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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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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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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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.

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How to Write Importance of Dance Essay – 2 Sample Essays

Writing an essay on the importance of dance can be a fun and interesting task. It allows you to explore the art form in greater detail while also providing insight into its cultural, physical and emotional benefits.

With two sample essays provided below as examples, you’ll have all the guidance you need to craft an effective essay on the importance of dance.

Table of Contents

How to Write Importance of Dance Essay – A Step-By-Step Guide

1. research.

To start, you should research different aspects of dance, including its history and the various styles of dance (from breakdancing to hip-hop). Additionally, look into how dance has evolved over time, as well as its cultural significance in different parts of the world.

3. Organize

Once you have a better understanding of each aspect, organize your thoughts into a logical structure that flows from one point to the next. Ensure each point is connected to the overall theme of your essay, and make sure there is a clear introduction and conclusion.

5. Proofread

Sample essays on the importance of dance, sample essay 1 – the importance of dance.

Dance is more than just a physical activity ; it is also an art form. It has been around since the days of ancient civilizations and offers countless benefits, both physically and emotionally. From providing exercise to creating beautiful pieces of choreography, dance can have a lasting impact on people of all ages.

Danca is beneficial for spiritual and mental well-being, providing an outlet for stress relief and a way to connect with oneself. It can also be a wonderful form of self-expression, allowing dancers to express themselves in ways that words cannot. Lastly, by performing in competitions or performances, dancers are able to build confidence and make friends with other like-minded individuals in the process.

Sample Essay 2 – Importance of Dance

In ancient civilizations, for example, most dances were religious in nature and involved complex rituals meant to appease the gods or fulfil a spiritual quest. These dances often consisted of intricate steps that mirrored the movements of animals and nature. As society changed, so did the purposes of dance; it became more free-flowing and improvisational. This was particularly true during the Baroque period in Europe when people embraced a culture of performance and leisure activities that included ballet and other social dances.

In modern times, dance has evolved even further as people have embraced different genres, such as jazz and hip-hop. Despite this diversity , dance still continues to be used for communicating emotions and creating art in various ways. It is a great way to get exercise or practice artistic expression, but it can also be a powerful tool for connecting with other individuals on an emotional level.

In conclusion, dance is an important part of human history, and it has gone through many changes over the centuries in order to adapt to different societies. From its ancient beginnings as a religious ritual to its modern-day iteration that encompasses all types of music genres, dancing remains a powerful way for people to connect with each other and express themselves creatively. Therefore, it is important to continue to explore and appreciate all aspects of dance so that we can gain a deeper understanding of our own unique cultures.

Wrapping Up

Additionally, make sure to explore the history of dance and how it has changed over time in order to better understand its role in our lives today. By following these tips, you can create a compelling essay on the importance of dance and its many contributions to society.

Become a Writer Today

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.

  • 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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Introduction

18th & 19th century: "the waltz", 20th century swing - 1930s to 50s, rock and roll - 1950s to 60s, disco - 1970s, urban dance - 1980s – 2000s.

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Essay Samples on Dance

What does dance mean to me: a personal exploration.

What does dance mean to you? Dance, an art form that transcends language and culture, holds a special place in my heart. As I reflect on what dance means to me, I am drawn into a world of expression, emotion, and connection. This essay will...

Michael Jackson's Iconic Legacy of Music and Dance

Michael Jackson was an iconic figure all around; His talent consisted of his music and dance style together with his ability to easily put on a show putting him at the top of his chain. He was such a massive influencer in the entertainment industry...

  • Michael Jackson

Martha Graham's Unique Style And Her Influence On Choreography

Dance is much more than a way to entertain an audience. It is a powerful voice to communicate emotions and messages to the world. Choreography has the opportunity to be influenced by what is happening during a specific time period. As well, choreography can prompt...

  • Martha Graham
  • Visual Arts

The Role of Dance and Art in My Personal Identity

“Ta-din-din-dha, ta-din-din-dha.” The music of the tabla created a rhythmic lull, guiding my tired feet during a Thursday evening kathak class. It wasn’t until my second year of medical school that I decided to pursue kathak, an Indian classical dance form often likened to tap...

The Remarkable Legacy of Jerome Robbins

Jerome Robbins was born on October 11, 1918, in Wisconsin, New Jersey, USA. He has a strong interest in dance since he was a child and is deeply fascinated by the art of expressing his inner rich emotional world through his body language, dreaming of...

  • Fiddler on The Roof

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The Cultural Background of the Kathak Dance

To start off we shall look at how the history this epic holds value in the north of india through one of the most well known classical indian dance forms- Kathak. Kathak is known for its balance and graceful delicacy that manages to depict a...

The Cultural History and Diversity of India

Indian cultural history has been enriched by customs, traditions and rituals brought by invaders and immigrants. Many Indian customs, cultural practices and languages are examples of this mixture through the centuries. It is in India that many religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism, have...

  • Cultural Diversity

The Important Role of Dance in Musical Theater

Musical theater is where directors, choreographers and or producers can experience either major flops or gain a tremendous success. Great loss and or success all stems from the integrity of collaboration and purpose of all those involved in the creative team. When musical theater becomes...

African West Coast'S Dances Of Masks Ritual: A Vivid Portrayal

Abstract Religious ritual is a significant action that expresses our deepest understandings of the world. Religious rituals are common in almost all religions and therefore the common topic of attraction for anthropologists. In this research paper, I observed a form of religious ritual which is...

  • African Masquerades

The Magnificence of the Indian Classical Dance, Kathak

Contemporary performances of Indian Classical Dance offer to be a platform for presenting and understanding ideas about nationalism, anti-colonial discourses, and the formation of an ideology of a modern nation-state in India. My aim is to explore the concept of decolonizing the body in post-colonial,...

