Nature and History of Dance

• newEditor

Nature and History of Dance

Learning goal

I can describe how dance developed from early human expression into different forms across historical periods.

What words come to mind when you hear 'history of dance'?

Use this to surface prior associations such as rhythm, ritual, performance, culture, celebration or movement. Briefly connect students' ideas to the lesson goal of tracing how dance developed across time.

What is dance?

Dance is one of the oldest arts.

It grows from natural human movement, rhythm and shared feeling. Early people could create dance through humming, stamping, clapping and other body-made sounds, so no separate instrument was required.

The body itself is the dancer’s instrument.

The source text gives an etymology from the German word 'damson' meaning 'to stretch' or 'to drag'. Avoid dwelling on the etymology if uncertain; the more secure teaching point is that dance is rooted in human movement and rhythm.

Dance as an art form

Dance is the purposeful arranging of human movement.

It can carry:

• aesthetic value

• symbolic meaning

• meanings shared by performers and observers within a culture

A dance may be freeform or follow predefined choreography.

Why people dance

Dance has served many functions in human life, including:

• social gatherings

• ceremonial and ritual events

• competitive performance

• martial training

• entertainment and celebration

Its purpose changes with the culture and the occasion.

The source also mentions erotic functions; for classroom appropriateness, keep the emphasis on broader social, ceremonial, competitive, martial and entertainment roles unless the teacher chooses to mention the full list.

Two broad forms of dance

• Performed for an audience

• Uses more elaborate choreography, costume and scenery

• Often performed by trained or professional dancers

• Aims for interpretation and polished presentation

• Open to a group or community

• Common at weddings, festivals and social gatherings

• Can be danced alone, in pairs, in lines or in chains

• Often linked with folk music

Participatory social dance

Theatrical dance

Dance before written history

Long before written language, people used oral and performance traditions to pass on stories and beliefs.

Many historians see social, celebratory and ritual dance as important in the growth of early civilisations.

The source mentions very early evidence linked to India and Egypt, but the key takeaway here is that dance predates written records and helped communities communicate and remember.

Which statement best matches participatory social dance?

A

Performed for an audience

B

Open to group involvement

C

Used only in temples

D

Restricted to professionals

Checks the contrast between participatory social dance and theatrical dance from slides 5–6. The distractors reflect common mix-ups with theatrical or ritual settings.

Complete the summary

Dance is one of the oldest . Early people could create rhythm through humming, stamping and , so the itself became the dancer’s instrument. Before written history, dance also helped pass on stories through oral and traditions.

Dance is one of the oldest

. Early people could create rhythm through humming, stamping and

, so the

itself became the dancer’s instrument. Before written history, dance also helped pass on stories through oral and

arts

drumming

voice

visual

written

singing

Correct blanks: arts, clapping, body, performance. All four come directly from slides 2 and 6.

Dance in prehistory

Evidence from prehistory is limited, so much of what we know comes from the art people left behind.

Even so, dance appears to have been an integral part of society and a form of communication connected to everyday life.

Life events and rituals

Prehistoric dance was linked to meaningful events such as:

• birth

• puberty

• courtship

• marriage

• death

Many tribes also included dance in ceremonies, festivities, beliefs and superstitions.

In harmony with the body

One prehistoric dance type was described as in harmony with the body.

It expressed joy and celebration and was often symbolic, imitating nature or representing ideas.

Two sub-types were described:

• expanded dances with large, uplifting movements

• closed dances with more contained movements such as hand actions, stepping or whirling

The source links expanded dances mainly with men and closed dances mainly with women. You may mention this as a historical description rather than a universal rule.

Out of harmony with the body

A second prehistoric type was described as out of harmony with the body.

These dances used jerky, spastic or convulsive movements. Some were described as strongly uncontrolled, while others were shaped by music, musicians or stimulants.

The movement style depended on the purpose of the ritual.

Use careful language here: present this as a historical description from the source, not as a modern scientific classification of movement.

Which prehistoric dance type expressed joy and celebration?

A

Out of harmony

B

War dance

C

In harmony

D

Line dance

Tests the key contrast on slides 9–10. 'War dance' and 'line dance' are plausible because students meet those terms later in the lesson.

Complete the prehistoric dance description

In prehistory, dance was linked to life events such as birth, puberty, marriage and . Dances described as in harmony with the body often expressed and celebration. By contrast, out-of-harmony dances could be shaped by , musicians or stimulants.

