About Dancing in Colonial Times
An overview of dancing in colonial times.
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History of
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In colonial times, dancing was one of the favorite pastimes for all types of people, from those who had been working hard in the fields to the wealthy class who used dances as an opportunity to socialize. Dancing provided an outlet to release stress, socialize and develop new skills.
Benefits
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Dancing was a big factor in the courtship of young men and women; there were not many opportunities where it was deemed appropriate for them to interact one with another. Since this avenue was a chance to socialize, it was also a chance to see eligible partners and create friendships. This was especially important on farms further west, because the farms, or homesteads, were usually too far apart to encourage any socializing between young men and women.
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Type
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The types of dances could range from a local country band in a barn to high-society events that were filled with rules and regulations. Dancing could provide opportunities to talk politics or conduct business. In high society, dancing was also a way to show off levels of wealth and style.
Significance
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The type of food served, the venue, the clothes worn and the knowledge of the newest dances all contributed to one's social standing. Dancing was also a way to show off physical prowess, which, in later colonial times, became increasingly important. The mark of a gentleman was determined by how well he could adjust to the intricacies of the fashion at the time.
Evolution
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The types of the dances varied. Dance masters would actually travel from town to town, teaching the latest dances that came over from England and France. There were two main types of dance, the French minuet and the English country dance. These dances were favored because they were fairly easy to learn and could be danced by those less skilled. They were flexible and could be changed and adapted. Every year the masters would create new dances, and the music could be adjusted accordingly. After printing became more common, the dance steps would actually be printed, and people would purchase copies and learn at home. When it was time for the dance, they could go and already be prepared.
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