The Importance Of Dance As A Form Of Art

Archaeological findings have discovered records of representation of dance, in India, that are more than 9 000 years old.

Egyptians have created illustrations of dance, more than 3 000 BC ago.

Many historians have suggested that dance has played a crucial role in transmitting history before the invention of written languages.

It has been an inspiration to several visual artists and fashion designer from Coco Chanel creating the costume for a Paris presentation of Le Sacre Du Printemps by Igor Stravinsky to collaborate between John Cage & Merce Cunningham.

 It has been represented in painting, sculpture, let’s think of La Petite Danseuse de Degas. Picasso has created stage sets for Les Ballets Russe.

Dance is also a connections agent – it connects to rhythms, to cultural traditions. It has been captured by film, video and photography and as it is performed, those are becoming the record of the fact that it happens. 

However, there is a question and a popular debate topic, whether all forms of dance fall within the genre of art. 

Here you will read compelling reasons why this form of self-expression is a form of art, in its own right. 

1. It Is Closely Aligned With Music,
2. It Is A Form Of Self Expression,
3. Tells A Story &
4. Open To Interpretation.

Dance is not necessarily required to be paired with music they do go hand in hand.

Dance takes all types of music and provides a physical outlet where the fluidity of the body can be applied to music to add a visual element and complement the music.

Learning about different music's and forms of dance, opens the mind to different and new creativity, offers exposure to different cultures and expression styles. 

Whether you are a dancer or you are watching a performance, dance evokes the same reactions. 

Through the movements of the body, facial expressions, gestures, the steps taken, the music associated with a dance is able to showcase emotions and entice the viewing into sharing the emotional journey the dancer is telling. 

Dance takes the story and literally brings it to life in a visual manner. 

Body language, facial expression and rhythmic motions all sync together to captivate the watcher and draw them into the tale as it is unfolding. 

Like all forms of art, there is an element of interpretation required, dance is no different. 

With a variety of different ways to position, angle, gesture and express yourself, dance can be interpreted in many different ways. 

Being one of the purest ways of self-expression, dance is an art form that doesn’t require anything more than a person’s body.

Through passion, desire and expression to be shared, dance is one of the only forms of art that has popularity across all parts of the world. Language or technical training doesn’t matter.

By moving the body, a story can be told that can be appreciated by anyone.