In prehistory, dance was linked to life events such as birth, puberty, marriage and

. Dances described as in harmony with the body often expressed

and celebration. By contrast, out-of-harmony dances could be shaped by

death

sorrow

priests

costume

festivals

Correct blanks: death, joy, music. This reinforces the social and ritual uses of prehistoric dance from slides 8–10.

Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt, dance was used for religious services, the teaching of myths, and the celebration of festivities and life events.

It was both sacred expression and entertainment.

Dance and social class in Egypt

Dance was important in Egyptian life, but it also reflected social class.

• Dance groups performed at banquets, dinner parties and temples

• Some women in wealthy harems were trained in music and dance

• Public dancing was associated more with the lower classes

• Wealthy Egyptians often hired dancers rather than performing themselves

The source states that men and women are never depicted dancing together and mentions the trf performed by a pair of men. You can add this orally as an example of how structured and socially coded Egyptian dance could be.

Ancient Crete

Cretan civilisation linked Egypt and Greece and was known for rich arts and culture.

Dance in Crete was connected to:

• military training

• named forms such as war dances and satyr dances

• religious belief

Evidence from Crete

Archaeological finds from Crete include engraved figures, clay figurines and wall paintings of dancers.

Many dancing female figures are identified as goddesses or priestesses, suggesting a strong connection between dance and religion in early communities.

Ancient Greece

Greek dance likely developed from earlier traditions in Minoan Crete.

In ancient Greece, dance became highly systematic and structured, combining movement with ritual, symbols, gestures and music.

Dance in Greek daily life

For the Greeks, dance was part of everyday life.

• Dancers might also sing during performance

• Dance appeared at weddings and symposia

• It could be spontaneous or carefully pre-arranged

• Individual and group dances could tell stories, train the body or support rituals

The source notes that Greeks even recognised some rhythmic exercise and ball-playing as forms related to dance. This helps show how broadly they understood movement.

Ancient Rome

In ancient Rome, dance was performed for:

• religious purposes

• social occasions

• entertainment

Roman dance was influenced by Etruscan and Greek traditions.

Roman attitudes to dance

Romans often treated dance differently from the Greeks.

• Wealthy Romans usually preferred to watch dancers

• Performers were often less respected

• Some noble priests performed war dances in armour

• Dance could include dramatic, comic or sensational elements

The source includes a vivid quotation about spectacle under Nero. Summarise this orally as evidence that Roman entertainment could be theatrical and extreme, rather than putting the graphic detail on the slide.

Which civilisation is presented as a link between Egypt and Greece?

A

Ancient Rome

B

Ancient Crete

C

Ancient India

D

Ancient Greece

Checks the bridging role of Crete before students compare the ancient civilisations.

In which ancient civilisation did dance seem most woven into daily life?

1

Egypt

2

Crete

3

Greece

4

Rome

How did Greek and Roman attitudes to dance differ?

Expected ideas: Greece treated dance as part of everyday life, including weddings, symposia, storytelling, ritual and training. Rome more often separated performers from wealthy spectators and respected dancers less. Students may also mention Greek singing during dance or Roman spectacle.

Dance in the Middle Ages

Medieval dance and music developed across Europe and can be traced back to the early medieval era.

Two major categories stood out:

• court dance

• country dance

The Church and medieval dance

During the Middle Ages, dancing was a reserved practice.

The Church at first did not approve of much dancing, but over time some forms became accepted and were included in certain religious ceremonies or sermons.

Medieval dance forms

Where they were seen

• Circle dances were among the oldest community forms

• Line dances used repeated choreographed steps in rows or a line

• Country dances mixed circle and line patterns with clapping and spinning

Main formations

• Court dances were dignified and performed at court

• Popular named dances included Basse Dance, La Spagna, Morris Dance, The Jig, Pavan and Farandole

• Medieval dance reflected the rich cultures of different parts of Europe

You do not need to explain every named dance; the slide's job is to show range and classification.

Music and dress in medieval dance

Dance was often accompanied by songs, drums and lutes.

Peasants usually wore everyday clothing to dances, with women in plain coloured dresses and men in woollen jackets and shirts.

Which institution first did not approve of much medieval dancing?

