress and improve balance and flexibility. Cite other physical and mental health benefits of dancing. Explain how each of these contributes to one’s overall well-being. For example, some communities have been promoting dance to fight obesity and strengthen heart muscles. You can also add how your community encourages dance in its health programs. 

Modern dance is so pervasive that it is feared to bump off folk dance from the stage. Recount the ways your country or community is preserving its traditional dances. Describe these dances and provide a brief historical overview of their importance to your country or community’s culture. Finally, think and write about what other efforts should be taken to allow traditional dances to share the spotlight with modern dance.

Many of us have witnessed different dance crazes, from the moonwalk popularized by Michael Jackson to the shimmy dougie and the fierce hair whip. Analyze what makes this dance move iconic enough to bring the whole world to dance to one beat and movement. 

Choreography is protectable copyrighted work. Provide dancers with a guide on how they can best protect the copyright of their dance masterpieces. Outline copyright protection issues, such as cross-border jurisdictions and digital piracy. Then, provide tips on how performers can best enforce their copyright. For example, one way is to register their work at the intellectual property office of their country. 

Waltz across several traditional dances and show how each of these dances helps express a community’s culture, identity, and belief system. Research the kinds of dance that are deeply embedded in a tradition. Describe the movements involved in this dance and how they symbolize the community’s beliefs and ideals. Then, add how communities pass on the dance to preserve it from generation to generation. 

Build on our essay example on dancing animals. List down the animals that studies are found to possess some dancing prowess. Describe their dancing styles and discover the factors that entice them to dance. For example, is dancing for them mere entertainment, or does it serve a more practical purpose, as with birds? 

Find out what the average income of a dancer or choreographer is. Interview dancers and ask about their level of satisfaction with their current income. Dive deep into the barriers that prevent their incomes from rising and what reforms they would like to see in choreographers’ and performers’ livelihoods. You can also write about how entertainment platforms have expanded the industry’s earning opportunities. 

Dancing is not just a skill or a hobby. It could be a way to learn essential life lessons that will help you get ahead and conquer challenging experiences. Enumerate the lessons one can learn from dancing. Discipline, determination, and creativity are just a few. Explain how one develops these traits from dance and why it makes for a great extracurricular activity for children.

For help with this topic, read our guide explaining how you can achieve persuasive writing .

If you’d like to learn more, our writer explains how to write an argumentative essay in this guide.

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Essay on Importance Of Dance

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance Of Dance in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Importance Of Dance

Expression through movement.

Dance is a powerful way to show feelings without talking. People can share joy, sadness, or any emotion by moving their bodies to music. This helps people understand each other better, even if they speak different languages.

Good for Health

Bringing people together.

Dance is a social activity that brings people close. At parties or festivals, everyone can join in the dancing, making new friends and celebrating together.

Cultural Importance

Different dances come from different places in the world. By learning these dances, people can learn about other cultures, their history, and their traditions, which helps everyone get along better.

250 Words Essay on Importance Of Dance

What is dance.

Dancing is great for your health. It makes your heart strong and helps you breathe better. It’s also good for your muscles and bones, just like running or jumping. When you dance, you are exercising, but it’s more fun than a regular workout.

Expressing Yourself

Dance lets you show how you feel without saying a word. You can be happy, sad, or excited, and you can share that through your dance moves. It’s a way to let out your emotions and can make you feel better when you’re down.

Dance is a way to bring people close. In a dance class or at a party, when you dance with others, you make friends. It helps people from different places understand each other because dance is a language everyone speaks.

Learning and Growing

Dance teaches you to listen and move at the same time. It helps kids learn about rhythm and timing. It can also make you more creative, as you think of new moves and ways to dance.

Dance is important because it’s good for health, helps you say what you feel, brings people together, and helps you learn. It’s a fun activity that everyone can enjoy, no matter how old they are. So, put on some music and let your body move to the beat!

500 Words Essay on Importance Of Dance

One of the main reasons dance is important is because it lets people express themselves. Just like you can use words to tell someone how you feel, you can use dance moves to show your joy, sadness, or excitement. It is a language without words that everyone, no matter where they are from or what language they speak, can understand. When dancers perform, they share their emotions with the audience, and sometimes, watching a dance can make us feel the same emotions too.

Health and Fitness

Dance is also great for our health. It is like a fun workout. When you dance, your heart beats faster, which is good for your body. It helps build strong muscles, and it can make you more flexible. For kids, dancing is especially good because it helps them grow healthy and strong. It also teaches them about balance and how to control their bodies.

Learning and Growth

Creativity and confidence.

Dance encourages creativity. When you make up a dance, you are creating something no one else has ever done before. This helps your imagination grow. It also builds confidence. Learning to dance can be hard, but when you finally get the steps right, it feels great. This helps you believe in yourself and your abilities, not just in dance, but in other parts of life too.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Passion — A Role Of Dancing In My Life

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A Role of Dancing in My Life

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Words: 585 |

Published: Jul 30, 2019

Words: 585 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Works Cited

  • Alpert, E. J., & Aquino, J. M. (2014). Dance/movement therapy: A resource guide for students, clinicians, and researchers. Routledge.
  • Batson, G., & Weiss, M. R. (2011). Building mental toughness in sport: An introduction into sports psychology for athletes. Routledge.
  • Bonbright, J. C. (2015). The power of dance: Health and healing. Human Kinetics.
  • Bryant, A. (2018). Dance matters: Performing India on global stages. Routledge.
  • Chappell, K. (2013). Dancing girls of Lahore: Selling love and saving dreams in Pakistan's ancient pleasure district. Harper Perennial.
  • Hamera, J. (2012). Dancing communities: Performance, difference, and connection in the global city. Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Legg, C. (2018). Dance studies: The basics. Routledge.
  • Martin, J. L. (2015). Dance psychology for artistic and performance excellence. Routledge.
  • Shah, S. (2017). Dance like nobody's watching: A holistic approach to positive living. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
  • Thomas, H. (2017). The body, dance, and cultural theory. Palgrave Macmillan.

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How to Incorporate Your Dance Experience in Your College Essays

what is dance to you essay

Of the many moving parts of a college application, the essay might be the most daunting. But consider yourself luckier than other applicants, because your dance experiences can only help you craft a winning essay—whether or not you’re planning to pursue a dance major.

If You’re Going to Major

If you’re gunning for a highly focused dance program, you might think that the audition is the most important component of your application. But don’t neglect to express your dance goals clearly in a general admissions or scholarship essay, says Megan Slayter, chair and associate professor of dance at Western Michigan University. “Just like any department across any university, we’re looking for good grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure,” she says. “Beyond strong written communication skills, we’re looking for your sense of identity as a dancer—that you know who you are and who you want to be as an artist, and why you think we can help you achieve that.”

Cite specific aspects of the college’s dance department that excite you—unique artistic or research resources, or a particular emphasis in the dance major that intrigues. But don’t just tell a university what you think they want to hear. “Over-the-top language that compliments our school doesn’t tell me about you,” Slayter says. “I question the authenticity of a student who tells me, ‘This is the best dance department ever and I can’t imagine being anyplace else!'”

If You’re Not Going to Major

Even if you don’t plan to major in dance, your years of dedication in the studio can show an admissions department why you’d be a great addition to their student body. “Your experience in dance has shaped who you are,” Slayter says. “Dance is a unique voice you can share with an admissions officer to talk about overcoming adversity, working hard to achieve your goals, and sharing a part of yourself with others.”

If you choose to focus on dance in your admissions essay, consider who’s reading your words—usually, non-dancers in the admissions department—and take care to translate your dance life to the language of college life. “Dance builds leadership skills, communication, collaboration, and creativity,” Slayter says. “For example, think about any time you’ve had a large, traveling spatial pattern onstage and have had to figure out who’s crossing up- and downstage. That’s problem-solving!” Brainstorm the skills you’ve built onstage and in rehearsals, and use your essay to prove how those experiences have prepared you for a successful college career—in or out of the studio.

A version of this story appeared in the November 2017 issue of Dance Spirit with the title “Essay All Day.”

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124 Dance Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Dance is a captivating art form that allows individuals to express themselves creatively through movement. Whether you are a dance student, a professional dancer, or someone who simply enjoys watching dance performances, writing an essay about dance can be a rewarding and exciting task. To help you get started, here are 124 dance essay topic ideas and examples that can inspire and guide your writing process.

The evolution of dance throughout history.

How does dance reflect the culture and traditions of a society?

The impact of technology on contemporary dance performances.

The influence of ballet on other dance styles.

The role of dance in storytelling.

Analyzing the dance techniques of prominent choreographers.

The importance of dance in physical fitness and well-being.

The portrayal of gender roles in dance.

The connection between music and dance.

The influence of social media on the popularity of dance.

Examining the cultural appropriation in dance.

The therapeutic benefits of dance for individuals with mental health issues.

The role of dance in religious ceremonies.

The challenges faced by professional dancers and how they overcome them.

The impact of dance on self-confidence and body image.

Analyzing the role of dance in musical theater.

The representation of emotions through dance.

The influence of different dance styles on each other.

The portrayal of identity and ethnicity in dance performances.

The role of dance education in schools.

The influence of dance on fashion trends.

The challenges faced by male dancers in a predominantly female industry.

The relationship between dance and architecture.

The impact of dance competitions on the dance community.

The portrayal of social and political issues through dance.

Analyzing the use of props and costumes in dance performances.

The portrayal of love and relationships in dance.

The impact of globalization on dance styles and techniques.

The representation of historical events through dance.

The role of dance in preserving cultural heritage.

The portrayal of masculinity and femininity in dance.

The influence of different dance cultures on each other.

The impact of dance on cognitive development in children.

The challenges faced by dancers with disabilities and how they overcome them.

The portrayal of fantasy and imagination in dance performances.

Analyzing the role of improvisation in dance.

The representation of social justice issues through dance.

The influence of dance on popular culture.

The portrayal of power dynamics in dance.

The impact of dance on social bonding and community building.

The role of dance in promoting diversity and inclusivity.

The challenges faced by dancers in maintaining a work-life balance.

The portrayal of mythology and folklore in dance performances.

Analyzing the role of the choreographer in the creative process.

The influence of different dance techniques on each other.

The impact of dance on brain development and cognitive abilities.

The portrayal of spirituality and transcendence in dance.

The role of dance in promoting physical and mental well-being in older adults.

The challenges faced by dancers in dealing with injuries and how they recover.

The representation of social media culture in dance performances.