The Review of the Dance Performance: Candle Dance

The Candle Dance is performance by a group of musicians with dancers to dance. In the beginning, this dance was only staged by 5 to 7 female dancers, but along with its development there was perform by a pairing in pairs of men and women....

  • Dance Performance Review

Embodiment of Dance Variety in a Dance Presentation

The current study embodiments different styles of dance likewise ballet, rythmic gymnastic, oriental, tap, modern, jazz and contemporary dance. Analyses the technical skills, performative skills and the physical skills for each dance I have been experienced to and further the style I personally chosen for...

Classical Ballet Teachers' Intentional and Unintentional Influence on Body Dissatisfaction

Classical Ballet Teachers’ intentional and un-intentional influence on their students’ body dissatisfaction and self-image Introduction Dance could be understood as a phenomenon, where classical ballet in particular, may be considered a niche of its own. Classical ballet dancers are widely known as people who like...

How Attending Dance Classes Improved My Life

Introduction As a representative of the first generation of the Nigerian-Canadian diaspora, I had a specific experience regarding dance art. In particular, this experience was expressed in the perception of dances as a set of energetic and dynamic movements of the human body that can...

  • African Diaspora

Dance Impact on Children’s Development

Introduction “If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them out of their chairs” (Sowder, 2014). Dance is a performing art that impacts the health of the whole child. It is an art form in which one communicates and expresses...

  • Development

Dancing in the 1920’s Compared to Dancing Now

“Dancers are the athletes of God”. 'Good morning/afternoon honourable judges, teachers, staff, parents, and fellow students'. That quote was made by Albert Einstein. As u know Albert Einstein is scientist but he did love dance. Dancing is considered a sport that allows you to express...

  • Competition
  • Personal Growth and Development

The Historical Influence of Ballet

Ballet is oft thought to be a stiff, boring, all-pink form of dance. But it’s resounding influence on culture, social dynamics, and politics in history show that this delicate art is not to be dismissed. The complex art form that is ballet sprung from an...

Gender Roles in Romantic Ballet

The female role in the Romantic Ballet took a huge tole in performances, while the males became more of an assistance to them as they gave the illusion of effortless and weightless movements that involved two people. The females became the dominate gender as everything...

  • Gender Roles

The Origins and Future Development of Classical Ballet

Most people think that classical ballet originated in France. This is because the terms for all of the movements in classical ballet are in French, but in fact, classical ballet first originated in Italy. Only in the 16th century was classical ballet brought to France...

Riveting Themes and Expressive Dancing In 'Black Swan'

Riveting themes and expressive dancing tie the suspenseful film, “The Black Swan”, into a thrilling masterpiece. This gripping film follows the undertaking of a timid ballerina who struggles to succeed in the ambitious world of a professional ballerina. Released in the Christmas season of 2010,...

The Time I saw the Diwali Festival Dance

On the 2nd of November I went to see the live performance of Diwali Dance Party at the Town Hall in Flushing Queens. The event, lasted for four hours and showcased the Indian traditional dances, music, clothing and food. There were also workshops at the...

Breaking the Mould and the Breaking Bad

After being informed of the Local Authority’s interest in exhibiting works that ‘break the mould’, I have performed research to find practitioners that fit this category. Breaking the mould is a subjective concept, but it does have the ability to be defined as ‘putting an...

  • Breaking Bad
  • Stereotypes

Dirty Dancing - An Iconic Dance Film

The eighties were a time of change for many women around the globe. The fight against the sexual stereotypes set by the media, art, and advertising of the previous decades starts to become stronger. People start realizing that beyond women's basic rights, such as voting...

  • Film Analysis

Metaphors Of A Dancing Beast

I suspected that she wanted something with me, something to do with our carnality. I was always a beast wanting to taste her blood, her fire. In business we were always very committed, in each meeting we felt the excess of seriousness that we had...

  • Personal Experience

How To Survive: Competition Season As A Cheerleader

If you ask anyone, “Do you think cheer is a sport?” most people will say no, it is not a sport. However, most of these people do not understand how much goes into being a cheerleader. Many people tend to think of typical football cheerleading...

  • Cheerleading
  • Competitive Sports

Best topics on Dance

1. What Does Dance Mean to Me: A Personal Exploration

2. Michael Jackson’s Iconic Legacy of Music and Dance

3. Martha Graham’s Unique Style And Her Influence On Choreography

4. The Role of Dance and Art in My Personal Identity

5. The Remarkable Legacy of Jerome Robbins

6. The Cultural Background of the Kathak Dance

7. The Cultural History and Diversity of India

8. The Important Role of Dance in Musical Theater

9. African West Coast’S Dances Of Masks Ritual: A Vivid Portrayal

10. The Magnificence of the Indian Classical Dance, Kathak

11. The Review of the Dance Performance: Candle Dance

12. Embodiment of Dance Variety in a Dance Presentation

13. Classical Ballet Teachers’ Intentional and Unintentional Influence on Body Dissatisfaction

14. How Attending Dance Classes Improved My Life

15. Dance Impact on Children’s Development

  • Perseverance
  • Career Goals
  • Personality
  • Actions Speak Louder Than Words

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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
  • Changes in attitude toward dance
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  • The importance of training
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  • From amateur to professional
  • Ballet and modern dance
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  • Choreographers’ motives and methods
  • Gathering the movement material
  • Developing movements into phrases
  • Creating the final structure
  • Prominent notation methods
  • Difficulties of notation
  • Set and design
  • Costume and stage sets in Western theatre dance
  • Cultural distinction between dramatic and formal dance
  • Drama in Western theatre dance
  • Basic characteristics
  • Innovations in the 20th century
  • Expressionism
  • Merce Cunningham
  • 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.

introduction to dance 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.”

introduction to dance essay

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 .

