Dance is a series of motions and steps usually performed with music. It can also be described as bodily movements that serve as a form of communication or expression.

There are many different styles in dancing. There are Ballet, Ballroom, Belly Dancing, Chinese Dance, Flamenco, Indian Dance, Latin Dance, Modern Dance, Salsa, Swing Dancing, Tango, Tap Dance, among others.

It is uncertain when people began to dance; however, it is possible that dance developed along with the evolution of early man who would have used rythmic movements as a means of communicating their feelings.

Prehistoric cave paintings from more than 20,000 years ago depict figures in animal costumes who seem to be dancing, possibly in hunting or fertility rituals, or perhaps merely for entertainment.

Many animals, like birds, perform dancelike movements in situations similar to human courtship and play.

Even during ancient civilisations, of the Mediterranean region and the Middle East, written as well as visual evidence of dance has survived. Dance was used in many agricultural and religious rituals.

Dance took on more formal patterns and was an important form of worship in the temple of the ancient gods. For example, religious dances, especially those honoring Dionysus, the god of wine, are believed to be the origin of the dance in Greek drama.

Dancing unlike every other art form can be included in every aspect of life.

Ballet

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Ballet is a theatrical art performed on stage for live performances. Ballet can be traced to Italy during the times of the Renaissance (1300 - 1600). Because the steps were first named in France, French is the international language of ballet.

Ballet comprises of five specific, numbered positions of the feet, which form the basis of almost all ballet steps. Corresponding positions exist for the arms, which are generally held with gently curved elbows.

Ballet Slippers

Ballet Tutu

Early ballet costumes were simply the fashionable dress clothes of the time. The tutus, a bell-shaped skirt of translucent fabric, was popularized by Marie Taglioni in the ballet La Sylphide (1832). It was shortened in the course of the century and became the standard dress of the ballerina.

Specially composed or existing music may be used in the ballet however, specially composed songs are expensive and so music that exists already are more readily used, usually a symphony or a concerto.

An orchestra is a large group of musicians who play together on various instruments, usually including strings, woodwinds, brass instruments, and percussion instruments. A symphony is an extended piece in three or more movements for symphony orchestra.

Ballroom Dancing

The Waltz was first introduced in the 1840's and was considered a sinful dance because the couples were pressed against each other. The waltz is danced to triple meter, music with 3 beats to a measure. This is what gives Waltz its well-known 1-2-3 rhythm and flowing rise-and-fall movement. The rhythm and steps make it a dance which is easy to learn.

The dance music was influenced by the composers in that era like Chopin.

A lady's evening dress for that era consisted of a high waisted gown, usually in soft fabric such as chiffon or lightweight satin, often ornamented with elaborate lace or beadwork. The full length skirt would have had enough fullness for dancing. In the 1860s women's dresses featured hoops, in the 1890s leg-of-mutton sleeves were in fashion, and in the 1910s the style changed to loose fitted dresses of light materials.

The evening clothes worn by men would have included tail coats with white vests and ties. In the early twentieth century dinner jacket tuxedos also began to make their introduction, and although not historically typical for attire for a formal ball, a modern tuxedo will not be out of place.

Tango originated in the mid-19th century in Buenos Aires and is still danced today as the "Argentine Tango". The traditional Ballroom possesses the hourglass position, with partners close at the waist and leaning outwards at the top. Argentinean Tango possesses an 'A' shape of position where the partners are very close together above the waist, and farther appart at the feet, leaning inward. This 'A' shape is the typical latin dance position, however, Europeans made the Tango into Ballroom Dance which is a more genteel form. The tango has no "rise and fall" like the waltz. The couples portray sensuality and sexual interplay between them.

The women wear sleek glittering evening gowns and the men wear tux and tails.

The variety of cultures combined to bring about a new style of music, formed from African beats, Indian rhythms, Latin influences, and the popular music of the pampas (flatlands) in Argentina. This new music was dubbed "tango" however, no matter where the name of the music came from; the important thing is that this "tango" music quickly gave birth to "tango" dancing.

The Slow Foxtrot is known as the "dancers' dance" because it allows you to float smoothly around the floor, but also because it is the most difficult to master and needs great balance and control. The Foxtrot was actually introduced into the mainstream by Harry Fox in 1913. It ultimately became the most popular and lasting dance of the twentieth century, but not before going through many stylistic changes.

