Dancing (hobby)

Dancing is the physical movement of the body in response to rhythm and/or music. Dancing gradually evolved, along with the development of music, from its early use in magic and other sacred rituals, to an activity with many social and entertainment applications. Dancing was prominent in ancient Greek and Roman cultures, where special dances were associated with war, religion, and community celebrations. The ancient Greeks also elevated dance to a performance art, along with theater and music.

Due to its physical and potentially suggestive nature, dancing has been regulated in some societies and cultures. Ancient Greek men and women danced in separate lines, for example, while African boys were taught different dances than their female counterparts. Many countries initially banned the waltz, as it required partners to embrace.

Dancing styles also became associated with socioeconomic class. While French and German peasants held "barn dances," the upper classes enjoyed the refined minuet and the Viennese waltz. While African American slaves indulged in the juba (hambone) or the cakewalk, a parody of their slave masters, the plantation owners were dancing the quadrille, a group dance considered a precursor to modern square dancing.

Dancing traditions, styles, and customs vary with each generation. The Charleston was the dance of the 1920s, followed by the jitterbug in the 1940s, disco in the 1970s, the Macarena in the 1990s, and hip-hop in the twenty-first century . Although fads, each of these dances has become part of the cultural legacy of our country and in some cases, the world.

Dancers today can learn the same steps that were performed by their ancestors as well as newer variations, or they can venture into the world of improvisation. They can choose to pursue a glamorous career in ballroom or Irish stepdancing, or enjoy the art of tap, the fun of country line dancing, the cardiovascular workout of Jazzercise, or the camaraderie of contra dancing in their leisure time.

Things to Look For

Many people are intimidated or shy about dancing. They may feel they have "two left feet" or look silly shaking their hips. Perhaps the most important advice is to find a dance style that matches one's personality and musical interests. Ballet and Viennese waltzing rely heavily on classical music. Hip-hop, swing, and line dancing are closely associated with popular music, although the rhythms are vastly different. Folk music forms the foundation for international, contra, and country dancing (Irish, English, Scottish), while country or old time music sets the stage for square dancing and clogging.

Another major consideration is the dancer's motivation. Those interested primarily in physical fitness should consider aerobic dancing or belly dancing. If socialization is the main goal, then dancers might enjoy contra, square, or English or Scottish country dancing, which entail a high level of interaction between many dancers. Partner dancing, including Cajun, two-step, and ballroom or round dancing (waltz, tango, foxtrot, swing, Latin, polka), involves close proximity and physical interaction with another dancing partner, yet it is common to switch partners for different dances, meaning that one can meet many people in an evening. Novices interested in dancing solo might be especially interested in step dance, clogging, tap, modern, jazz, or hip-hop dancing. Most of these are also performed with a team, for those who like precision dancing.

The most expressive dances include modern, Latin, jazz, and ballet, as well as freestyle dances (to musical styles such as rock and hip-hop), although all dancing leaves room for some opportunity to make a personal statement.

Trends

While dancing in general has exploded in popularity, belly dancing, pole dancing, hip-hop, and Irish stepdancing are among the types of solo dancing that have been attracting the most attention, while swing and tango have been generating the most enthusiasm in the ballroom and on college campuses.

Modern dance continues to be one of the most expressive forms, and, along with hip-hop, offers the most opportunity for unique choreography. The trend in modern dance is towards choreographing dances that are thought-provoking, with anthropological or psychological connotations.

Dancing for Fun vs. Profit

Opportunities exist for those interested in a career or part-time employment in dance. Performance, teaching, and choreography represent the major areas, with entrepreneurship opportunities available in each. DanceSport and other high-profile competitions can prove lucrative for top dancers, and can lead to commercial ventures.

Part-time jobs include belly dancing in Middle Eastern restaurants. Dancers who can swim, skate, act, or perform gymnastics may find additional opportunities as well.

Learning More

Organizations  

USA Dance <http://usadance.org/>

Books  

Cooper, Laura A. Belly Dancing Basics. New York: Sterling, 2004.

Fletcher, Beverly. Tapworks: A Tap Dictionary and Reference Manual. Hightstown, N.J.: Princeton Book Co., 2002.

Minden, Eliza Gaynor. The Ballet Companion: A Dancer's Guide to the Technique, Traditions, and Joys of Ballet. New York: Fireside/Simon & Schuster, 2005.

Trautman, Shawn, and Joanna Trautman. Picture Yourself Dancing: Step-by-Step Instruction for Ballroom, Latin, Country, and More. Boston: Thomson/Course Technology, 2006

Magazines  

Dance

Dance Spirit