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Dance Research Guide: Writing about dance; citing sources

  • Dance guide home
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  • Using FrogScholar
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  • Finding journal articles and other research materials in databases
  • Finding dance reviews, news and commentary
  • Writing about dance; citing sources
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On this page ...

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.]

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  (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.

introduction to dance 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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Referencing in APA Style: Introduction to Referencing

Introduction to Referencing

  • A-Z Referencing Examples

introduction to dance essay

Referencing is an important skill to learn at university. You are required to reference all your sources including quotes, paraphrases, data, images, and diagrams. Marks are often given for accurate referencing as this allows you to:

  • Avoid plagiarism and demonstrate good academic practice.
  • Support your arguments with evidence and examples.
  • Give others credit and recognition for their work.
  • Separate your ideas from the ideas of others.
  • Inform the reader of the sources you have used.

This guide explains how to reference your sources in the APA referencing style (7th edition). Click on the videos below to learn more about APA referencing or explore the sections below.

What is APA referencing?

In-text citations

Reference list, apa essentials.

This is a short reference in the body of your assignment which includes the author’s family name or organisation’s name, the date, and where applicable, the page number. In-text citations are generally formatted in the same way, regardless of what type of source you have used.

You must give an in-text citation for a direct quote, and when paraphrasing, summarising, reproducing data, using an image etc.

Every in-text citation must match an entry in the reference list.

There are two ways to write an in-text citation:

  • Parenthetical citations (these are also called information-prominent citations)
  • Narrative citations (these are also called integrated or author-prominent citations)

Both types of citation are acceptable to use, and you will probably find that you switch between both in your assignments.

Parenthetical citations

The information is placed in brackets, and normally at the end of a sentence before the full stop. However, the citation can be elsewhere in the sentence if this makes the reference clearer.

(Author, year) or (Author, year, p. x)

Example 1 (A summary of a whole book)

Data analysis uses an innovative technique for data mining (Tuccitto, 2017).

Example 2 (A direct quote)

The new technique makes "a dataset much more manageable than the giant original raw data" (Tuccitto, 2017, p. 5).

Narrative citations

The author's name is in the structure of your sentence followed by the date in brackets. The page number is also in brackets at the end of the quote or paraphrase. If this is at the end of the sentence, it is before the full stop.

Author (year) or Author (year) “Quote” (p. x).

Example 1 (A summary of a whole article)

Launer (2022) argues that reflection is an important skill in healthcare.

Example 2 (A paraphrased section across multiple pages)

Launer (2022) discusses how working cultures can be transformed by good conversation amongst colleagues (pp. 5-6).

Multiple citations

You may need to cite more than one source in the same sentence, for example, when showing that multiple authors agree.

  • Parenthetical citations should be included in the same set of brackets, in alphabetical order, separated by a semi colon.
  • Narrative citations can be written in any order.
  • When citing multiple works by the same author, list the author's name once, followed by the dates in order of the earliest first.

Example 1 (Multiple parenthetical citations)

Studies have shown work-life balance is important for productivity (Beverley, 2021; Hill, 2016; Veltri, 2017).

Example 2 (Multiple narrative citations)

Robinson (2023) and Ibrahim et al. (2022) found that . . .

Example 3 (Multiple narrative citations by the same author)

According to Gonzalez (2017, 2020, 2024) . . .

Repeating citations

Sometimes, you may use more than one sentence to paraphrase, summarise, or discuss a source. If referring to the same source, you only need to include the citation in the first sentence. In subsequent sentences, to show that you are continuing to draw from the same source, you can mention the author’s name or use a phrase like “the study” to refer to the source. An example of a long paraphrase can be found on the APA blog .

If you continue that discussion into a new paragraph, or return to a source later in your assignment, give the full citation again.

Page numbers

Page numbers should always be included in your citation when quoting (if a page number exists). APA also encourages the use of page numbers when paraphrasing, although this is not essential. We suggest using page numbers when quoting and paraphrasing, unless otherwise directed by your module leader.

  • Use p. for one page, or pp. for multiple pages. Put a dash between your numbers for multiple pages.
  • If the pages have Roman numerals (e.g. vii, ix), use the Roman numeral in your in-text citation, e.g. (p. iv).

What is a reference list?

The reference list gives the full details of every source to match your in-text citations. It provides the reader with the information to check the source themselves. If you have referred to the same source multiple times, you only need to include the source once in your reference list.

What information should I include?

The information required for a reference will change depending on the type of source. Refer to the A-Z page to find specific reference examples for the different source types.

How should I format the reference list?

The reference list is in alphabetical order by the author's last name. There is an option in Word to sort the list automatically . Your references should be in one long list - you do not need a separate list for books, articles etc. unless specified by your module leader.

Each entry in your reference list should have a hanging indent. This means that the first line of each reference is in line with the margin of the page, and any lines afterwards are indented away from the edge. The paragraph formatting tool in Word can do this automatically for you.

Example reference list

A reference will generally have four components: author, date, title, and source, with the first two components included in the in-text citation. The information in the reference will vary depending on the information available and the source type. The general format is discussed below, though refer to the A-Z page for examples of how to reference specific sources.