The influence of dance on the fashion industry.

The portrayal of dreams and aspirations in dance.

The impact of dance on the tourism industry.

The role of dance in promoting environmental awareness.

The challenges faced by dancers in navigating the competitive nature of the industry.

The portrayal of war and conflict through dance.

Analyzing the use of lighting and stage design in dance performances.

The influence of different dance genres on each other.

The impact of dance on self-expression and individuality.

The portrayal of spirituality and ritual in dance.

The role of dance in promoting social change and activism.

The challenges faced by dancers in achieving work-life balance.

The representation of fairy tales and folklore in dance performances.

Analyzing the role of music in dance choreography.

The influence of dance on body image and self-esteem.

The impact of dance on the rehabilitation process for individuals with physical disabilities.

The portrayal of cultural assimilation and identity in dance.

The role of dance in promoting empathy and understanding.

The challenges faced by dancers in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The portrayal of historical figures and events in dance performances.

Analyzing the role of rhythm and timing in dance.

The influence of different dance traditions on each other.

The impact of dance on stress reduction and mental well-being.

The portrayal of spirituality and religion in dance.

The role of dance in promoting social cohesion and unity.

The challenges faced by dancers in dealing with rejection and criticism.

The representation of nature and the environment through dance.

Analyzing the role of partnering and lifts in dance choreography.

The influence of different musical genres on dance styles.

The impact of dance on body awareness and physical literacy.

The portrayal of cultural appropriation and misrepresentation in dance.

The role of dance in promoting teamwork and collaboration.

The challenges faced by dancers in maintaining a positive body image.

The portrayal of human rights issues through dance.

Analyzing the use of symbolism and metaphor in dance performances.

The influence of different dance movements on each other.

The impact of dance on self-discipline and perseverance.

The role of dance in promoting social justice and equality.

The challenges faced by dancers in dealing with performance anxiety.

The representation of fantasy and mythology in dance performances.

Analyzing the role of breath and energy in dance.

The influence of different cultural practices on dance techniques.

The impact of dance on emotional intelligence and empathy.

The portrayal of cultural diversity and inclusivity in dance.

The role of dance in promoting body positivity and acceptance.

The challenges faced by dancers in managing their mental health.

The portrayal of human emotions and experiences through dance.

Analyzing the use of space and dynamics in dance performances.

The influence of different dance aesthetics on each other.

The impact of dance on social skills and communication.

The portrayal of spirituality and mindfulness in dance.

The role of dance in promoting cultural understanding and appreciation.

The challenges faced by dancers in balancing artistic expression and technical proficiency.

The representation of social inequality and injustice through dance.

Analyzing the use of rhythm and musicality in dance choreography.

The influence of different dance traditions on contemporary dance styles.

The impact of dance on self-esteem and body confidence.

The portrayal of cultural identity and heritage in dance.

The role of dance in promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

The challenges faced by dancers in maintaining a healthy body image.

The portrayal of environmental issues and sustainability through dance.

Analyzing the role of lines and shapes in dance.

The influence of different dance cultures on each other's storytelling techniques.

The impact of dance on cognitive abilities and memory.

The portrayal of cultural appropriation and authenticity in dance.

The role of dance in promoting social integration and inclusion.

The challenges faced by dancers in managing performance pressure.

The representation of dreams and aspirations in dance performances.

Analyzing the use of improvisation and spontaneity in dance choreography.

The influence of different dance genres on body awareness and movement.

The impact of dance on self-confidence and self-expression.

The portrayal of cultural assimilation and diaspora in dance.

The role of dance in promoting physical and mental well-being in diverse populations.

These dance essay topic ideas and examples provide a wide range of options for you to explore and expand upon. Choose a topic that interests you the most and allows you to showcase your knowledge and passion for dance. Remember to conduct thorough research, provide supporting evidence, and present your ideas in a clear and concise manner. Happy writing!

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319 Dance Essay Topics & Research Questions on Hip Hop, Ballet, & More

Dancing is a universal form of expression and movement. It has been an integral part of human culture for centuries. From traditional cultural dances to contemporary urban dance styles, this art form transcends language barriers and brings people together.

But dancing is not just about entertainment. It is significant in various aspects of society, from its role in expressing emotions to its impact on mental health.

In this article, our expert team delves into the diverse world of dance. Below, you’ll find interesting dance topics to write about and explore the cultural, social, emotional, and physical dimensions of dance. Read till the end to find a writing guide with examples.

🔝 Top 10 Dance Essay Topics

✏️ dancing essays: writing prompts, 🎓 dance essay titles, 💃🏻 argumentative essay topics about dance, 🕺🏾 hip hop research paper topics, 🔎 dance research paper topics, 📜 dance history research paper topics, 🩰 ballet research topics, ❓ dance research questions, ✍️ dance essay: writing guide, 🔗 references.

  • Cultural significance of dance.
  • Mental health benefits of dancing.
  • Gender roles in dance.
  • Dance as nonverbal communication.
  • Technological innovations in dance.
  • Social impact of dance activism.
  • Dance education in schools.
  • Emotional expression in dance.
  • Dance and cultural identity.
  • Politics of dance movements.

The picture provides ideas for dance essay topics.

Why I Love Dance: Essay Prompt

Are you passionate about dance and want to write about it? Consider including the following points in your essay:

  • Explain your deep-rooted passion for dance. Reflect on how dance has influenced your life, shaped your identity, and impacted your personal growth.
  • Describe the specific styles or dance genres you are passionate about and explain why they hold a special place in your heart. Share experiences that have strengthened your love for dance, such as memorable performances, challenges , or inspirational moments.
  • Discuss how dance has enriched your life and contributed to your overall well-being. Convey your dedication to dance and the importance of this art form in your life.

What Does Dance Mean to You: Essay Prompt

This essay is your chance to reflect on the place of dance in your life. Here are some ideas to include in your paper:

  • Express your understanding and connection to dance. Describe what dance means to you on a deeply personal and emotional level. Share your unique perspective on the effects of dance on your life choices and identity.
  • Discuss how dance has impacted your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Write about its contribution to your personal growth and development. Describe the emotions and sensations you experience while dancing and how they enrich your life. Discuss any memorable dance experiences, performances, or interactions with fellow dancers that impressed you.
  • Depict your passion and appreciation for dance. Articulate the role of dancing in your life. Consider how dance has allowed you to express yourself , connect with others, and navigate life.

Hip Hop Essay Prompt

Are you a fan of hip-hop dance? Then you might enjoy writing an essay about it! Consider the points below to cover in your paper:

  • Explore the art and culture of hip-hop. Discuss the origins and evolution of hip-hop dance, including its roots in African, Caribbean, and African-American dance traditions. Study the key elements of hip-hop dance, including its unique style, movement vocabulary, and musicality.
  • Discuss the impact of hip-hop dance on popular culture , including its influence on music videos, films, fashion, and the entertainment industry. Analyze the social and cultural significance of hip-hop dance, including its role as a form of self-expression, community-building, and activism . Discuss the diversity and inclusion within hip-hop dance, including its ability to bring people of different backgrounds together.
  • Describe any personal experiences or connections with hip-hop dance , and discuss how it has influenced your understanding of dance and culture. Convey your appreciation for hip-hop dance’s artistry, creativity, and cultural relevance. Provide insights into this dynamic and influential dance form.

Why Dance Is a Sport: Essay Prompt

There’s been a long-lasting debate about whether dance should be considered an art or a sport. You can present your opinion on this issue in your essay. Here is a prompt to guide you:

  • Study the arguments on both sides of the debate and articulate your stance. Discuss the physical demands of dance, including athleticism, strength, and endurance. Compare them to the criteria used to define sports.
  • Explore the competitive nature of dance , including competitions, rankings, and performance expectations . Discuss the training, dedication, and discipline required for dance and compare them to other recognized sports.
  • Examine the artistic and creative elements of dance and how they may differentiate dance from traditional sports. Discuss any challenges or controversies surrounding the classification of dance as a sport. It might be the lack of standardized rules, funding, and recognition.
  • Consider the cultural, historical, and societal factors influencing perceptions of dance as a sport. Present your argument supported by evidence and examples. Provide a nuanced perspective on this complex and debated topic.

Below, you’ll find plenty of ideas for a college essay about dance. Read on to find a suitable topic for your paper!

Modern Dance Essay: Topics

Modern dance significantly differs from traditional dance forms like ballet. Nowadays, dancers prioritize emotional expression instead of following rigid rules. Here are some interesting dance titles & ideas for your essay on modern styles:

  • The diversity of contemporary dance styles.
  • Psychological determinants of choosing a particular dance style.
  • Creative Movement and Dance in My School.
  • Sociopolitical concerns through the prism of dance.
  • Modern dance as a form of protest against classical dance.
  • Modern Black dance: race in motion.
  • Significant people who contributed to the modernization of dance.
  • Features of post-modern dance.
  • Art Therapy: Creativity as a Critical Part of Art Therapy.
  • The new American dance forms.
  • Modern dance in the US vs. Europe: differences and similarities.
  • Injuries in modern dance: career options for dancers.
  • The concepts of modernity, race, and nation in the early modern dance forms.
  • Oxygen uptake during a modern dance class.
  • Physical Therapy Services for Sports Injuries.
  • Socio-demographic correlates of modern dance genre preferences.
  • Indian modern dance and feminism.
  • Self-expression in modern dance.
  • National and transnational modern dance.
  • Principles of modern dance therapy.
  • Regular engagement in modern dance and depression treatment.
  • Modern dance pioneers who revolutionized this art: a case of Lester Horton.
  • Incorporating Physical Activity into Lesson Plans.
  • Mood changes of people attending dance classes.
  • Modern dance classes: can one learn to dance online?
  • Evolving gay stereotypes in modern dance.
  • Dance as a reflection of culture.
  • Depression and Physical Exercise.
  • German modern dance during the Nazi rule.
  • Body image and modern dance engagement.
  • Eating disorders in professional modern dancers.
  • Significant elements of modern dance.
  • Dance as a hobby and professional activity.
  • Art Education, Its Role and Benefits.
  • Examples of popular modern dance styles.
  • Controversial dance practices.
  • Is folk dance considered modern dance?
  • Does modern dance come with serious choreography similar to classical dance?
  • Class and ethnicity reflected in dance.
  • Physical Activity and Sports Team Participation.
  • Modern dance in France.
  • The transformative power of flamenco dancing.