A

The nobility

B

The army

C

The guilds

D

The Church

Targets the role of the Church in shaping medieval dance practices on slide 20.

Complete the medieval overview

In the Middle Ages, two major categories were court dance and dance. Circle dances were among the oldest community forms, while dances used repeated choreographed steps. Dance was often accompanied by songs, drums and .

In the Middle Ages, two major categories were court dance and

dance. Circle dances were among the oldest community forms, while

dances used repeated choreographed steps. Dance was often accompanied by songs, drums and

country

square

lutes

harps

ritual

line

Correct blanks: country, line, lutes. This captures the main classifications and accompaniment from slides 19–22.

Dance in the Renaissance

The Renaissance was one of the most dance-conscious periods in history.

Ideas of decorum, manners, courtly love and chivalry shaped the way people danced, especially at court.

Court dance and country dance

A clear distinction remained between two settings:

• Court dances required training and were used for display and entertainment

• Country dances could be attempted by anyone

• Formal court events were often followed by long periods of shared country dancing

Italy and France shape dance

France had led court fashion in the late Middle Ages, but during the Renaissance Italy became a centre for new dance developments.

At the same time, France began serious study of dance and its links with theatre, music and classical ideas.

The rise of dance masters

Named dance masters and manuals show that dance was becoming more organised.

• Domenico da Piacenza published an early European dance manual

• Antonio Cornazano also wrote about the art of dance

• Dance was increasingly studied, taught and recorded

The source also mentions the Académie Royale de Danse under Louis XIV in 1661, which helps bridge into the Baroque era.

Baroque dance

Baroque dance began in the seventeenth century and dominated much of the eighteenth century until the French Revolution.

It became the conventional style of elite dance in this period.

Louis XIV and political dance

Louis XIV was a major force in the development and promotion of Baroque dance.

Dance in this period was not only social. It could also carry political importance, as court style helped display power, control and status.

You may mention Louis XIV's performance as Apollo in Ballet de la Nuit as a striking example of how he linked dance to royal image-making.

Styles and training in the Baroque era

Where the style appeared

• Complex use of the arms

• Turnout of legs and feet

• A rise marking the start of the step

• Professional training for male and female dancers at the Académie Royale de Danse

• Ballroom settings

• Ballet

• Theatrical dance

• Regional variations

• Court entertainments and opera-ballets

Key features

What made Renaissance court dances different from country dances?

A

They needed no training

B

They used no music

C

They required training

D

They were only religious

Checks the key distinction on slide 24 and prepares students for the idea of organised dance instruction.

Complete the Renaissance and Baroque summary

During the Renaissance, became a centre for new dance developments, while France pursued serious study of dance. In the Baroque era, XIV strongly promoted court dance. A key feature of the style was the of the legs and feet.

During the Renaissance,

became a centre for new dance developments, while France pursued serious study of dance. In the Baroque era,

XIV strongly promoted court dance. A key feature of the style was the

Italy

Henry

turnout

Germany

balance

Charles

Correct blanks: Italy, Louis, turnout. Draws together the major developments from slides 25–29.

What shows that dance became more organised over time?

Expected ideas: dance became more organised through manuals, named dance masters, court training, elite style, political display and formal institutions such as the Académie Royale de Danse.

What is one idea from this lesson you will remember?

Reflection only. Invite students to name one enduring idea, example or contrast from the lesson.

Which part of the lesson helped you understand dance history best?

Reflection only. Encourage students to identify a specific section, example or comparison that supported their understanding.

Glossary

choreography - the planned sequence and arrangement of dance movements

theatrical dance - dance performed for an audience, often with trained performers and production elements

participatory social dance - dance that encourages group involvement at social events and celebrations

ritual - a ceremonial action connected to belief, tradition or community practice

court dance - formal dance associated with royal or noble courts

country dance - social or folk-style dance that ordinary people could join

Baroque dance - the courtly dance style that developed in the seventeenth century and flourished in the eighteenth century

Glossary

prehistory - the time before written records

civilisation - an organised society with shared culture, beliefs and institutions

symposia - social drinking gatherings in ancient Greece

war dance - a dance connected to martial training or the display of fighting skill

dance manual - a written guide that records dance ideas, forms or instructions

decorum - behaviour considered proper, polite and suitable for a setting

turnout - the outward rotation of the legs and feet used in formal dance technique