Brookelynn Taylor

Writer

Dance has been a part of human history since its earliest origins, bringing transcendence to spiritual rituals and creating bonds within communities.

Cave paintings in India provide the earliest record of the dance from around 8000 BC; there are also Egyptian tomb paintings from 3300 BC.

Hindu dance in India has a rich performance history dating back thousands of years, but was restricted in the late 17th century by British settlers who saw the dance as immoral.

Chinese dance dates back at least 3,000 years; with ceremonial and folk dances being suitable for imperial court performances.

Chinese celebrations still include traditional dances such as dragon and lion dances.

Ballroom dancing originated in most parts of the world from folk dances, many of which were simple and repetitive.

In Europe, medieval folk dances became formal ballroom dances.

People today still enjoy the excitement of seeing a modern dance performance, even as contemporary dance companies cross borders.

For example, graceful dances such as waltz and foxtrot bring elegance to celebrations, while more lively standard dances increase, including the Charleston, swing dance, polka, quickstep, and various country-western dances.

Salsa dances and Latin dances such as tango, chacha, samba and rumba contain complex rhythms and fluid movements.

Jitterbugging in the 1950s and disco in the 1970s have their roots in earlier ballroom-dancing frenzy, but rock and electronic music brought new styles of dancing, often partnerless, to parties and dance floors.

House dancing incorporates Latin and soul influences, while rave dancing is energetic and freestyle.

Black American dance style known as “hip-hop dance” has exploded around the world over the last fifty years, adding related styles of breakdancing, popping and rocking plex rhythms and fluid movements.

Marlow High School contributes to the dance culture with their dance team known as the MHS bootleggers. 

Senior Maya Cantwell has been a part of the bootleggers since her freshman year in high school, and she talks about her experience with dance.

“I feel like I can express myself through dance,” Cantwell stated. “Watching others dance inspires me; I am able to learn from them and pick up some of their style.” 

For example, Cantwell stated, “The family I have made through dance is what keeps me going; I could not do it without them. I am so thankful for some of the friendships I have made throughout my time as a bootlegger.” 

Not only do the bootleggers represent MHS’s dance culture but junior American History teacher, James Brown spends a week teaching his students different dances from the 1920 era such as: the “Charleston,” “Black Bottom” and “Foxtrot.”

Dance provides an environment in which individuals can develop a sense of connection and togetherness with other dancers.

Fellow senior Haley Mckinley, has been dancing since she was six years old and has since welcomed the thrill of dancing. 

“The best part about dance is getting to go to different places with my friends for competitions and conventions,” Mckinley explained. “I have kept dancing because over the years it has become such an important part of my life and some of my closest friends are the girls I dance with.” 

Therefore, dance is not only entertainment but it can also benefit people in many different ways. 

For example, dancing offers plenty of benefits for your emotions, intelligence, and relationships. Learning and practicing dance can improve self-esteem, improve mood and attitude, ease depression and anxiety, and it also provides a way to escape repetitive negative thoughts and worries. 

Dance is a powerful impulse that not only affects the performers but also the viewers; unfortunately, not many people are aware of the capabilities of dance.