Dance Critique Essay: Topics

A dance critique essay requires you to evaluate carefully a particular dance performance or a specific aspect of this art form. Check out some dance titles for an essay to inspire your critical response :

  • Degradation of dance quality in the 21st century.
  • Passion versus physical characteristics in dance performance.
  • Racism and gender discrimination at the dance competitions.
  • Gender inequality in professional dance.
  • Subway dance – a subculture or simply a weird place for practice?
  • Dancing and Its Effects on Self-Esteem .
  • How did industrialization contribute to the departure from classical dance?
  • The rise of burlesque as a rebellion against ballet.
  • The Role of Music and Movement in Education.
  • The ideology and importance of radical dance.
  • The Wigman technique of dance.
  • José Limón’s contribution to contemporary dance.
  • The place and influence of the American Dance Festival in modern American dance traditions.
  • Art, Music, and Dance in Therapeutic Treatment .
  • Combination of choreography and multimedia in Alwin Nikolais’s works.
  • The flaws and loopholes of early modern dance.
  • Popularization of African American dance across the world.
  • Ballet elements in contemporary dance.
  • The Importance of Arts in the School Curriculum .
  • The contribution of Grete Wiesenthal to modern dance development.
  • What place does concert dance occupy in the dance typology?
  • Place of women in dance – now and then.
  • Differences between modern and contemporary dance styles.
  • Pole dance’s potential for inclusion in the Olympic Games list.

Dance Reflection Essay: Topic Ideas

Are you looking for thought-provoking dance topics to talk about in a reflection paper ? Check out the list below:

  • What features and character traits should a good dance teacher possess?
  • What does it mean to be a dance revolutionary?
  • What did modern dance pioneers do to create new dance types?
  • Should professional dance be taught in college?
  • Sports Psychologist: Working With Athletes.
  • The national dance of my country.
  • My first experience in a dance class.
  • My music preferences for dancing.
  • Dances with Wolves Essay – Movie Analysis .
  • Dancing as a personal form of relaxation and meditation.
  • Why do some people prefer dancing alone at home and others need an audience?
  • My favorite movie about dancing.
  • Ballet as my passion and my greatest disappointment.
  • My opinion of dancing as a profession.
  • Music in the Service of Social Movements.
  • Importance of dancing in my culture.
  • What I think makes a good and bad dancer.
  • My experience of participating in a dance contest.
  • The role of dance in my family.
  • My fascination with Indian dance.
  • My dream is to become a hip-hop dancer.
  • Benefits I see in regular dancing.
  • The pros and cons of professional engagement in dance.

There are some controversial issues related to dance you can explore in your paper. Below, you’ll discover a list of dance topics to express your reasoned opinion about.

  • Dance can be a tool for social change .
  • How can culture be reflected through dance?
  • Should College Athletes Be Paid?
  • The impact of the environment on dance perception.
  • The importance of dance styles and types for specific cultures.
  • Dance as an intangible cultural heritage.
  • Is dance a kind of sport?
  • Sports-Related Problems and Conflicts .
  • Why do people start to dance?
  • Why is the audience attracted to dance performances?
  • What is the motivation behind starting to dance at an early age?
  • Why is contemporary dance more popular than classical dance today?
  • The Cognitive Performance and Physical Activity Link.
  • Are modern dance styles, like hip hop, easier than ballet dancing?
  • Dance training is highly traumatic and shouldn’t be practiced at an early age.
  • The risk of trauma and permanent injury among professional ballet dancers.
  • Street dance is not serious dance.
  • Exercise – The Mind and Body Connection.
  • The impact of motivation and self-confidence on dance performance.
  • Dancing positively affects the physical and cognitive health of aging adults.
  • Dance is a tool against aging .
  • Different dance styles and genres require different physical endurance and energy expenditure.
  • Music Incorporation into Classes.
  • Importance of choosing your dance style according to your BMI and bodily peculiarities.
  • Partner dancing is healthier for motor control and coordination than solo dancing.
  • Benefits of ballroom dancing.
  • The economic effect of dance development.
  • What is the hardest dance style?
  • Cultural Appropriation in Music .
  • Ghost dance as a religious movement.
  • Electronic dance as a new subculture.
  • Techniques of dancing to jazz music.
  • Flamenco dance as a reflection of Spanish passion.
  • Students’ Motivation and Satisfaction of Music Festival .
  • Cultural significance of feminist dance films.
  • The impact of proper nutrition on dance performance.
  • The art of staging a dance performance.
  • The social significance of street dance.
  • Creative Art Therapy for Mental Illness.
  • What does dance have to do with math?
  • Belly dance as a recreational activity.
  • Interpretative dance as a strong therapeutic tool.
  • The use of dance therapy for individuals with Down syndrome.

Hip-hop dance is a popular street dance style that emerged in the second half of the 20th century. It encourages freedom of expression and is characterized by freestyle movements, particularly drops to the ground and sharp turns. If you seek to write a paper on hip-hop, here are catchy dance titles to inspire you:

  • The role of dance in hip-hop culture.
  • Chinese Hip Hop and Identity .
  • Hip-hop dance and body power.
  • Hip-hop as an African diaspora dance style.
  • Meanings and messages in hip-hop dance.
  • Genders, Sexuality, and Hip-Hop .
  • Origins of hip-hop.
  • Injury incidence in hip-hop training and performance.
  • Commercialization of hip-hop dance.
  • Core elements of hip-hop dancing.
  • The Uprising of Hip-Hop: Music History .
  • Hip-hop dance in modern ballet choreography.
  • Low back pain in hip-hop dancers.
  • B-boying in hip-hop.
  • Motivations of hip-hop dancers for professional engagement with this dance style.
  • The “breaks” concept in break dancing.
  • The Evolution of Hip-Hop Culture .
  • The roots of hip-hop choreography.
  • Battling among hip-hop crews.
  • Hip-hop scandals – sex and violence in hip-hop content.
  • Theorizing hip-hop dance.
  • Hip-Hop’s Response to Crime Analysis .
  • Hip-hop dance consumption: who is the target audience?
  • Globalization and hip-hop dancing.
  • Principles of hip-hop dance codification.
  • Hip-hop as a black social dance.
  • Metaphors in hip-hop dance moves.
  • Black feminism in hip-hop dance.
  • Concepts of Elite Culture and Popular Culture .
  • US Ebonics as the language of American hip-hop choreography.
  • Extreme kinematics in hip-hop performances.
  • What injuries are the most common among hip-hop dancers?
  • Can hip-hop be a professional career?
  • Basic rhythmic movements of hip-hop dance.
  • Hip-hop practice’s impact on the dancer’s mood.
  • Body poetics in hip-hop performances.
  • Standards for judging hip-hop contests.
  • Cultural Movement: Hip-Hop Related Films.
  • Le hip hop – a French hip-hop subculture.
  • The hip-hop culture in New York.
  • Perceptions of race in the hip-hop community: white vs. black dancers.
  • Hip-hop theater in London: a new level of dance style’s legitimization.

Do you want to learn more about dance? Then why not write a research paper on that? Below, you’ll discover a list of engaging dance topics to research.

  • Novel approaches to dance: a blend with architecture at the Barnes Foundation’s exhibition.
  • Dance from an anthropological perspective .
  • Politics and poetics in dance.
  • The biology of dance movements’ language.
  • Teaching dance: should it be art or sport?
  • Dance ethnology.
  • Women in dance since antiquity : the images of sylphs and sirens.
  • Philosophy of the dance: universal or nationally bound?
  • What is a dance movement?
  • Dancing and the brain.
  • Psychology of dance.
  • Dance as a mighty psychotherapeutic tool.
  • Should national dance be included in the school curriculum?
  • Living through psychological trauma in dance.
  • The role of dance improvisations.
  • Reform and revival of old dance styles.
  • The role of space and subjectivity in dance.
  • Shakespeare and the dance tradition of England.
  • The social anthropology of dance performances.
  • Theories and methodologies in dance research.
  • A Eurocentric approach to the study of dance.
  • Dance and the body.
  • Dance as a method of self-study.
  • Computer technology and dance.
  • The evolution of Irish dance.
  • The contribution of Merce Cunningham to modern dance.
  • How does dance stimulate social fantasy?
  • Partner dancing as a way to strengthen relationships in a couple.
  • Verbal language of dancers and choreographers.
  • The political side of national dancing.
  • Dance and physics.
  • The mind-body concept in dance.
  • What can be regarded as contemporary dance?
  • Dance imagery in various dance styles.
  • What makes people dance? The philosophy of bodily movement.
  • Dancing out one’s emotions: the dance of anger or happiness.
  • The neural basis of human dance movements.
  • Isadora Duncan’s revolutionary dance theory.
  • The challenges of the interactive dance genre.
  • Dance from the position of existential phenomenology.
  • Dualism and body-soul separation: a dance perspective.
  • Dance and embodiment.
  • Dance and self: a philosophical perspective.
  • Body as object vs. subject in dance.
  • Freedom and intention in body movements during dance.
  • Staged dance: the concept of created body.
  • A tension between the personal and the universal in dance.
  • Health benefits of recreational and professional dance.
  • Japanese dance as an embodiment of culture.
  • Turning body and identity into dance choreography.

The history of dance dates back millennia. So, there is so much to explore! Check out possible dance research project ideas for your history paper:

  • Approaches to rethinking dance history.
  • The elements of early European modern dance.
  • Feminist perspectives on dance history.
  • Dance at the dawn of history.
  • History of somatic education and its relationship to dance.
  • History of classic theatrical dancing.
  • New media use in dance history reconstructions.
  • The evolution of dance and sexuality relationship.
  • Tools for capturing dance from the past.
  • Dances in prehistory.
  • Early records of dance performances in historical manuscripts.
  • Ancient Greek dance traditions and forms.
  • Dancing in Ancient Rome.
  • Dance at court: the 16th-17th centuries in Europe.
  • Evolution of dance from royal court to theater in the 18th century.
  • The early dancing traditions in the 17th-century US.
  • Dancing genres in Medieval Europe.
  • The history of waltz: origin, evolution of dance elements, and traditions.
  • How did the tango dance emerge?
  • The emergence of belly dance.
  • Flamenco dance history: a style born in Andalusia.
  • Historical perspectives on dance research.
  • The Ojibwa dance drum: history of the practice.
  • Yoeme performs as a narrative of Yaqui history.
  • The evolution of African American dance.
  • The African roots of Latin American popular dance.
  • Ethnographic elements of modern dance performances.
  • The dance halls of Britain, 1918-1960.
  • A historical overview of social dance.
  • Global history of dance development.
  • Dance in the French baroque opera.
  • The history and meaning of tango dancing in Argentina.
  • What materials to use when studying dance history?
  • A cultural history of dance in the troubled areas: a case study of Palestine.
  • The hidden history of capoeira: intersections of battle craft and dance.