The Quickstep requires a tremendous amount of energy and vitality. Quickstep is well-liked because it is danced to music with a quick tempo, and generally catchy tune. It alternates slow 'steps' (steps which take two beats) with 'quick' steps (a single beat per step), and this rhythm gives Quickstep its quick choppy characteristic movement.

The Jive is an American dance of the '40s and '50s that has been tamed by the British. It needs plenty of energy.

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Belly Dancing

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The term "Belly Dance", was first used by the French when they saw the undulations and the body isolations, "The Dance of The Stomach". Also, it was called "Danse Du Venture", or the dance of adventure.

It is believed by most experts that belly dancing has its roots in ancient cultures from the orient to India to mid-East however, the original purpose of belly dancing differs in different country.

In the ancient Middle East/Mediterranean, the belly dance was first performed as sort of a birthing aid. Basically, the sisters of the women giving birth, would aid the new mother by undulating and rolling their bodies in natural, curvy snake-like movements to help with the delivery of the baby. It is a dance as second nature as breathing, and it got its start not as entertainment, but for childbirth.

However, in the ancient cultures of Greece, Persia, Palestine, and North Africa the dance was used as a ritual. It was this sacred dancing that was a part of fertility rituals. This ritual dance was used to placate gods, ensure crop fertility, and bring glory to a city.

In the late 19th century Persia, belly dancing was performed only privately, among women - generally during fertility rites or parties preparing a young woman for marriage. In such ceremonies, men were not present.

Slowly this Middle Eastern dance became more of an entertainment related art form. This dance was first brought to America just over 100 years ago at the Chicago Worlds Fair in 1893 by "Little Egypt".

Hip scarves are essential to creating a belly dance costume. This can be as simple as a scarf tied around the hips. It should be positioned below the hip bone. A triangular fringed shawl is great for many ethnic looks. Coin hip scarves are nice for the sparkle and noise. Scarves help bring together the elements of the costume as well as accentuating the hip movements during the dance. Beads and coins are often used to decorate the costume. Stringed beads can be loosely sewn across the bottom of the bra to create a draped effect across the torso.

Essentials to the outfit are: harem pants, beledi dress, skirt and veil (matching), triangular fringed shawl (1 or 2), smaller rectangular veils for head cover-up or extra drapings, bra - covered or sports bra, tunic kerchief, flat dance shoes.

The accessories include: bangles (lots), necklace (coin recommended), earrings (coin recommended), head pieces, hankies and scarves, hip poufs made with fabric scraps.The dancer is also accompanied by small cymbals attached to the index finger and thumb as well as tambourines.

Flamenco

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The Moors (Arabs), and later the Gypsies had a lot to do with the development of Flamenco. The Moors ooccupied Spain, and particularly the south, for about 800 years, in a relatively civilized manner and because of this, science, economy and culture flourished. However, the original inhabitants converted to Catholicism and wanted the Moors out. It took several centuries before the last stronghold of the Moors, the city of Granada in the southern province Andalucía, fell.

During the 14th century when Columbus set out to reach the Indies, the Gypsies arrived in Spain bringing with them their own language and an oriental-based music. They where, and are, very much into embellishment, improvisation and virtuosity. In Andalucía they found a rich ground for their musicality, fertilized by hundreds of years of high culture, where not only Moorish, but also Jewish, Catholic and local musical influences mixed.

It achieved a concrete form around the end of the 17th century and was an expression of poverty, oppression and personal grief since at that time the Gypsies were largely social outcasts, mistrusted and despised by most.

In the the 18th century the gypsies were acknowledged as having the same legal rights as other Spaniards by King Carlos III. As the gypsies gained a greater degree of emancipation their financial status improved somewhat, allowing them to acquire musical instruments previously beyond their reach. Thus, the guitar was added as an accompaniment to the cante in the mid 1800s.

Though Flamenco still deals only with unhappiness (death, lost love, hardship) it also became a means of expressing happiness as it incorporated elements of Spanish music in lighter forms.

Flamenco comprises of three elements, the song (el cante), the dance (el baile) and the guitar (el toque) which serves either as an accompaniment to the song and dance or, more recently, as an art-form in itself.

