The Spirit of Dance

Dance is a sport and form of art that generally refers to movement of the body. Usually rhythmic and to music used as a form of expression, social interaction or presented in a spiritual or performance setting. It can also embody or express ideas and emotions or to tell a story. “I love to dance because it helps me release stress and anger that I am feeling during the day” said Taylor King, freshman.

Nine thousand years ago dance was started in India and Egypt and used in healing rituals. Early Greeks made the art of dancing into a system expressive of all the different passions. Dance has evolved into different types such as: Tap, Jive, Acro, Jig, Ballroom, Waltz, Tango, Disco, Salsa, Foxtrot, Swing, Mambo, Electronica, Belly, Polka,Twist, Hip-Hop, Ballet and Jazz. “I’ve been taken ballroom dance lessons since I was a little girl” said Cerena Jones, junior.

Dancing is also featured in movies: Set Up, Shall We Dance, Dance With Me, Save The Last Dance, Flashdance and Dirty Dancing. Dances can be done by many people in different years and dancing will still be performed. “My favorite dance movie is Save The Last Dance because not only does it have dancing in it but it talks about interracial schools,” said Reniesha Gray, senior.

In addition to movies, dancing has also taken over the small screen. Dancing has been made in to television shows shown around the world. For example, Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance and America’s Best Dance Crew. Dancing is a legacy that will be carried for years to come and will be used by different people everywhere.

Some great dancers of all time are Michael Jackson, Martha Graham, Sammie Davis Jr., Veronika Part and Mikhail Baryshnikov. These dancers know dancing is healthy for you, as well. It reduces cardiovascular disease and weight gain. But there are a few risks, too. Body image problems, eating disorders and repetitive strain injury are all risks when dancing.

Dancing is something everybody will enjoy doing. So go to a party or a wedding and DANCE DANCE DANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!