General Format

Author. (Date).  Title  [Format]. Publisher. www.website.co.uk

  • Author’s family name
  • [Full stop]
  • Year (in round brackets)
  • Title (in sentence case and in italics )
  • DOI (if there is one) or website link

Almost all references start with an author. This is the creator of the work, (writer, artist, director, presenter, etc.), and might be a person/people or an organisation. The latter is sometimes known as a "corporate author".

The in-text citation will include the author's family name (last name) or the organisation’s name. In your reference list, the initial(s) of the author's first or given name(s) are also included when it is a named author.

Example 1 (One author)

Reference: O’Connor, P. (2020). Skateboarding and religion. Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-24857-4

Example 2 (Organisation)

Reference: Tesco. (2023). Annual report & financial statements 2023. https://www.tescoplc.com/media/u1wlq2qf/tesco-plc-annual-report-2023.pdf

Multiple authors

See separate section below.

The second element is the date the source was published, updated, or completed. The date is in brackets, followed by a full stop.

  • For a source which is published once or only updated infrequently, just give the year (see Example 1).
  • If a source does not have an obvious date, use n.d. for no date (see Example 2).
  • If a source has a specific date or is published regularly, e.g., newspaper articles or blog posts, give the full date in the following order: year, month day.
  • If a source changes regularly, e.g., social media posts, or the information updates over time, e.g., a share price, include a retrieval date. This is placed before the URL (see Example 3). 
  • Use only the year in the in-text citation, even if the reference list entry has a more specific date.

Example 1 (Date format)

Reference: Li, Y. (2024). Oil spill detection, identification, and tracing. Elsevier.

Example 2 (No date format)

Reference: DHL Group. (n.d.). Our sustainability roadmap. https://group.dhl.com/en/sustainability/sustainability-roadmap.html

Example 3 (Retrieval date as content updates regularly)

Reference: London Stock Exchange. (2024). FTSE 100. Retrieved 28 March, 2024, from https://www.londonstockexchange.com/indices/ftse-100

Titles are formatted as follows in the reference list:

  • Where a publication has two titles, (e.g. journal articles), the formatting of the titles may vary. Refer to the A-Z page for guidance.
  • For sources that do not have an obvious title, describe it in [square brackets] and do not use italics (see Example 3).

Example 1 (Book title in sentence case and in italics)

Lia, P. (2020). Simplify your study: Effective strategies for coursework and exams. Red Globe Press.

Example 2 (Article title in sentence case and not in italics. Journal title in title case and italics)

Cairns, J. (2024). Phases of the Buddhist approach to the environment. Journal of Buddhist Ethics, 31. 

Example 3 (Source with no obvious title. Description in square brackets and not italicised)

FAME. (n.d.). [Top 25 UK companies by turnover]. Retrieved April 10, 2024, from https://fame-r1.bvdinfo.com/version-20240321-1-1/fame/1/Companies/List

Source format

The source format is not included in every reference type. Sometimes, it can be helpful to explain the type of source in a reference and this is placed in square brackets, e.g. [Presentation] or [Video] after the title. If this is required, the full stop that would normally go after the title moves to after the source format.

Example 1 (Presentation)

Coventry University. (n.d.). CMI referencing [Presentation]. Aula. https://files.coventry.aula.education/3a4c8b7c5cbc31be645c1a955a068dadcmi_library_resources_feb2024.pptx

Example 2 (Video on a video sharing platform)

TED. (2024, February 5).  How babies think about danger | Shari Liu | TED [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6djPLVa9aQ4    

This component is primarily used for published books or where a source has been published, produced, or made available by an organisation and that organisation is not listed as the author.

Example 1 (Published book)

Smithers, G. W. (2024). Encyclopaedia of food safety (2nd ed.). Academic Press.

Example 2 (Document published by an organisation)

Dois (digital object identifier) or web addresses.

DOI stands for Digital Object Identifier and is a string of numbers and letters. It is a unique, persistent number that is given to many online journal articles, books and other material, found on the title page or with the bibliographic information. If an electronic source has a DOI, use that number rather than the web address.

DOI examples

Example 1 (e-book with a doi).

Sully, A. (2024). Interior design: Conceptual basis (2nd ed.). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51410-4

Example 2 (e-journal article with a DOI)

Nguyen, T. L. (2024). The hybrid languages of love and comics. World Literature Today, 98 (1), 42–43. https://doi.org/10.1353/wlt.2024.a916069

Web addresses

When an electronic source does not have a DOI, give the web address. This will normally be the full web address to the exact page you have used. There are two exceptions to this:

  • If a login is required to access the source and you cannot link to the exact page, give a link to the homepage or the login page (see Example 2).

Web address examples

Example 1 (website link).

Reliance Industries. (n.d.). Decarbonisation: Our carbon reduction strategy. https://www.ril.com/sustainability/decarbonisation

Example 2 (Link to subscription database requiring a login)

Euromonitor International. (2024). World in 2040: The future demographic. https://www.portal.euromonitor.com/portal/analysis/tab

When citing multiple authors, list the authors in the order they appear on the source.

  • Use an ampersand (&) between the authors’ names inside the brackets (parenthetical citation).
  • Use the word ‘and’ between the authors’ names when integrating the names into a sentence (narrative citation).
  • Use the first author's name, followed by 'et al.' for sources with three or more authors. 'Et al.' is short for the Latin phrase 'and others'. Remember to use a plural reporting verb after 'et al.' (i.e. “Willey et al. (2022) argue” rather than “argues”).

Two authors: (Mankiw & Taylor, 2022) or Mankiw and Taylor (2022) discuss ...

Three or more authors: (Willey et al., 2023) or Willey et al. (2023) compare ...

