| Through history we have seen many evolutions of | | | | and intriguing history that is well worth further study if |
| dance. Some of these ancient dances and rituals are | | | | you are of the mind to do so. |
| still practiced today by those who honor their religious | | | | In Medieval times dance was a social requirement by |
| or cultural histories while many have sadly been lost | | | | those of means or holding status. In fact, what we |
| throughout the ages. One thing however remains | | | | know as ballroom dancing today began during this |
| constant. Dance has always played an important role | | | | period and has evolved a little over the years while |
| in the societies, great and small, of the world. | | | | holding true to its original form to some degree. The |
| Dating back to the beginning of recorded history | | | | church at the time however frowned on dancing |
| dancing has been a vital part of society. Dance was | | | | though many members of the church not only |
| involved in celebrations and preparations for war. | | | | tolerated dancing but also participated in these dances. |
| Dance was part of rituals and ceremonies of worship. | | | | After a great deal of pressure from the populace the |
| Dance was part of life and we live in a society today | | | | church did eventually accept and embrace dance. |
| that seems to increasingly label dance as a form of | | | | The movements for the medieval dance steps were |
| entertainment more than a way of life. Perhaps that is | | | | said to be rather simple and repetitive. While some of |
| part of the reason we have a growing awareness | | | | the dances of the day were performed by couples |
| when it comes to depression because fewer people | | | | there were many processional or line dances that |
| are experiencing the joy of dance. | | | | were popular during this period as well. Who knew the |
| Did you know that the Spartan warriors used dance in | | | | line dancing had such a long and distinguished history? |
| their preparations for battle? They incorporated a | | | | As times have evolved so has dance. In today's |
| 'weapons dance' that was designed not only to | | | | society dance is often limited to competitions, festivals, |
| familiarize themselves with their weaponry but also to | | | | and parties rather than the prominence it once held in |
| help them be more agile when using them. Believe me | | | | society. The good news in all this is that dance is no |
| when I say that very few ever dared question the | | | | longer for some in society an activity that is solely |
| masculinity of Spartans on the battlefield. These | | | | reserved for the wealthiest among us. Though access |
| soldiers were prepared for war and a large degree of | | | | to dance lessons, classes, videos, etc. is by no means |
| that is the result of their weapon dances as mental | | | | solid proof that they will be utilized the fact remains |
| and physical preparation for the art of waging war. | | | | that very few cities in the United States do not offer |
| With the Spartans war was most definitely an art | | | | dance classes that are at least marginally affordable |
| form. | | | | for those who participate. Competitive dance is |
| Oriental Dance was common during what has | | | | another matter all together however and can bring a |
| become known as Biblical times and remains today a | | | | significant price tag to those who are unaware or |
| very noteworthy form of dance. In fact, Oriental | | | | caught off guard. Recreational dance however, often |
| Dances, also referred to as Belly Dancing, seems to | | | | costs little more than the music required with which to |
| be experiencing a rebirth of sorts as its popularity has | | | | dance and the will to dance deep inside. We live in a |
| spread around the globe in recent years. This style of | | | | nation of opportunity, do not squander the opportunity |
| dance has been used as part of religious ceremonies | | | | we have to incorporate the simple pleasure of dancing |
| as well as to entice lovers and incite lust and in some | | | | into our daily lives. |
| cases to represent fertility. Oriental Dance has a long | | | | |