Ballet is a highly formalized dance form with rigid rules and predefined positions. If you’re interested in this classical type of choreography, check out the dance research topics below:

  • Is free dance a subtype of ballet?
  • The evolution of ballet traditions by Isadora Duncan.
  • Russo-American ballet at the start of the 20th century.
  • Emerging American ballet: the 1930s onwards.
  • Romantic and classical ballet traditions in the 19th century.
  • Classical ballet in Russia.
  • Classical ballet vs. modern dance: key similarities.
  • Injuries in professional ballet.
  • Static and functional balance in ballet dance.
  • Ballet as a form of ethnic dance.
  • The impact of ballet dance attire on female dancers’ self-perception.
  • Endurance of pain among ballet dancers.
  • The concept of the ideal ballet body.
  • Methods of preventing hip and knee injuries in professional ballet.
  • Physiological eligibility characteristics for classical ballet.
  • Evolution of ballet dancer identity in the process of training.
  • Incidence of sprained ankles in ballet dancers.
  • Physiological responses to active ballet exercise among dancers of different ages.
  • Importance of artistic performance ability in ballet dancers.
  • Disordered eating patterns among ballet dancers.
  • Management of stress fractures in ballet dancers.
  • Ballet dancer career: an international perspective.
  • Incidence of scoliosis in young ballet dancers.
  • Travesty dancing in the 19th-century ballet tradition.
  • Gender issues in ballet.
  • The cultural power of ballet.
  • Degenerative joint disease risks among female ballet trainees.
  • Hip arthrosis as a long-term consequence of ballet training.
  • History of the “Apollo’s Angels” ballet.
  • Sleep quality in professional ballet dancers.
  • Heteromasculinity images among male ballet dancers.
  • Postural stability before and after a ballet injury.
  • Dance classicism as an ideology.
  • Royal Ballet’s dancers and body perception.
  • How do professional ballet dancers perceive injury and aging?

Are you looking for research topics about dance in the form of questions? We’ve got you covered! Look through the list below to find good dance topics to research:

  • How does dance education foster creativity in children?
  • How do feminists view belly dance?
  • What is the impact of technology on dance performances?
  • How to preserve indigenous peoples’ traditional dance forms?
  • How have traditional gender roles been challenged through dance?
  • What creative strategies do choreographers employ?
  • What is the impact of dance on community building?
  • What factors contribute to the commercialization of dance?
  • How does dance function as a means of storytelling?
  • What is the link between dance and spirituality in different religions?
  • What is the role of costumes and stage design in dance performances?
  • What are the cognitive benefits of dance for older adults?
  • How has ballet adapted to modern artistic movements?
  • How has globalization affected the cross-cultural exchange of dance styles?
  • What dance styles have been influenced by flamenco?

Do you need help writing an essay on dance? Below, we’ve prepared a short guide with examples. Read on to learn how to write each section of your dance essay.

Dance Essay Introduction

The introduction is the opening paragraph of an essay that should engage the readers. Use a hook to grab the readers’ interest and introduce your topic. It can be a catchy quote, interesting question, or controversial statement.

Hook example : Imagine a world where bodies move in perfect harmony, telling stories without words. That’s the magic of dance, an art form that transcends language and culture, captivating audiences for centuries.

After that, you can provide some background information about the subject. End your introduction with a thesis statement .

Thesis Statement about Dance

The thesis statement outlines the central argument or purpose of the essay. It is the last sentence of your introduction, summarizing the whole paper. Your thesis should include all the main points mentioned in your writing in the same sequence.

Dance thesis example : Dance is not only a form of artistic expression but also a means of communication, a tool for personal growth, and a reflection of cultural identity.

Essay about Dance: Body Paragraphs

The essay’s body contains paragraphs that provide evidence and support for the thesis statement. Each section should begin with a topic sentence that presents a point related to your central argument.

Topic sentence example : One significant aspect of dance is its ability to convey emotions and stories through movement.

Evidence, such as examples, facts, or research, should support the topic sentence. The evidence should be analyzed and explained to show how it supports the thesis statement.

Evidence example : In classical ballet, dancers’ graceful movements and facial expressions can portray a wide range of emotions, from love and joy to sorrow and anger.

Dancing Essay: Conclusion

The conclusion is the final part that summarizes the main points made in the essay’s body. It should also restate the thesis statement in a paraphrased form without introducing new information. The conclusion should leave a lasting impression and a sense of closure.

Conclusion example : In conclusion, dance is a powerful form of expression beyond mere movement. It is a universal language conveying emotions, facilitating personal growth, and reflecting cultural identity.

How to Describe Dancing: Words & Tips

When describing dancing in an essay, use vivid and sensory language to convey the experience. Words such as “graceful,” “rhythmic,” “expressive,” and “dynamic” can capture the movement and style of dancing.

Emotive words like “joy,” “passion,” “energy,” and “freedom” can convey the emotional impact of dancing. Describing the physical sensations of dancing can make the description more immersive. You can write about the feeling of one’s body in motion, the sound of feet tapping, the swish of skirts, or the rush of adrenaline.

Metaphors or similes, such as “floating like a butterfly,” can add depth and creativity. Overall, using vivid language that engages the senses and emotions will benefit your paper.

We hope you found a perfect essay topic in this article. Use our free online title generator to get even more creative topics about dance and writing inspiration.

  • Dance 260: Introduction to Dance: Dance Topics | BYU Library
  • Dance: Topics in Dance and Dance History | Utah Tech University Library
  • Research Areas | UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts
  • Dance | PBS Learning Media
  • Dancing Styles | Boston University
  • Dance 260: Introduction to Dance: Research Help | BYU Library
  • Writing a Dance Critique | Utah Tech University Library
  • Glossary for Dance | Connecticut’s Official State Website
  • Guidelines For Writing a Dance Review | Human Kinetics

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Essay on Dance

Surendra Kumar

Introduction

In a small town, Nia found solace in dance after a tough day at school. With each step, her worries melted away. She hesitated when the annual talent show came around but eventually took the stage. As she danced, the audience was spellbound. Through her graceful movements, Mia showed the power of dance to uplift and inspire. From that day on, she became the town’s dancing star, spreading joy wherever she went.

Dance is a universal expression that slices over linguistic and cultural boundaries. It’s a vibrant art form communicating emotions, stories, and traditions through movement. From classical ballet to energetic hip-hop, dance captivates audiences worldwide. With roots deep in human history, it’s evolved into countless styles, each with rhythm and flair. This essay will explore dance’s beauty, diversity , and significance.

Essay on Dance

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Historical Perspective

A historical investigation into dance reveals a tapestry of inventiveness, cultural legacy, and artistic expression that enthralls and inspires people of all ages:

  • Ancient Origins: Dance’s roots extend to ancient civilizations, evidenced in rituals and social gatherings. Archaeological findings in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India depict its integral role, marking dance as an early form of human expression and cultural practice.
  • Classical Antiquity: Ancient Greece elevated dance to a sophisticated art form, emphasizing its role in religious festivals, theater, and social occasions. The Greeks valued body, mind, and spirit harmony, evident in their diverse dance forms and performances.
  • Medieval Metamorphosis: In medieval Europe, dance transformed remarkably, shifting from its roots in pagan rituals to a staple of courtly entertainment. Elaborate dances took center stage at royal courts and noble gatherings, with the emergence of ballet during the Renaissance era marking a significant milestone in the history of dance.
  • The Dawn of Modern Dance: The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed a revolution in dance as modern dance emerged to challenge the traditional ballet conventions. Leaders like Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham, and Isadora Duncan led the way, introducing new forms of expression and using dance for personal and social commentary.
  • Global Influences: Dance has become a universal language , transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. Influences from diverse cultures, such as African tribal dances and Indian classical forms, have enriched contemporary choreography, reflecting the interconnectedness of global societies.
  • Continuity and Evolution: Despite evolving, dance has maintained its essence as a powerful form of human expression. Its ability to captivate and inspire across cultures underscores its enduring significance, honoring its profound impact on human creativity and collective consciousness.

The Artistic Elements of Dance

The artistic elements that form the foundation of dance, illuminating how they blend seamlessly to create captivating performances that resonate with audiences worldwide:

  • Movement: At the heart of dance lies movement—the fundamental language through which dancers communicate and express themselves. Movement encompasses various techniques, styles, and gestures, each imbued with unique symbolism and significance. From the graceful arabesques of classical ballet to the dynamic leaps and spins of contemporary dance, movement is the primary means of conveying emotion, narrative, and intention on the stage.
  • Music: Movement and music are intricately intertwined; music is a crucial element that gives dance rhythm, melody, and atmosphere. Whether it be the classical compositions of Tchaikovsky in ballet or the pulsating beats of contemporary electronic music in modern dance, music is the driving force that guides and inspires the choreographic process. Moreover, the relationship between music and movement in dance is symbiotic, with each influencing and complementing the other to create a harmonious synthesis of sound and motion.
  • Expression: Central to the art of dance is expression—the ability of dancers to convey emotion, narrative, and meaning through their movements and gestures. Expression in dance is a deeply personal and subjective endeavor rooted in choreographers’ and performers’ individual experiences, interpretations, and intentions. Through subtle nuances of facial expression, body language, and gestural motifs, dancers communicate a rich array of emotions—from love and longing to anger and despair.
  • Costume and Set Design: Costume and set design, in addition to movement, music, and expression, are essential components that greatly influence how dance is experienced visually and artistically. Costume design encompasses a wide range of elements, including fabric, color, texture, and silhouette, each of which contributes to the overall look and feel of the dance. From the elaborate tutus and tiaras of classical ballet to the avant-garde costumes of contemporary dance, costumes serve not only to enhance the beauty and grace of the dancers but also to evoke the mood, theme, and atmosphere of the performance.