  • All authors are included on the reference list in the order listed on the source.
  • Even when there are only two authors, include a comma after the first author's name, before the ampersand in the reference list.
  • For up to 20 authors, include all names in the reference. When the work has 21 or more authors, include only the first 19 names, three dots, and then the last name.

Two authors: Mankiw, N. G., & Taylor, M. P. (2023). Economics . Cengage.

Three or more authors: Willey, J., Sandman, K., & Wood, D. (2022). Prescott's microbiology (12th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Twenty-one authors or more: Ong, K. L., Stafford, L. K., Cruz, J. A., Aali, A., Abate, M. D., Abd ElHafeez, S., Adane, T. D., Adekanmbi, V., Agudelo-Botero, M., Ahmadi, A., Akinyemi, R. O., Al Hamad, H., Alvis-Guzman, N., Amusa, G. A., Anyasodor, A. E., Areda, D., Armocida, B., Arumugam, A., Aryan, Z., … Belete, M. A. (2023). Global, regional, and national burden of diabetes from 1990 to 2021, with projections of prevalence to 2050: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet, 402 (10397), 203–234. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01301-6

Where possible, always read the original source and reference that source. For example, if you read a point of view by Tang in a book written by Khan, go to the original source written by Tang. Sometimes this may not be possible. For example, the original source could be out of print, or it could be written in another language. In this case create a secondary citation for your in-text citation.

In-text citation format

Parenthetical citation: (Original author, original year, as cited in author, year) Narrative citation: Original author (original year, as cited in author, year)

Parenthetical citation: (Tang, 2005, as cited in Khan, 2024) Narrative citation: According to Tang (2005, as cited in Khan, 2024) . . .

In your reference list, reference only the source you have read (i.e. Khan).

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Dancing as a Kind of Art Essay

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Introduction

Dance origins: sacred vs. secular dance, social dance, classical dance, modern dance.

Dancing denotes a kind of art that normally engages the movement of the dancer’s body, usually rhythmically and to the music. Dancing is done in different cultures as a way of sensational expression, social relations, sacred, acting, or physical activity. In addition to being a form of entertainment, dancing can thus be considered a style of passing a given message. There exist numerous styles in addition to genres of dance.

As seen in the video, there are physical dissimilarities in sacred dance among European, African, and Indian cultures. The European cultures engaged young boys dancing in places of worship, the African culture was interpretative with little body movement, and participants moving through the street after the leader, whereas the Indian culture involved the application of hand gestures to illustrate things like feelings and nature.

The leader being followed in the African case was costumed in drapes of fabric and a mask. The young girls in the Indian example are dancing on the Mandala as well as the male soldierly dancer. Religious worship includes every movement that conveys spiritual encounters as part of the worship service, gathering experience, or personal religious practice.

Different spiritual groups consider that the faithful ought to praise the name and magnificence of God not just with their lips, but as well with their entire being, spirit, mind, and body.

They think that dance assists the person fully and more deeply in praying and worshiping God. A psychological gain of dancing is that it generates a contented temperament. Happy and with a satisfied heart, the dancer worships the Lord and conveys his or her thankfulness to Him.

Dancing could be done in a strategized style where it is practiced in a more dramatic background or could be practiced impulsively as a free performance of worship by a congregation. Making use of dance with a dance-drama style attracts concentration to the mimetic feature of dancing that may acquire balletic nature, but modern dance is similarly suitable.

It is especially so when what is visualized encompasses both a dance-group and a full congregation. It is barely essential to indicate that when dance could impart public worship, it could be a significant part of private worship. Dancing is thus appropriate in religious worship. The application of dance as a way of worshipping and praising God is common in the movies and in the bible too.

After attaining victories in battles, the Israelites worshipped God through dancing (1 Samuel 18), Jeremiah made a prophecy that the Israelites could worship God in dancing after going back to their land (Jeremiah 31: 4-13).

Additionally, David praised God through dancing when the ark was taken to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6) and Miriam danced in expressing gratitude to God when the Israelites crossed the sea (Exodus 15). God also demands dancing as a section of praise and worship and David affirmed that God had changed his grieving into dancing (Psalms 30).

To different individuals in diverse cultural origins, music and dance are vital elements in their existence. Music and dance help individuals to stay in touch with their cultural origins, as people from particular cultural origins regularly conduct the performances and thus even the offspring find an established way of bonding individuals from a given cultural origin and carry on with it.

To the majority of individuals in diverse cultures, music is described as tones arranged horizontally as tunes and perpendicularly as harmonies. The boundary between music and noise is at all times culturally described, thus signifying that even with just one community this boundary does not necessarily occur at the same point, in other words, there seldom exists an agreement.

There is not even one intercultural general perception describing what music could be. The expressions “ethnic” and “traditional” are employed when there is a need to stress the cultural origin of the music or dance. In this regard, almost every folk dance is ethnic.

Although several dances like polka go past ethnic borders and cross the border of folk dance and ballroom dance, ethnic variations are regularly substantial enough to state; for instance, German, and Czech polka.

Individuals familiar with folk dance can regularly establish a country where a dance originates even if they have not observed that specific dance before. Several dances for particular countries bear aspects that are distinctive to those nations, even though neighboring nations at times have comparable aspects.

For instance, dances from Germany and Australia bear striking of the body and shoes in a predetermined pattern, an aspect that dances from other nations bear. Folk dances in the past advanced earlier than present political boundaries, a matter that makes some dances to be shared by numerous nations. International folk dances are found in towns and in universities where dancers are taught dances from different cultures for leisure.

Jarabe Tapatio has turned out to be the most widely accepted kind of folk dance in Mexico. The Jarabe Tapatio (also referred to as the Mexican hat dance) had been outlawed courtesy of the colonial masters owing to its sexual outlook and common challenge to the Spanish regulation.