The flamenco dance consists of highly coordinated hand and arm movements. The dance is vigorous and rhythmic with clapping and stamping of feet. The dancer does not begin immediately, but waits, absorbing the strumming, clapping and singing until inspired to dance.

The lady normally wears a long ruffled dress along with shoes with very strong heels for stamping. She may also dance with a pair of castanets or fans. She is adorned with flowers and a comb in her hair.

The man, on the other hand, wears a high waisted pants along with a ruffled shirt and a hat at times.

Indian Dance

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The heritage of dance in India is at least 5000 years old. Various successive south Indian dynaties have contributed to some measure of patronage to this dance art.

During the ninth and tenth centuries, there was a sudden spurt of temple building which brought about an increase of interest in temple arts. It was during this time period that dances would have been used greatly as a vehicle of worship. Dance was also an expression of emotions in India.

The class of musicians and dancers known as devadasis, female dancers who were attached to the temple hereditarily and dedicated to the God since childhood, enjoyed high status and prosperity at this time and were encouraged in their art (Dasi-attam). Domingo Paes, a Portuguese traveler, visited India in 1520-22 A.D. and left behind a vivid description of the dancers he saw. He visited special dancing halls where young female dancers were given intensive training. The walls were decorated with paintings depicting various dancing poses which helped the dancers to correct their steps. The king, at that time, took very keen interest in their dance education and periodically visited these halls.

During special festival celebrations the dance performances were given great importance. The dancers were adorned with innumerable ornaments, made out of gold, pearls, and diamonds. The Devadasi system is still prevalent in some states of India.

The Indian dances consists of three distinct types. "Nritta" is pure and simple dance with movements of body and limbs. "Nritya" is linked with facial expressions, hand gestures and symbolic body poses. "Natya" has the elements of a drama which is introduced through the use of spoken world. All the types involve the use of "mudras", which are well developed types of gestures during the dance. The dancers use their entire body to communicate with the audience.

The major Indian classical dances are: Bharata Natyam, Kathakali, Kathak and Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Mohini Attam.

Bharata Natyam

Bharata Natyam is one of the oldest dance forms of India. It has its origins in the manuscript called the Natya Shastra which was written by Sage Bharata around 4000 B.C. It was primarily conceived out of the urge to express one's emotions and exuberance. It was strictly prevalent in temples and was performed on religious and festive ocassions by Devadasis.

It is a dance for a soloist and is a very difficult technique which requires many years of practise. It brings every muscle in the body into use, those of the face included. Bharata Natyam requires vigour and grace, balance and suppleness, a great physical endurance and a faultless sens of rhythm. The movements areample, precise, and always symetrical. Bharata-Natyam has disappeared from the temples and is now performed on the stage.

Kathakali

Kathakali, which dates from the 17th century, is a classical dance form from Kerala. It is a group presentation, in which dancers take various roles in performances traditionally based on themes from Hindu mythology, especially the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

One of the most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its elaborate make-up code. The faces are usually painted with organically derived and organically coloured materials. The dancers wear large head dresses and large skirts.

The technique of Kathakali includes a highly developed language of gesture, through which the artist can convey whole sentences and stories. The body movements and footwork are very rigourous. To attain the high degree of flexibility and muscle control required for this art, a Kathakali dancer undergoes a strenuous course of training, and special periods of body massage.

The orchestra of a Kathakali performance includes two drums known as the chenda and the maddalam, along with cymbals and another percussion instrument, the ela taalam. Normally, two singers provide the vocal accompaniment.

Kathak

Kathak is the major classical dance form of northern India which arose from the fusion of Hindu and Muslim cultures. The word kathak means "to tell a story" and specialises in recounting mythological and moral tales from the scriptures. The emphasis shifted from the telling of religious stories to one of entertainment.

Kathak is characterized by rhythmic footwork danced under the weight of more than 100 ankle bells, and spectacular spins. The technique of Kathak today is characterized by fast rhythmic footwork set to complex time cycles and embellished with hand gestures and facial expressions. The footwork is matched by the accompanying percussion instruments such as tabla and pakhawaj, and the dancer and percussionists often indulge in a virtuoso display of rhythmic wizardry. The dance movements include numerous pirouettes executed at lightning speed and ending in statuesque poses.