Dance as a Performing Art

Each of these styles carries its unique history, techniques, and significance, contributing to the rich tapestry of human creativity and expression:

The Italian Renaissance originated ballet, characterizing it with grace, precision, and narrative storytelling. It encompasses classical and contemporary styles, blending athleticism with artistry.
Contemporary dance is a fluid and expressive form that emerged in the mid-20th century. It emphasizes individual expression, experimentation, and thematic exploration. It incorporates elements of various styles and often challenges traditional norms.
With its African American and jazz musical roots, Jazz Dance distinguishes itself through syncopated rhythms, improvisation, and dynamic gestures. It encompasses everything from contemporary jazz-funk to the Charleston and Lindy Hop.
Traditional and folk dances vary widely across regions and cultures, reflecting cultural heritage and community traditions. They often feature symbolic gestures, costumes, and music, preserving cultural identity and history.
Tap, ballroom, breakdancing, and street dancing are just a few dance genres and forms that fall under this broad category. These dance styles explore countless possibilities for movement and expression, break conventions, and innovate.

Dance as a Social and Cultural Phenomenon

This essay delves into the multifaceted nature of dance, exploring its roles as a cultural and social activity through the lenses of ritual and ceremonial dances, social dances, dance in festivals and celebrations, and its potent capacity as a form of protest and expression.

  • Ritual and Ceremonial Dances: Deeply entrenched in cultural tradition, ritual and ceremonial dances bridge the earthly and the divine, serving diverse purposes such as honoring ancestors, invoking blessings, marking rites of passage, or commemorating historical events. Examples include the Maasai Adumu, symbolizing strength, and Bharatanatyam, embodying religious devotion and storytelling through movement.
  • Social Dances: Social dances, such as the waltz and salsa, transcend cultural borders, facilitating social bonds and expressions of identity. They evolve with societal changes, exemplified by hip-hop’s emergence, which empowers marginalized groups through improvisation and self-expression, illustrating dance’s adaptive nature across diverse communities.
  • Dance in Festivals and Celebrations: Festivals and celebrations unite communities in joyous gatherings enriched by music and dance. They honor history and religion while fostering social bonds. From Brazil’s carnival to Spain’s Feria de Abril and India’s Holi, these events showcase cultural diversity and preserve heritage through traditional dances, costumes, and music, reinforcing a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
  • Dance as a Form of Protest and Expression: Throughout history, dance has been a powerful form of dissent, challenging oppressive systems and advocating for social change, as seen in movements like the civil rights struggle and anti-apartheid protests. Contemporary choreographers and performers continue to utilize dance to address pressing issues, fostering empathy , dialogue, and solidarity for a more equitable world.

The Physical and Mental Benefits of Dance

From enhancing cardiovascular health to fostering emotional resilience, dance practice is a transformative force that enriches lives.

Physical Benefits

At its core, dance is a physical activity that engages the entire body. Whether it’s ballet’s graceful movements or salsa’s rhythmic footwork, every dance form demands strength, flexibility, and endurance.

  • Cardiovascular Health: Dance is an aerobic exercise that elevates heart rate and improves cardiovascular endurance. Regular dancing courses can reduce the risk of heart disease, enhance circulation, and lower blood pressure.
  • Muscle Strength and Endurance: The repetitive motions used in dance routines aid in the development of muscular strength and endurance, especially in the arms, legs, and core. This not only improves physical performance but also enhances posture and balance.
  • Flexibility: Dance involves a wide range of motions that promote flexibility and joint mobility. Dancers expand their range of motion by stretching and reaching, which lowers their risk of injury and increases their general flexibility.
  • Weight Management: Dance is an effective calorie-burning activity that aids in weight management and body composition. It offers a fun alternative to conventional forms of exercise, making it easier for individuals to adhere to a regular fitness routine.

Mental Benefits

Beyond its physical attributes, dance profoundly impacts mental well-being, fostering emotional expression, cognitive function, and social connectivity.

  • Stress Reduction: Engaging in dance triggers the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters known for their mood-enhancing properties. This inbuilt “feel-good” reaction encourages emotional well-being and relaxation while reducing stress, anxiety , and despair.
  • Improved Cognitive Function: Learning and mastering dance routines require cognitive engagement, including memory recall, spatial awareness, and coordination. Regular dancing has been associated with enhanced brain health, memory retention, and cognitive function, lowering the risk of age-related mental decline.
  • Enhanced Self-Confidence: Dancing fosters a sense of empowerment and self-confidence by promoting self-expression and self-discovery. As individuals master new steps and techniques, they gain greater competence and self-assurance, both on and off the dance floor.
  • Social Connection: Dance often occurs in a social setting, whether it’s a group class, performance, or social dance event. This lessens emotions of loneliness and isolation by promoting social connection, companionship, and a sense of belonging.

Dance Education and Training

Let’s delve into the significance of dance education and training, exploring formal training in dance, the role of dance schools and academies, and the importance of integrating dance education into the school curriculum:

  • Formal Training in Dance: Formal dance training provides aspiring dancers the foundation to hone their craft. Whether classical ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, or any other style, structured training instills discipline, technique, and artistic expression. Through rigorous practice and guidance from experienced instructors, dancers develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and spatial awareness, which are essential for mastering their chosen dance form.
  • Role of Dance Schools and Academies: Dance schools and academies are more than just learning places. They are nurturing grounds for aspiring dancers, fostering a vibrant dance community . These institutions provide a supportive environment where students can fully immerse themselves in their chosen dance form, surrounded by peers who share their passion. Experienced instructors guide students through progressive levels of training, offering personalized feedback and mentorship to help them reach their full potential.
  • Importance of Dance Education in Schools: Integrating dance education into school curricula fosters creativity, enhances physical literacy, and promotes holistic development among students. Dance education provides a platform for self-expression and encourages students to explore their artistic potential. By engaging in creative movement activities, students develop confidence, self-awareness, and communication skills, which are invaluable life skills.

Challenges and Controversies in the Dance World

Here are some points outlining the challenges and controversies in the dance world:

  • Body Image and Health Concerns: Dancers face pressure to maintain specific body types, leading to eating disorders and injuries. Balancing rigorous training with self-care is crucial but challenging for physical and mental well-being.
  • Gender and Diversity Issues: Dance has historically enforced gender norms, limiting expression and opportunities. Lack of diversity in choreography and leadership perpetuates inequalities, hindering progress towards inclusive representation.
  • Exploitation and Labor Rights: Dancers often endure low pay, long hours, and unstable employment conditions. Freelancers lack benefits like healthcare, highlighting systemic issues of financial insecurity and exploitation within the industry.
  • Cultural Appropriation: Borrowing from cultures without acknowledgment can offend and erase identities. The debate raises questions about power dynamics and ownership, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in dance practices.
  • Accessibility and Inclusivity: High costs and physical barriers exclude many from dance participation. Socioeconomic disparities and lack of accommodations for disabilities challenge efforts to make dance accessible to diverse communities.
  • Competition and Pressure: Intense competition breeds stress, prioritizing achievement over well-being. The pursuit of perfection can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, highlighting the need for a healthier approach to success in dance.
  • Ethical Concerns in Choreography: Exploring sensitive topics in choreography can provoke controversy. Balancing artistic expression with social responsibility , including respect for performers’ boundaries and consent, is essential for ethical dance practices.
  • Online Presence and Privacy: Social media blurs boundaries between public and private life, exposing dancers to cyberbullying and privacy invasion. Managing online presence requires vigilance to maintain authenticity and protect personal well-being.

Dance is more than physical expression; it conveys identity, culture, and feelings. As we celebrate its beauty and diversity, let’s advocate for its importance in education and society. Support local dance programs, attend performances, and encourage young talent. By embracing dance, we enrich our lives and strengthen our communities. Let’s keep the rhythm alive, fostering creativity and unity through this timeless art form.

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Dancing as my Passion

In this personal essay, the writer will share their journey and experiences with dancing, expressing why it is their passion. The essay will discuss how dancing has impacted their life, providing a sense of expression, freedom, and joy. It will reflect on the physical, emotional, and social aspects of dancing, and how it serves as a powerful form of communication and self-expression. Additionally, PapersOwl presents more free essays samples linked to Passion.

How it works

Dance is an art, in my word. Art is the window of my soul, is the tool for the communications with others, and the magic thing about dance is you can use the beauty of your body language to express your feeling and convey your message to the audience. Dance is the language hidden in the soul, every movement is a word, and it combine the dance to this beautiful poem. In fact, I have several years of dance experience of hip hop and Jazz, and I still think about this question all the time: “What changes has dancing brought to you?” And back to this class again, Mrs.

Tedford’s enthusiasm and energy of a dancer, let me have a passion for dancing again, and she gave us this quote: ‘Dance enables to find yourself and lose yourself at the same time’, I think dance can help you find yourself because it can help you to build your confidence, Through your body language to present a story, to show your inner belief. I think the biggest key point of dancing is that it can bring you great self-confidence. I have to say that in this world, self-confidence is very important for us. What kind of self-confidence a person possesses can really decide a lot. When you have self-confidence, you will gradually become a special success. Because when you have confidence, you will be interested in doing anything related to your success. You will take the initiative to do something that will benefit you, and you will do it well, because you have the confidence that you can do it well. Just like Mrs. Tedford told us, ‘the best dance education I understand is to help everyone find their own value in life. It’s enough to do what you like and live the life you want.’Everyone lives in this world has his own pursuit, and for dance, it is not only an art that can express your attitude and convey your thoughts, but also the best communication between people. Dance is such an amazing knowledge that can lead you to the right track, dance is so connected to our every life, for example, on the road to success, there will inevitably be some setbacks, I would like to say: don’t think success is worth joy. In fact, failure is also beautiful. Although when failure comes, we will unconsciously fall into frustration and pain, lose confidence and even think of giving up. But we often forget to reflect on ourselves and learn from experience. Just like dance, everything needs it to practice repeatedly every day, practice the dance move in front of the mirror, even though you are sweating, but because dancing brings you pleasure and belief, you have to stick to it anyway. In many cases, success is only a little bit short, but in the face of failure, all we can do is stand up and try again. In the garden of dance, we must pay immeasurable effort and use our sweat to water the flower, and the flower of success must blossom perfectly. When I stand on the stage, I think of the bitterness of learning dance. But because what dance brought to me these years, and I think maybe I am a flower in this art garden, which will blossom on the stage of success!