The folkloric ballet (Ballet Folkloric) in Mexico has demonstrated dances in outfits that reveal the traditional ethnicity of Mexicans for a very long period. The ballet operations and music reveal different cultural origins and varieties of harmony in Mexico.

The Nuevo Leon folkloric costume has leather-bordered vests, boots, and hats for males and clothes directly from “The Sound of Music” for females and the hair is plaited with ribbons. Contrary to numerous Mexican Indian ethnic groups, females are permitted to dance in the Michoacán with males wearing white pants and sash broidered shirts while the females wear black shirts an apron of different colors and a white broidered shirt.

In social dance, socializing is the focus of dancing and dancing can be carried out with different partners and still be done in a calm and easy environment. In the societies featured in the program, the greatest changes in social dancing from the past to the present is observed in American society. In the 18th and 19th centuries, social dance in the United States turned out to be a medium for focused social activity.

Sophisticated balls and confidential parties presented a way for a man to search for a partner in marriage and permitted pals and members of a family to socialize through music and dance. In the early times, Americans were limited in their kinds of communication since it was noticeably unavailable.

Poor technology leads to restricted communication that consequently generates a setting where individuals have no way of getting in touch with others far-off with the simplicity and comfort experienced in the contemporary global society.

From the early times, social dancing has provided a channel for personal expression and a way of generating a sense of society since it presents a ground for individuals to interact with one another through the application of non-verbal and ethnically suitable gestures and movements.

With social standards and grades being articulated through movement and physical expression, comprehending dance performance was vital to the people that desired being received by the elite society. Just by the tilt of a hat or a twist of a sunshade, a person would declare an interest in a different person without uttering a thing. Like a cultural meeting point, the United States welcomed a range of dances.

Different dances resulted from the mixing of cultures whereas others originated in one nation and passed through many others prior to penetrating the American culture. A number of dances that are currently deemed typically American have European roots. In the American traditional society, dancing was not at all times openly embraced by society in entirety.

Particular conservatives in addition to religious sets rejected the performance of dance with cruel disapproval and displeasure to bar wildness and disorder. Nonetheless, such barriers have died out with time as varying cultural conditions ushered a period where dance was not just as a fun, but as well an influential social instrument. On the contrary, in the case of Morocco, the notion of males and females dancing together would be rare.

In the Moroccan society, men partook in social dancing that entailed items like rifles and swords. Within the culture of Morocco, there were regulations that controlled the association of both male and female dancers.

Similar to the case of American society, the Polynesian female and male dancers engaged in dancing as a social activity; however, the choreography for the dancers usually varies noticeably. Therefore, the styles and kinds of social dance rely upon the culture and standards of a particular society.

Classical dance has critical value in the modern world. It adopts the essential practice and body movement (applying abdominal power) standards, but allows a high degree of movement and could adhere to the stringent bodylines. Most impressions of classical dance emanate from thoughts and innovations of the modern dance of the twentieth century.

Some of the practices of classical dance employed in the modern world dance encompass floor work and use of the legs (barefoot). The classical dance in the Indian society is a moderately new umbrella expression for different statute art types anchored in theatrical styles, whose presumption originated from Natya Shastra. Classical dance is widely known for the use of facial expressions as a vital section of the dance type.

Ballet (Kabuki) is more physically demanding and more dramatic when compared to classical dance. The most extensively recognized ballet style is romantic ballet. The romantic ballet is a classical style that concentrates on women dancers and has gushing as well as particular acrobatic motions and it frequently portrays female dancers in traditional, very short, and white French skirts.

Professional performers design and carry out ballet performances and frequently the performances are done with the addition of a classical tune. In the early times, ballets came before the introduction of the proscenium phase and they were conducted in big halls with the audience sitting on tiers or verandas on the sides of the hall.

Modern kabuki encompasses mimic as well as drama and it normally gets on with music (characteristically orchestral, but from time to time vocal). Ballets necessitate a long period of training to understand and master. Additionally, ballets demand a lot of practice to maintain adeptness and they have been taught in ballet schools across the globe that has all through employed their cultures to advance the art.

The kabuki is the basis of different kinds of dance depending on the place of their origin. Taking the example of the classical Japanese dance-drama, Kabuki is regarded for the stylisation of its stage show as well as the expression of sophisticated cosmetics worn by some of the dancers.

In this regard, Kabuki denotes an activity or stage show done in actual life in an expected or stylised manner. Therefore, apart from expressing the cultures of their respective origin, ballet is delegated to generate the sense of conflict of an uncertain result, when in reality the dancers have collaborated to establish the result in advance.

Jazz dance denotes a categorization shared by a wide scope of dancing styles that before 1950 referred to styles originating from African American dances. Jazz is a kind of dance with its origin from vernacular African dances when slaves were taken to the United States during the slave trade epoch. This kind of dance was established together with jazz music in the period between 1901 and 1910.

Starting from the 1930s through to 1960s, jazz dance changed the vernacular type into a theatre-anchored performance type that demanded a professional dancer. The modern jazz dance came into being at around 1950 with its origin in the Caribbean traditional dance. Each style of jazz dance has some roots emanating from one of the aforementioned distinctive origins.

Jazz dance was a famous hit between 1950 and 1955 and it is up to date a liked style across the universe with some of its common moves being Jazz Hands, Turned Knees, and Leaps. The expression “Jazz” was initially used to a fashion of song and dance in the period when the First World War was taking place.

In the period of 1960s, choreographers of the modern and ballet inclinations like George Balanchine, Helen Tamiris, and Bob Fosse just to mention but a few tried the jazz dance style. Every one of the choreographers that took part impacted jazz dance by demanding professional dancers to do a particular kind of body movements that highly varied from the vernacular type.