Male dancers perform in Persian costume of wide skirts and round caps, while female dancers wear a traditional Indian garment called a sari.

Manipuri

Manipuri is the classical dance from the north East Indian state of Manipur. Its themes are devotional and are performed on religious occasions and in temples throughout the area even now. It relates the love story of Radha and Krishna.

The technique of Manipuri dancing is based on an interesting principle of compensatory movement with the objective of achieving rounded movements and avoiding any jerks, sharp edges or straight lines. If the right hand is outstretched towards the right, for example, the body is tilted towards the left in order to offset the right side thrust. The movement towards the right has been balanced and subdued by one towards the left. It is this aspect which imparts a soft appearance. This impression of softness actually hides a very tough regimen of body control.

Similarly, the feet never strike the ground with a sound on impact, as this would interfere with the delicate flow of the body movements. The knees and ankles cushion the landing so that no sound is made. The dancers do not even wear ankle bells so as to prevent any sound.

The Manipuri dance costume is very colorful and attractive. The female dancers wear a dress called “patloi”. On the head, covering the face, they wear a transparent odhni, through which the expression and emotion on the face of the dancer can easily he seen. The male dancer, who is Krishna, wears a saffron dress.

Pung

Kartal

Other than the instruments accompanying the dance, the instruments used are the central part of the dance. Dances are very much based upon the cymbals (kartal or manjira) and the cylindrical drum known as Manipuri mridang or pung. The pung and the kartal (manjira) are actually used in the dance.

Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi is the classical dance form from the South-East Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It derives its name from the village of Kuchelapuram. From its origin, during the 3rd century BC, it has remained a continuous and living dance tradition of this region. The genesis of Kuchipudi art as of most Indian classical dances is associated with religions. For a long time, the art was presented only at temples and only for annual festivals of certain temples in Andhra. It is famous for its grace, elegance, charm and its strong narrative / dramatic character.

The use of laya or rhythm, thandava or foot steps and rhythm and abhinaya or expression is common with the Kuchipudi artist. But Kuchipudi is characteristic for its abhinaya or expressions.

A very charming form of abhinaya is the satvikabhinaya which includes three steps. It begins with facial expressions and eye movements, followed by hand gestures and eventually movements of the entire body.

The proficiency of the artists in footwork and their perfect control over their limbs is apparent since the dance is performed over the rim of a brass plate with a vessel full of water on the head.

Odissi

The Odissi (Orissi) dance is the Indian classical dance from the Eastern state of Odissa where they were performed in the temples. This dance form dates back to either the 1st or 2nd century B.C. It was brought to near extinction during the colonial period and the dance performed today, had to be reconstructed during the post-colonial era in the 20th century by a group of scholars and dance practitioners/teachers, who formed the group known as Jayantika.

As in other dance forms, creative literature inspired Odissi dancers. Gita Govinda, a love poem on Radha and Krishna. had the strongest influence on Odissi. Gita Govinda was written in 12th century in Samskrit by Jayadeva.

The Odissi dancers use their head, bust and torso in soft flowing movements to express specific moods and emotions. The characteristic feature of this style is a hip deflection giving raise to the tribhanga or 3-bend posture of the body.

Mohini Attam

Mohini Attam is the feminine dance form of Kerala, a state in the south western most part of India. It is danced by women and is known for its very sensual themes.

The performance is centred around the myth of Mohini. According to the story, Brahma tells the other Gods how they can obtain amrit which is a celestial ambrosia that bestows immortality and great power. He informs them that they can do so by churning the milky ocean to get the nectar of immortality. Unfortunately, the job is so great that the gods ar forced to seek the assistance of the demons. The demons agree to help, but are secretly plotting to keep it all for themselves.

Vishnu finds out about the plot to steal the amrit. He knows that it would be disastrous for the demons to obtain such powers and so decides to take the form of a beautiful celestial nymph (apsara), and by way of her amorous charms, she distracts them from their plans. By means of this distraction the amrit is given to the gods, and the world is saved from the demons.

This dance commences with an opening dance called Cholkettu. The dancer begins at an average tempo but gradually gains speed with the passage of pure dance sequence leading to the climax containing interchanging expressional and pure dance sequences to the accompaniment of vocal and instrumental music.