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TCU home page

Dance Research Guide: Writing about dance; citing sources

  • Dance guide home
  • Dance encyclopedias+
  • Dance dictionaries
  • Using FrogScholar
  • Using the Advanced Search / Library Catalog option
  • Dance journals at TCU & beyond
  • Finding journal articles and other research materials in databases
  • Finding dance reviews, news and commentary
  • Writing about dance; citing sources
  • Videos from the TCU Library; Video guides
  • Online dance videos
  • Online videos from Universities and educational partnerships
  • Videos in special collections; video distributors
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  • Specialized catalogs
  • Research compendiums
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  • Directories
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  • Where/how to find...
  • Catalog browsing by call number or subject heading
  • Catalog subject searching; using catalog records

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Writing dance reviews and papers Dance criticism
Digital craftsmanship; Copyright-related concerns Style/citation guides and other help ; Citation tools ; Writing dance reviews and papers, cont'd

Writing dance reviews and papers

     (ebook, Human Kinetics, 2010) guides students through the various processes of writing about dance, from the informal (journal writing and free writing) to the formal (critiques, essays and research papers). 
 is available in the main stacks by call number GV1594 O45 2010.
     
 

(Human Kinetics, 2007). This excellent book has some unexpected bonuses for the dance writer:  Appendix A is "How to Write Your 

Research Paper;" Appendix D is "Dance Reconstruction or Re-Creation Project," and Appendix E, "Report of a Live or Videotaped Performance." Located in the main stacks, [ ] GV1601 K37 2007. [Note: the , presents a fine history of dance but lacks these how-to elements.]

----------
  (ebook, University Press of Florida, 2023).  A comprehensive guide to conducting empirical research in dance, introducing concepts and practices that support effective, empirical research in the dance
sciences, including medical science. Part I. Bringing Science to Dance -- Researching Dance -- Ways of Knowing -- Research Concepts -- Part II. Creating a Foundation for Research. -- -- Types of Research  -- Research Ethics and Research Ethics Committees -- Writing a Literature Review / Sarah J. Kenny and Jeffrey -- Part III. Designing and Conducting Research. -- Participants, Setting, and Variables -- Managing, Analyzing, and Presenting Data -- Methodological Integrity and Research Design -- Part IV. Choosing a Research Methodology. -- Descriptive Research Methods -- Surveys, Questionnaires, and Interviews -- Qualitative Methodologies -- Correlation and Regression Analyses -- Case Studies, Case Reports, and Case Series -- Within-Subject Experiments -- Between-Group Experiments -- Systematic Literature Reviews -- Epidemiology Research in Dance -- Part V. Influencing the Field -- Proposing and Reporting Research -- Applying Research Findings to Practice -- Part VI. Pursuing a Career in the Dance Sciences -- Pursuing Graduate Studies -- Building a Researcher’s Repertoire.

what is dance to you essay

1. Introduction -- 2. Research Methods and Problems -- Current Research and Issues -- 3. Dance Pedagogy -- 4. Practice-as-Research -- 5. Dance and Politics -- 6. Dance and Identity -- 7. Dance Science -- 8. Screendance Harmony Bench -- 9. Dance Ethnography -- 10. Popular Dance -- 11. Dance History  -- 12. Dance and Philosophy -- 13. Digital Dance -- 14. New Directions -- 15. Annotated Bibliography -- 16. A to Z of Key Concepts in Dance Studies .

Researching Dance:  Evolving Modes of Inquiry ( ebook , University of Pittsburgh Press, 1999) .  Directed toward graduate or honors students, this work introduces readers to research methods in dance.  Part I examines and defines the discipline

Digital craftsmanship; Copyright resources

Some selected resources are below.

TCU Center for Digital Expression - TCU's CfDE provides information and guidance for the use of many different types of materials, for students, faculty and staff, geared to a variety of academic assignments and professional purposes. Its copyright-related page, additionally, offers links and tools such as the Fair Use Evaluator .

On the Student Resources page , you can scroll down to  Audio / Video / Images / Document design / Presentation design – for example, under Images: Tips and Tools is " Copyright Fair Use and How it Works for Online Images ."

Other copyright-related resources

The Art of Dance Composition: Writing the Body / Routledge, 2024 has a lengthy chapter on intellectual property, notably on the use of music in dance, but extends beyond that to include aspects such as movement.

Copyright Primer for the Dance Community / Dance Heritage Coalition, 2003

Best Practices in Fair Use of Dance-related materials / Dance Heritage Coalition, 2009 (via the Center for Media and Social Impact)

What are the copyright guidelines for music, video and other multimedia items ? / TCU Library "LibAnswers" FAQ (links to online guides)

Transmission in Motion : the Technologizing of Dance [ ebook ] / Routledge, 2016 - chapter, Digital Dance : The Challenges for Traditional Copyright Law

The art of dance composition : writing the body [ ebook ]  / Routledge, 2024 - chapters, What is not dance? and  Intellectual property  

Writing dance reviews and papers, cont'd

   

 (Routledge, 1994).  Chapter 15, entitled Writing Dance History, is by June Layson.  Other chapters by Layson include Historical Perspectives in the Study of Dance and Dance

History Source Materials (which includes evaluation thereof. Located in the main stacks, GV1589 D38 1994.
       
  (ebook, Routledge, 2018). Though not a concise how-to, this excellent volume illustrates the issues in producing dance histories and gives real-world examples. Part 1: Part 2: .

Dance criticism

A "Subject heading" search for "dance criticism" leads to a number of works on the technique of dance criticism.  Some examples are below.

    

(ebook, Wesleyan University Press, 1994) analyzes the process of dance criticism, exploring its modes, methods and underlying assumptions, and examines the work of selected critics.  Contents 

include a section on writing dance criticism and history. Also available in print, GV1723 B36 1994.
     
 

(Wesleyan University Press, 2002) includes chapters titled Looking Underneath the Itch to Criticize; Writing about Dance: An Urgent, High-Profile Opportunity; The Interested Act of Dance

Criticism; Writing Dance and many intriguing writing samples. Located in the main stacks, GV1783 D35 2002.
     
 

(ebook, Palgrave Macmillan, 2009) guides the dance writer/researcher toward in-depth thought and analytical writing.

     
 

(ebook, Wesleyan University Press, 2001) includes chapters titled The Pleasures of Studying Dance History; Beyond Description: Writing Beneath the

Surface (Deborah Jowitt); Imagining Dance; Five Premises for a Culturally Sensitive Approach to Dance, and much, much more.

Style/citation guides and other help

Citation and style

MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing - searchable online

Owl Online at Purdue University offers A very handy online  MLA Formatting and Style Guide .

Other style guides, plus citation tools, available from the Databases page ( faq )

Knight Cite

This handy tool from Calvin College, Michigan lets you select one of three style manuals (including MLA), select the type of resource (book, encyclopedia, etc.), and type the details into boxes, after which it produces the finished citation for you.

Searching, evaluating sources, writing (general)

MLA Guide to Digital Literacy

What Is Digital Literacy? / Understanding Filters and Algorithms, Bots, and Visual Manipulation / Understanding Online Searches / Conducting Online Research / Go to the (Primary) Source ! /  Surveying the Conversation by Reading Laterally / Exploring the Credibility of Sources / Working with Your Sources / Additional Strategies and Resources / Customizing Your Online Experience / Appendix: Sample Lesson Plans

T CU FAQ: What are scholarly, peer-reviewed articles ?

A Writer's Reference

This Bedford/St. Martins book, 2011, covers important basic writing and researching procedures in chapters titled Composing and revising; Academic writing; Sentence style; Word choice; Grammatical sentences; ESL challenges; Punctuation; Mechanics; Researching; MLA, APA/CMS [style]; Basic grammar.   Located in the  Reference stacks by call number PE 1408 H2778.

 --------------

The TCU Writing Center

The TCU Writing Center provides personal coaching on the entire process of writing a paper, from focusing your initial ideas to properly formatting a footnote.  Its main office is located in Reed Hall, room 419.  Online help is available through the Writing Center's website.

Citation tools

The TCU Library offers a number of tools for compiling and editing citations you compile for possible use in papers or other projects. Refworks is one, with a how-to video at https://libguides.tcu.edu/c.php?g=360387 ; also EndNote is available, with an instructional guide at  https://libguides.tcu.edu/EndNote20 .  Both citation apps can be chosen from the alphabetical lists on the Databases page  - the Databases tab is on the library's home page at https://library.tcu.edu .

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  • Introduction
  • Basic motives: self-expression and physical release
  • Defining according to function
  • Distinguishing dance from other patterned movement
  • Defining according to intent
  • The debate in the West
  • Dance as a nonverbal language
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  • Costume and stage sets in Western theatre dance
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  • Basic characteristics
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  • Postmodernism
  • The musical
  • Indian classical dance
  • Tribal dance
  • World dance

Pieter Bruegel the Elder: Peasant Dance

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Pieter Bruegel the Elder: Peasant Dance

Recent News

dance , the movement of the body in a rhythmic way, usually to music and within a given space, for the purpose of expressing an idea or emotion, releasing energy, or simply taking delight in the movement itself.

Dance is a powerful impulse, but the art of dance is that impulse channeled by skillful performers into something that becomes intensely expressive and that may delight spectators who feel no wish to dance themselves. These two concepts of the art of dance—dance as a powerful impulse and dance as a skillfully choreographed art practiced largely by a professional few—are the two most important connecting ideas running through any consideration of the subject. In dance, the connection between the two concepts is stronger than in some other arts, and neither can exist without the other.

Although the above broad definition covers all forms of the art, philosophers and critics throughout history have suggested different definitions of dance that have amounted to little more than descriptions of the kind of dance with which each writer was most familiar. Thus, Aristotle’s statement in the Poetics that dance is rhythmic movement whose purpose is “to represent men’s characters as well as what they do and suffer” refers to the central role that dance played in classical Greek theatre , where the chorus through its movements reenacted the themes of the drama during lyric interludes.

what is dance to you essay

The English ballet master John Weaver , writing in 1721, argued on the other hand that “Dancing is an elegant, and regular movement, harmoniously composed of beautiful Attitudes, and contrasted graceful Posture of the Body, and parts thereof.” Weaver’s description reflects very clearly the kind of dignified and courtly movement that characterized the ballet of his time, with its highly formalized aesthetics and lack of forceful emotion. The 19th-century French dance historian Gaston Vuillier also emphasized the qualities of grace, harmony, and beauty, distinguishing “true” dance from the supposedly crude and spontaneous movements of early man:

The choreographic art . . . was probably unknown to the earlier ages of humanity. Savage man, wandering in forests, devouring the quivering flesh of his spoils, can have known nothing of those rhythmic postures which reflect sweet and caressing sensations entirely alien to his moods. The nearest approach to such must have been the leaps and bounds, the incoherent gestures, by which he expressed the joys and furies of his brutal life.