On the contrary, ballet originated from Italy and France from the prolific court shows that merged music, costumes, stage show, poems, songs, and dancing. The partakers in the court decency participated as actors, and when Louis XIV was in power, dance turned out o be more systemized attributable to the fact that Louis was himself a dancer.

During this period, trained dancers started assuming the positions of court amateurs while the government of France had approved ballet trainers thus allowing the opening of the initial ballet dance academy in 1661 that was called Royal Dance Academy. Shortly afterward, the initial devoted ballet band, which had connections with the Academy, was set up. This band started with all the members being male but encompassed females before 1681.

Modern dance is an expression that normally denotes the twentieth-century concert dance though it has been practiced in a class of the twentieth-century ballroom dances. Modern dance rejected the emphasis of traditional ballet on feet being a basic channel for dance engagements.

On the contrary, modern dance puts emphasis on torso using such components as contact-free, floor work, and improvisation though it was normally done in bare feet and with modern costumes. At the start of the twentieth century, there came into being an outburst of novelty in dance style typified by a discovery of freer practice.

The early initiators of the now modern dance encompassing Isadora Duncan, Katherine Dunham, Martha Graham, and George Balanchine all had their visualization of what dancing ought to be. Modern dance best associates with the vision of Martha Graham. Martha Graham started her endeavors in the 1920s and lead to the establishment of an extensive range of dance styles across the globe.

Even though it is usually presumed that traditions have primordial history, the majority of traditions have been established on a given reason; some political and others cultural in a short time, and thus for dance to evolve as an art form, tradition should be employed as a foundation of a new technique. The perception of tradition, as the thought of hanging on to an earlier time, is as well present in dance styles.

For instance, the cultural perception of traditionalism is anchored around it, as the different dance styles have maintained their cultural origins. For the evolving of dance, tradition is important as it determines the proper demonstration of an art form.

For instance, in the presentation of traditional dances, conformity to the directives directing the way an art form ought to be developed are accorded greater significance as compared to the own inclinations of the dancer. Different aspects could intensify diminishment of tradition and include industrialization, internalization, and the marginalization of some cultural groups.

In reaction to the loss of tradition, tradition-conservation endeavors have currently been launched in different nations across the universe by concentrating on factors like traditional languages. In this regard, the perception of tradition has been employed in safeguarding the protection and reintroduction of marginalized languages.

Dance is significant throughout history and in the biblical concept. This paper discussed the application of dances in the course of early and modern history. In this regard, Christians ought to feel free and possibly even take charge of presenting worship to God in the way of the art of dancing.

Dancing is among the most striking forms of art that have evolved in leaps and bounds and instead of just being a spare-time activity, dancing has turned out to be a very worthwhile career. In addition, dance remedy is so much in fashion nowadays just because the practice of dancing assists an individual to cure of the inside.

Dancing is thus a type of expression that assists an individual to find out a new world. Different kinds of dances and dance styles as discussed in this paper are widespread across the globe and act as a sign of reputation for this form of art.

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IvyPanda. (2020, March 15). Dancing as a Kind of Art. https://ivypanda.com/essays/dancing-as-a-kind-of-art/

"Dancing as a Kind of Art." IvyPanda , 15 Mar. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/dancing-as-a-kind-of-art/.

IvyPanda . (2020) 'Dancing as a Kind of Art'. 15 March.

IvyPanda . 2020. "Dancing as a Kind of Art." March 15, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/dancing-as-a-kind-of-art/.

1. IvyPanda . "Dancing as a Kind of Art." March 15, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/dancing-as-a-kind-of-art/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Dancing as a Kind of Art." March 15, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/dancing-as-a-kind-of-art/.

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Self Reflection — My First Experience in the Dance Class

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My First Dance Experience and Lessons Learned

  • Categories: Dance Self Reflection

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Words: 878 |

Published: Sep 1, 2020

Words: 878 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

  • Body: using clear, precise, full body presence in our movements.
  • Energy: we used qualities from wind, water imagery to implement stillness, flowing, sharp, soft to develop our movements.
  • Relationship: we implemented unison, contrast, solo, meeting and parting.
  • Space: we made use of the whole stage, with different route, directions and levels used.
  • Time: in our dance we moved our body in measured beats and music and we also move with breath, we created movements in varying tempo.

Works Cited:

  • Devington, D. (1997). A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The Critics Debate. Routledge.
  • Shakespeare, W. (1998). A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Cambridge University Press.
  • Dessen, A. (2014). Shakespeare and the Late Moral Plays. Routledge.
  • Greenblatt, S. (2004). Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Harris, L. (2003). Shakespeare and Literary Theory. Oxford University Press.
  • Howard, J. E. (2003). A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Guide to the Play. Greenwood Press.
  • Maus, K. E. (1995). Love and Marriage in Shakespeare’s Comedy. University of Michigan Press.
  • Mowat, B. A. (2003). A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Texts and Contexts. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
  • Patterson, A. (2005). Shakespeare and the Popular Voice. Blackwell Publishing.
  • Wells, S., & Stanton, S. (Eds.). (2002). The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare on Stage. Cambridge University Press.

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  1. Essay on Dance in English for Students

    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.

  2. Free Dance Essay Examples & Topic Ideas

    Free Dance Essay Examples & Topics. Updated: Mar 12th, 2024. 82 samples. Dance has been a part of human civilization and culture for centuries. It is one of the best tools for entertainment and communication. What's more, people choose it as a way of self-expression, a hobby, or an occupation. There are many types of dances.

