The History of Traditional Dance
Traditional dance, also called folk dance, dates back before history was officially documented. Various forms of folk are still practiced all throughout the world. Folk dance is also the early predecessor to more common dances today, like ballroom dancing.
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History
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In early civilization, dances were spontaneous and used in sacred rituals. In medieval times, folk dances were danced for celebratory purposes. These dances were part of both royal court and peasant life. The medieval "carolers," found all throughout Europe, were the first official folk dancers. Folk dancing traveled to the United States with the immigrants, and what is now known as international folk is often attributed to Vytautas Beliajus.
Features
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Folk dancing is defined as a dance that shares common factors including:
• Early traditional movements
• Social functions, not for public/stage performance
• Choreography coming from tradition instead of creation by innovation
• No formal authority controlling the dances-new dancers learn by observing and receiving help from others -
Function
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Traditional dance is used at social occasions and for celebratory purposes, without the modern focus on style and technique.
Significance
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Folk dancing is a major part of everyone's heritage in some form. Folk is also the root of many more modern dances today.
Types
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Some common examples of traditional dance include clogging, Irish step, Maypole, English country, Morris, polka, square, sword dancing, barn dancing, dragon dance, cumbia, hula.
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