It is a dance style specially marked for its grace, fluidity, simple looking footwork and rotating rhythmic movements. Everything in this dance continues smoothly and softly to the accompaniment of the cymbals, veena, maddala, and chenda. It is a combination of Bharata Natyam and Kathakali and is considered to be the youngest of all indian classical dances.

The costume is usually white or off-white comprising of sari. Usually there is a gold brocade, possibly with a border of red. One of the most characteristic signs of the Mohini Attam dancer is the bun of hair worn off-centre. Adornments include various ornaments and ankle bells and garlands of jasmine in the hair.

Chinese Dance

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Chinese dance has a history over 5000 years. The art of Chinese dance traces its origins to even before the appearance of the first written Chinese characters.

Chinese classical dance traces its origin to celebrations in the emperor’s court in ancient China. The dance is often based on fairy tales and poetry. It is characterized by subtlety, elegance and balance of masculinity and femininity. In contrast, Chinese folk dance originated in the villages. The dance is often about the lives of the average people and tends to reflect the custom and belief of the time.

Chinese dance was divided into two types, civilian and military, during the first millennium B.C. In civilian dance, dancers held feather banners in their hands, symbolizing the distribution of the fruits of the day's hunting or fishing. This gradually developed into the dance used in the emperor's periodic sacrificial rituals held outside the city, and other religious rituals.

In the large group military dance, on the other hand, the dancers carried weapons in their hands, and moved forward and backward in coordinated group motion. This later evolved into the movements used in military exercises.

Chinese used choreographic movements of the hands and feet to express their veneration of the spirits of heaven and earth, to act out aspects of their everyday life, and to give expression to shared feelings of joy and delight. Dance was also a performing art that brought pleasure to both the performers and the audience.

The most three popular dances in China are: Aborigines Dance, Tang Dance and Lion Dance.

Lion Dance

The lion dance dates back to the Han Dynasty (205 B.C. to 220 A.D in China) and during the Tang Dynasty (716-907 A.D.) it was at its peak. At that time, it was performed during religious festivities. The traditional Chinese Lion dance is usually that part of festivities that is believed to bring happiness and luck, if well-performed.

Two dancers operate each Lion during the dance and they are accompanied by rhythmic drumming. One handles the head, made out of strong but light materials like paper-mache and bamboo, the other plays the body and the tail under a cloth that is attached to the head.

The 'animal' is accompanied by three musicians, playing a large drum, cymbals and a gong. A Little Buddha teases it with a fan or a giant ball. The head dancer can move the lion's eyes, mouth and ears for expression of moods. Fire crackers are lit to scare away the evil spirits.

The best occasions for performing the lion dance include Chinese New Year, the openings of Chinese restaurants and sometimes marriages.

Aborigines Dance

Each minority people or aboriginal group of China has its own folk dance forms. The Miao, also known as Hmong, people of southwestern China, for example, developed a lively form of singing and dance.

Hair Swinging Dance

Folk dances directly reflect the lifestyles and customs of a people, and in addition to their artistic value as dances, they are a precious part of our cultural heritage. Generally speaking, the aborigines tribes still retain much of their primitive culture. This culture can be seen every day in commercial tourist areas, such as Wulai near Taipei, the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Villagenear Sun Moon Lake, and the Taiwan Aboriginal Culture Park in pingtung county.

The folk dances include the Aborigines' Hair Swinging Dance and the Handholding Dance.

The Aborigines' Hair Swinging Dance is performed in Taiwan's aborigines' rituals to welcome guests or to pray for rain.

The Handholding Dances are part of a harvest ritual.

Tang Dance

Sword Dance

China's Tang dynasty historically had significant dances and music.

Due to the more stable political situation during the T'ang Dynasty, dance in China entered into a period of unprecedented brilliance. The T'ang Dynasty imperial court founded the pear Garden Academy, the Imperial Academy,and the T'ai-ch'ang Temple, gathering the top dancing talent of the perform the magnificent, stately and incomparably lavish dance.

Poetry, songs, a dramatic plot, and background music were incorporated to create a comprehensive multimedia production rich in content and fanfare. This was a predecessor of modern Chinese opera.

In the Feather Fan Dance feather fans are used to illustrate the subtle feminiity and light spirit flowing from the dancer.

In the Sword Dance, the dancer uses a sword to demonstrate skill and warrior courage.