  3. Importance Of Dance: [Essay Example], 606 words GradesFixer

    The Profound Impact of Dance. In conclusion, the importance of dance cannot be overstated. It is a powerful form of expression, a means of personal development, a tool for social cohesion, and a means of cultural preservation.By allowing individuals to express themselves, develop important life skills, foster unity, and preserve cultural heritage, dance enriches our lives in profound ways.

  4. The Art and Expression of Dance: [Essay Example], 773 words

    Conclusion. The art of dance is a powerful and captivating form of self-expression that transcends language and culture. It allows individuals to communicate their deepest emotions, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire social change. Through its physical and emotional benefits, dance provides a means of personal growth and self-discovery.

  5. 124 Dance Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    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 ...

  6. What Is Dance Essay: Definition of Dance and Its Genres

    Introduction. Dancing is an art that refers to the movements of body parts and especially to rhythmic and to music. Dancing is taken as a form of nonverbal communication that is used to express emotions, ideas or tell a story. Dances are social, participatory or performed for an audience. Moreover, dancing can also be ceremonial, erotic as well ...

  7. Essay on Dance: Essence of culture, identity & expression

    Dance Form: Description: Ballet: 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: Contemporary dance is a fluid and expressive form that emerged in the mid-20th century.

  8. 153 Dance Topic Ideas to Write about & Essay Samples

    153 Dance Topics & Essay Examples. 13 min. Whether you're writing about the importance of dance, modern choreography, or weight loss benefits of dancing as a hobby, we can help. In this article, our team came up with some ideas of what to cover in your paper. Table of Contents.

  9. Essays on Dance

    Among the sample papers of dance essay topics listed below, you are likely to find the perfect essay (or even several) covering the desired content but also written after some good research, having a sound structure with all main sections included: introduction, conclusion, an outline (if needed).

  10. 319 Dance Essay Topics & Research Titles: Hip Hop, Ballet, & More

    319 Dance Essay Topics & Research Questions on Hip Hop, Ballet, & More. UPD: Jul 24th, 2024. 2,467. 36. Our Experts. can deliver a custom essay. for a mere 11.00 9.35/page — qualified. specialists online Learn more. Dancing is a universal form of expression and movement.

  11. How to Write Importance of Dance Essay

    Ensure each point is connected to the overall theme of your essay, and make sure there is a clear introduction and conclusion. 4. Write. Now you can begin drafting your essay on the importance of dance. Start with an introduction that captures the reader's attention and provides them with some background information on the topic.

  12. History and Development of Dance

    History and Development of Dance Essay. 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 ...

  13. Essays About Dance: Top 5 Examples Plus Prompts

    For more essay ideas, take a pick from one of our prompts below: 1. Dance As A Passion. 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.

  14. Dance Essay for Students in English

    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.

  15. 1.17: Introduction to Dance

    Introduction. There are many definitions of dance, with people defining dance in their own way. In this chapter, you will consider your personal definition of dance. You will learn the purposes of dance. You will reflect on your experiences and upbringing to determine their influence on your dance aesthetic.

  16. The Evolution of Dance: A Century of Movement and Expression

    This essay explores the transformative journey of dance in America, encompassing different eras and dance styles, from the traditional waltz to the urban beats of hip-hop and freestyle dancing. ... Urban Dance - 1980s - 2000s. Introduction: Hip-hop culture, originating in New York among young Hispanic and African American individuals, gave ...

  17. Dance Essays: Samples & Topics

    The Role of Dance and Art in My Personal Identity "Ta-din-din-dha, ta-din-din-dha." The music of the tabla created a rhythmic lull, guiding my tired feet during a Thursday evening kathak class. It wasn't until my second year of medical school that I decided to pursue kathak, an Indian classical dance form often likened to tap...

  18. Benefits of Dancing Essay

    Dance as an art itself can be used to make expressions. The expressions can be either of joy, sorrow, warning or sometimes used for entertainment (Luetzner). In many parts of the world, dance can also be used to express talent or extra ordinary ability over others has in dance competitions. Sense of unity. Dancing can be used as a symbol of unit.

  19. Dance

    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 ...

  20. Dancing: The Essentials & Why It's Important to Take It ...

    Rhythm is the partner of dance, so in order to perform the dance correctly, the dancer has to move to the correct beat of the music (BAM, 2017).3. It's also important to know that the rhythm can change within one dance. Whether it's the choreography that changes or if the song changes its tempo, it's crucial to be able to adjust to either.

  21. Dance Research Guide: Writing about dance; citing sources

    Writing About Dance (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). A print copy of this. book is available in the main stacks by call number GV1594 O45 2010.

  22. LibGuides: Referencing in APA Style: Introduction to Referencing

    Introduction to Referencing. Referencing is an important skill to learn at university. You are required to reference all your sources including quotes, paraphrases, data, images, and diagrams. ... Example of essay using APA << Previous: Home; Next: A-Z Referencing Examples >> Last Updated: Sep 5, 2024 3:29 PM; URL: https://libguides.coventry.ac ...

  23. Dancing as a Kind of Art

    Introduction. Dancing denotes a kind of art that normally engages the movement of the dancer's body, usually rhythmically and to the music. Dancing is done in different cultures as a way of sensational expression, social relations, sacred, acting, or physical activity. In addition to being a form of entertainment, dancing can thus be ...

  24. My First Experience in the Dance Class: [Essay Example], 878 words

    The essay titled "My First Dance Experience and Lessons Learned" is a good attempt at describing the author's experience in a dance class. The organization of the essay is well done with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The author's voice is engaging, and the use of descriptive words and imagery is well done. ...