Isadora Duncan, ink on paper by Edmond van Saanen Algi, 1917; in the National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.

John Martin , the 20th-century dance critic, almost ignored the formal aspect of dance in emphasizing its role as a physical expression of inner emotion. In doing so, he betrayed his own sympathy toward the Expressionist school of modern American dance: “At the root of all these varied manifestations of dancing . . . lies the common impulse to resort to movement to externalise states which we cannot externalise by rational means. This is basic dance.”

A truly universal definition of dance must, therefore, return to the fundamental principle that dance is an art form or activity that utilizes the body and the range of movement of which the body is capable. Unlike the movements performed in everyday living, dance movements are not directly related to work, travel, or survival. Dance may, of course, be made up of movements associated with these activities, as in the work dances common to many cultures , and it may even accompany such activities. But even in the most practical dances, movements that make up the dance are not reducible to those of straightforward labour; rather, they involve some extra qualities such as self-expression, aesthetic pleasure, and entertainment.

How Fred Astaire became a dancer

This article discusses the techniques and components of dance as well as the aesthetic principles behind its appreciation as an art. Various types of dance are discussed with emphasis on their style and choreography . The history of dance in various regions is treated in a number of articles; see dance, African ; music and dance, Oceanic ; dance, Western ; arts, Central Asian ; arts, East Asian ; arts, Islamic ; dance, Native American ; arts, South Asian ; and arts, Southeast Asian . The interaction between dance and other art forms is discussed in folk dance .

  • Essay On Dance

Dance Essay

500+ words essay on dance.

Dance has occupied an important place in Indian culture throughout history. Dance is most commonly defined as a way of human expression through movement. People have seen dance as a performing art on stage, on-screen and in the media. Dance can also be a form of physical fitness or a prime means of expressing cultural heritage and identity. Historically, dance was often performed in rituals, worship, social celebrations, and as a means of entertainment and self-expression. Nowadays, dance has become a part of traditional events and also an element of new innovative performing experiences. This essay on dance will help students to understand the importance of dance and its different forms. For students’ convenience, we have also compiled a list of CBSE Essays on different topics to brush up on their essay writing skills.

Dance Is an Art

Dance connects us to society and culture in many universal and personal ways. It deepens our understanding of the world and ourselves. Synthesising personal knowledge and experiences with dance movements reinforces us to perceive the feelings and ideas evoked in a dance form. Dance makes us feel happy. When we dance, all our worries and stress go away. We get lost in pleasure and joy. Dance is also an exercise that provides numerous benefits to our health, such as improving blood circulation, developing muscles, promoting greater flexibility, improving body posture etc. People who dance daily are always fit and cheerful. That’s why dancers are very less likely to fall sick.

Dance helps us to connect to our inner selves. It provides us with mental peace and awakens the consciousness of our inner beauty. It helps develop self-confidence and self-esteem in a stimulating environment. Dance makes us feel more energetic and enthusiastic. It makes the brain learn things faster, so our capability to grasp new things increases.

Different Dance Forms of India

Dance has a long history in India. A large amount of material related to dance, dating from as early as the 2nd century BCE up to the 21st century CE, is available. For example, we have a bronze ‘dancing girl’ figurine from Mohenjo-Daro and a broken torso from Harappa in a dance pose. The history of dance can be traced back to the classical, middle and modern historical periods.

Indian dance forms fall into two broad categories – classical and folk. The present-day forms of classical Indian dances are performed on the stage on various occasions. The classical dance forms include Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathak, Sattriya, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam etc. Whereas the folk dance forms include Bhangra, Lavani, Ghumara, Kathi, Nakata, Koli, Gadhwali, Lezim, Savari, Painka, Chhau, Munari etc.

The presentation of Indian dance in Hindi cinema has projected modern dances. Dance in early Hindi cinema was primarily modelled on classical Indian dance styles. Modern films often use a fusion of Indian dance styles with Western dance styles. It could be a combination of inter-mixing of Indian classical, Indian folk dance, belly dancing, jazz, hip hop and even folk forms.

Students must have found this “Essay on Dance” useful for improving their essay-writing skills. They can get the study material and latest updates on CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive Exams at BYJU’S.

Frequently Asked Questions on Dance Essay

How many dance forms have indian origin.

About 15 dance forms are said to be of Indian origin, and all these are practised and learnt even today.

Some positive effects of dance and dancing?

Dancing can be a stress buster for many and helps in the relaxation of the body and mind. It also has several health benefits such as improved blood circulation, nervous system coordination, etc.

Who invented dance?

The origins of the dance are said to be in India (9000 years old) and in Egypt (5300 years old).

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The DNC ceremonial roll call featured a DJ and songs to represent each state and territory. Here are all the songs on the playlist

By Christopher Brito

Updated on: August 21, 2024 / 6:06 PM EDT / CBS News

The Democratic National Convention turned a routine roll call into a dance party Tuesday night as Democrats celebrated Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's nominee for the 2024 presidential race. 

The ceremonial roll call became a star-studded fest that included a live performance from Lil Jon and a medley of songs from Dolly Parton, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and others that corresponded to each state and U.S. territory.

The roll call concluded with Harris' home state of California , which was intentionally left until the end, and featured four songs, including two from Kendrick Lamar. Harris later appeared on video from Milwaukee, where she was holding a rally, and thanked supporters for nominating her. The playlist was put together by celebrity DJ Cassidy, who  posted his setlist  on his Spotify. 

US-VOTE-POLITICS-DEMOCRATIC-CONVENTION

Following the event, DJ Cassidy told Rolling Stone that he got a call a month ago from a producer of the convention, who told him they wanted him to become the convention's "first musical maestro" for the DNC's roll call. He told the outlet that there were many hours of "meticulous curation" involved in the choosing of songs, saying, "None of them were freestyle."

DJ Cassidy said it was a "surreal feeling to see the 'Pass the Mic' experience connected to the roll call."

"It hit me differently than I thought it would," he said. "It felt like it brought a new life to the process that people take for granted. And the process is giving people a voice."

Full list of songs played during DNC's roll call 

  • Delaware: "Higher Love" - Kygo, Whitney Houston
  • Alabama: "Sweet Home Alabama" - Lynyrd Skynyrd 
  • Alaska: "Feel It Still" - Portugal. The Man 
  • American Samoa: "The Edge of Glory" - Lady Gaga
  • Arizona: "Edge of Seventeen" - Stevie Nicks
  • Arkansas: "Don't Stop" - Fleetwood Mac
  • Colorado: "September" - Earth, Wind & Fire
  • Connecticut: "Signed Sealed, Delivered" - Stevie Wonder
  • Democrats abroad: "Love Train" - The O'Jays
  • Washington, D.C.: "Let Me Clear My Throat" - DJ Kool
  • Florida: "Won't Back Down" - Tom Petty
  • Georgia: "Turn Down for What" - Lil Jon
  • Georgia: "Get Low" - Lil John & the East Side Boyz
  • Guam: "Espresso" - Sabrina Carpenter
  • Hawaii: "24K Magic" - Bruno Mars
  • Idaho:   "Private Idaho" - The B-52s
  • Illinois: "Sirius" - The Alan Parsons Project
  • Indiana: "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough" - Michael Jackson
  • Iowa: "Celebrate" - Kool & the Gang
  • Kansas: "Carry on Wayward Son" - Kansas
  • Kentucky: "First Class" - Jack Harlow
  • Louisiana: "All I Do Is Win" -  DJ Khaled
  • Maine: "Shut Up and Dance" - Walk the Moon
  • Maryland: "Respect" - Aretha Franklin
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  • Michigan: "Lose Yourself" - Eminem
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  • Minnesota: "1999" - Prince
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  • Missouri: "Good Luck, Babe" - Chappell Roan
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  • Nebraska: "Firework" - Katy Perry
  • Nevada: "Mr. Brightside" - The Killers
  • New Hampshire: "Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey
  • New Jersey: "Born in the U.S.A." - Bruce Springsteen
  • New Mexico: "Confident" - Demi Lovato
  • New York: "Empire State of Mind" - Jay Z and Alicia Keys
  • North Carolina: "Raise Up" - Petey Pablo
  • North Dakota: "Girl On Fire" - Alicia Keys
  • Ohio: "Green Light" - John Legend, Andre 3000 
  • Oklahoma: "Ain't Going Down (Till the Sun Comes Up)" - Garth Brooks
  • Oregon: "Float On" - Modest Mouse
  • Pennsylvania: "Black and Yellow" - Wiz Khalifa 
  • Pennsylvania: "Motownphilly" - Boyz II Men
  • Puerto Rico:   "Despacito" - Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee
  • Rhode Island: "Shake it Off" - Taylor Swift
  • South Carolina: "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" - James Brown
  • South Dakota:   "What I Like About You" - The Romantics
  • Tennessee: "9 To 5" - Dolly Parton
  • Texas: "Texas Hold 'Em" - Beyoncé
  • Utah: "Animal" - Neon Trees
  • Vermont: "Stick Season" - Noah Kahan
  • Virginia: "The Way I Are" - Timbaland
  • Washington: "Can't Hold Us" - Macklemore
  • West Virginia: "Take Me Home, Country Roads" - John Denver
  • Wisconsin: "Jump Around" - House of Pain
  • Wyoming: "I Gotta Feeling" - Black Eyed Peas
  • Virgin Islands: "VI to the Bone" - Mic Love
  • California: "The Next Episode" - Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg
  • California: "Alright" - Kendrick Lamar 
  • California: They Not Like Us" - Kendrick Lamar
  • California: "California Love" - Tupac

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What Happens to House Velaryon by the Time of ‘Game of Thrones’?

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Editor's Note: The following contains full spoilers for Fire & Blood, the book that House of the Dragon is based on.

The Big Picture

  • The Dance of the Dragons in House of the Dragon marks the decline of House Velaryon, impacting their naval supremacy.
  • Other houses, including Greyjoy, Lannister, and Redwyne, build their naval power over time as a result of this.
  • By the time of Game of Thrones , House Velaryon is a minor player, sworn to House Baratheon of Dragonstone.

House Velaryon is one of the key players in House of the Dragon . They are one of the wealthiest houses and have the greatest armada in Westeros. They have the legendary Corlys Velaryon ( Steve Toussaint ) as their lord, though the situation might get a bit dodgy when it comes to who might be his heir. Still, they are an illustrious Valyrian house during the era of the Dance of the Dragons. But, by the time of Game of Thrones , the Velaryons are but a shadow of what they once were. The house's name is barely spoken in the series, and some members briefly show up in the A Song of Ice and Fire books, but in subordinate positions, not nearly as influential and important as they once were. What happened to "the old, the true, and the brave?"

house of the dragon poster

House of the Dragon

The reign of House Targaryen begins with this prequel to the popular HBO series  Game of Thrones. Based on George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood , House of the Dragon  is set nearly 200 years before Game of Thrones , telling the story of the Targaryen civil war with King Viserys.

The Dance of the Dragons Starts the Decline of House Velaryon

The Dance of the Dragons is actually the starting point of House Velaryon's decline. For more than a century, House Velaryon held control of the Narrow Sea even in the face of foreign threats such as the Triarchy, but the civil war forces them to direct most of their efforts to the blockade on the Gullet. The upcoming Battle of the Gullet , especially, causes great damage to the Velaryon fleet , as well as sackings all over Driftmark. This is the beginning of House Velaryon's decline, although it would take some decades for it to fully be realized.

Right after Corlys dies, it's Alyn of Hull ( Abubakar Salim ), legitimized as Alyn Velaryon, who inherits Driftmark and becomes the head of House Velaryon. Alyn proves to be a great commander and manages to continue House Velaryon's supremacy in the waters, but he was never a sharp political player . With the Velaryon fleet based mostly on Driftmark and the Gullet, other houses started building their own naval power until eventually the Velaryon fleet was no longer the biggest proverbial fish in the sea.

Other Houses Rival House Velaryon When It Comes to Naval Power After the Dance

Eventually, other naval powers emerged on the other side of Westeros. House Greyjoy has always been powerful but never reliable; they attacked and led invasions into the Westerlands and the Reach. Consequently, House Lannister developed their own way of protecting themselves by building an armada based in Lannisport . For example, after the War of the Five Kings , they are the most powerful navy in Westeros. For the same reasons, but further to the south, House Redwyne also begin to build their naval forces. Located on the island of the Arbor, they have always been prone to seafaring and grew to the point of surpassing House Hightower's naval prowess.

Even so, House Velaryon still held some influence , with many Velaryons holding the position of Master of Ships in the Small Council. By the time of King Aerys II ( David Rintoul ), for example, Lord Lucerys Velaryon (no, not our Luke) plays this role in his council but is also one of the Mad King's advisors who preys on his decline for his own benefit. Robert's Rebellion also drastically shifts the power balance , with House Baratheon now becoming the major naval power in Westeros.

House Velaryon is sworn to the Prince of Dragonstone, and when Robert Baratheon ( Mark Addy ) becomes king, he appoints his brother, Stannis Baratheon ( Stephen Dillane ), as the new prince. Stannis then starts his own branch, House Baratheon of Dragonstone , to whom House Velaryon is currently sworn .

By the Time of ‘Game of Thrones,’ House Velaryon Is Only a Minor Player

In the Game of Thrones books, House Velaryon continues being sworn to Dragonstone, so they join Stannis Baratheon's forces in the War of the Five Kings. Lord Monford Velaryon is even present at the Battle of Blackwater Bay , but dies as his ship sinks. His six-year-old son, Monterys, then succeeds him as Lord of Driftmark. When Stannis calls his banners to go to the Wall, House Velaryon sends a host, and Jon Snow ( Kit Harington ) even notices Velaryon banners among the ones of House Baratheon when Stannis defeats Mace Rayder's ( Ciarán Hinds ) wildlings beyond the Wall.

In the Battle of Blackwater Bay, Lord Monford's bastard half-brother, Aurane Waters, is captured and forced to bend the knee to King Joffrey ( Jack Gleeson ). He later becomes Master of Ships and even starts working on expanding the Lannister armada in King's Landing. He even briefly antagonizes Lord Mace Tyrell ( Roger Ashton-Griffiths ). Still, when Aurane hears of Cersei Lannister's ( Lena Headey ) imprisonment by the High Sparrow ( Jonathan Pryce ) and the Faith of the Seven , he flees his post, his whereabouts currently unknown.

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House of the Dragon (2022)

History and Development of Dance Essay

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The history of dance can be traced back to the very beginnings of humankind history. Dance is ultimately a social event and signalizes occasions of social interaction: not incidentally, therefore, elements of dance can be observed even in such non-human societies as bee swarms and bird couples.

Initially bearing purely informative meaning in the animal world and the primitive society, dance gradually acquired a more complex meaning and became a means of self expression. Developing from symbolic religious activities, the practice of dancing evolved in a social activity and later obtained the status of performing arts.

As such, dance is movement, and movement is altogether natural to human body. It is observed that at moments of intense joy, people tend to perform an increased amount of movements in order to relieve the brain of the excessive amount of oxygen (Scott 1). Such behavior is especially noticeable about children, since they do not control themselves as much as adults; in this respect, primitive savages are not much different from children.

Those leaping movements of the body are the first prehistoric dance that can be observed both in people and in animals expressing their happiness. But this disarrayed motion does not comply with the comprehensive definition of dance provided by Edward Scott, who interprets dance as “the art and expressing gracefully and intelligibly, by movement and gesture, every emotion and sentiment of which the mind is capable, and every incident possible in human life” (6).

Such was the vision of dancing practiced already among the Ancient Greeks, whose art of pantomime dance was compared by Aristotle to poetry, since it could express not only actions but also manners and passions. The art of dancing was connected by Greeks to the idea of harmony and perfection of human body: therefore, dancing ultimately had to be graceful in order to emphasize and not to destroy the natural human beauty (Scott 38).

Corresponding to the meaning behind them, religious dances, embodying the spirit of tragedy, were dignified and stately; while their opposites, the wild grotesque dance, were not to be danced in sober mind (Scott 41). Combining the features of those two extremes and concluding the three-partite order of dances was the vivid dance. In any case, both stately and wild Greek dances were inseparably linked with their religious practices and bore their peculiarities from the nature of the deity glorified by dance.

Historians state that the Greeks borrowed the art of mimic imitation from the dancing art of the Ancient Egyptians (Scott 21). Together with ritual dances performed at funeral of prominent people and at other religious ceremonies connected with worshipping the astronomic gods, Egyptians took pleasure in entertaining dances, mostly performed by graceful girls in light attire. The character of movements was varied by hired dancers according to the tastes of their employers, and therefore could sink from grotesque to mere buffoonery (Scott 23).

From the above it becomes obvious that the antiquity shaped three visions of dance: dance as ritual, as ecstasy, and as entertainment. The Middle Ages witnessed two applications of dance: in church (sacred dance) and in society (secular). Ceremonial in its nature, religious dance involved solemn movements and symbolic figures that corresponded to the accompanying hymns.

Though provoking controversy as to their appropriateness in the church, sacred dances enjoyed a large variation from May Dances to Dances of Death, each bearing a religious significance (Kassing 73–75). Due to the fact that secular and sacred spheres closely intermingled in contemporary life, dances often ‘migrated’ from church to the worldly life. In addition, the institute of chivalry which prospered at the time positioned dance as a way to express gentility and compliance with etiquette, as well as state the knight’s code of honor (Kassing 72).

Dance was more and more drawn into the sphere of entertainment, since amusements were scarce; travelling performers became especially popular, bringing new dances such as carole, farandole, pavane, and others from court to court. In the Renaissance dances increasingly drifted apart from the sacred sphere and became a token of position and manners for the upper society, and a way of celebrating social and life events for the lower classes.

From the Medieval tradition of Dance Dramas, which represented the lives of saints and martyrs, stemmed the idea of 16th and 17th century ballets, ranging from Ballet-Masquerade to Ballet Pastoral and Ballet-Comique (Kassing 101–105). Moving dance from the court into the theatre, the eighteenth century celebrated the onset of ballet art, mainly in the Paris Opera.

Moving away from the artificiality of court ballet, ballet d’action set the aim of imitating nature, which naturally fostered development of costume and decorations. In addition, the art of pointe-work was initiated as well as capacities of whole body were employed in dancing.

Court ballrooms also witnessed a refreshment of repertoire, with minuet being one of the most popular dances of the period and reflecting the national peculiarities of the places it was danced in: while the French envisaged it as a graceful unhurried dance, emphasizing the male gallantry and the female grace, the Italians imparted a brisk and lively character, as well as faster tempo to it.

The early nineteenth century in Europe was still experiencing the consequences of the French Revolution, and the slogan of freedom applies to women’s clothes as well. The unrestrictive design of the garments allow performing jumping and skipping movements, reflected in such dances as gallop and quadrille. However, the ballet stage witnesses a completely different situation.

The era of Romanticism dictated its ideals to the image of ballet-dancer: ballerina on pointes became a nearly deific, ethereal creature, soaring over the parquet in her magic movements. This fully reflected the tendencies towards fantasy, spiritualism, and emotional perception of world promoted by Romantic ideas. By the mid-1850s, female fashion was characterized by enormous hoop skirts, which in turn promoted changes in dancing techniques and made turning dances, such as waltz, rule the ballroom.

The twentieth century has brought about cardinal social change, which also reflected on the dancing styles. On the one hand, due to efforts of Russian ballet troupes, professional ballet was revolutionized, acquiring new techniques and virtuosic standards of dancing.

On the other hand, social dancing is more than ever the terrain for raving youth who possess enough energy to perform such active dances as Charleston, fox trot, shag, and others. In addition, black society influences the dance room and introduces such genre as swing dancing. By the eng of the century, classical dance is characterized by breath-taking technique and conceptual choreography, while popular culture is organized in the sphere of street-dancing, with hip-hop and break dance ruling the dance floors.

All in all, it appears obvious that the ritual character of dance inherent in it since the first days of its existence shapes itself into two directions: the “self-unconscious act without deliberate aesthetic concerns” that reveals itself in the culture of tribal dances, and the unique experience of individual transformed into the “metaphoric idiom known as art” (Highwater 14).

In the course of historical development, dance demonstrates a clear tendency from the former aspect to the latter, basing on the social influence that affect its development.

Works Cited

Highwater, Jamake. Dance: Rituals of Experience . 3rd ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1996. Print.

Kassing, Gayle. History of Dance: An Interactive Arts Approach . Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 2007. Print.

Scott, Edward. Dancing in All Ages — The History of Dance . London, Hesperides Press, 2006. Print.

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IvyPanda. (2018, May 9). History and Development of Dance. https://ivypanda.com/essays/dance-history/

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