Social Dance: A Short History | Routledge Revivals

Social dance is a form of dance that is performed by two or more people in a social setting. It is typically characterized by its emphasis on partner work, improvisation, and playfulness. Social dance is often performed at parties, clubs, and other social gatherings. It can also be used as a form of exercise or therapy.

Social Dance: A Short History (Routledge Revivals)

by Brenda Bobby

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	212169 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	31 pages

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The history of social dance can be traced back to the early 19th century, when the waltz was introduced to Europe. The waltz was a revolutionary dance at the time, as it was the first dance to allow couples to hold each other close. This led to a great deal of controversy, as many people believed that the waltz was too sensual. However, the waltz quickly became popular, and it soon spread to other parts of the world.

In the late 19th century, a number of new social dances were introduced, including the polka, the mazurka, and the schottische. These dances were all characterized by their fast tempo and lively rhythms. They quickly became popular at parties and other social gatherings.

In the early 20th century, a new form of social dance called the foxtrot was introduced. The foxtrot was a slow, smooth dance that was perfect for dancing in close quarters. It quickly became one of the most popular social dances in the world.

In the 1920s, a number of new social dances were introduced, including the Charleston, the Lindy Hop, and the jitterbug. These dances were all characterized by their fast tempo and energetic rhythms. They quickly became popular at parties and other social gatherings.

In the 1930s, a new form of social dance called the swing dance was introduced. Swing dance was a fast, energetic dance that was characterized by its use of improvisation and syncopation. It quickly became one of the most popular social dances in the world.

In the 1940s, a new form of social dance called the rock and roll was introduced. Rock and roll was a fast, energetic dance that was characterized by its use of electric guitars and drums. It quickly became one of the most popular social dances in the world.

In the 1950s, a new form of social dance called the twist was introduced. The twist was a slow, shuffling dance that was characterized by its use of the hips. It quickly became one of the most popular social dances in the world.

In the 1960s, a number of new social dances were introduced, including the frug, the monkey, and the hustle. These dances were all characterized by their fast tempo and energetic rhythms. They quickly became popular at parties and other social gatherings.

In the 1970s, a new form of social dance called the disco was introduced. Disco was a fast, energetic dance that was characterized by its use of synthesizers and drum machines. It quickly became one of the most popular social dances in the world.

In the 1980s, a number of new social dances were introduced, including the breakdance, the hip hop, and the house. These dances were all characterized by their fast tempo and energetic rhythms. They quickly became popular at parties and other social gatherings.

In the 1990s, a new form of social dance called the swing dance revival was introduced. Swing dance revival was a revival of the swing dance that was popular in the 1930s and 1940s. It quickly became one of the most popular social dances in the world.

Today, social dance is a popular pastime enjoyed by people of all ages. There are a variety of social dances to choose from, and there is sure to be a dance that everyone can enjoy.

The Social and Cultural Context of Dance

Social dance is a reflection of the social and cultural values of the time period in which it is performed. For example, the waltz was a popular dance in the 19th century because it allowed couples to express their romantic feelings for each other. The foxtrot was a popular dance in the early 20th century because it was a slow, smooth dance that was perfect for dancing in close quarters.

Social dance can also be used as a form of social protest. For example, the jitterbug was a popular dance in the 1940s because it allowed young people to express their frustration with the war. The twist was a popular dance in the 1960s because it allowed young people to express their rebellion against their parents.

Social dance is a powerful form of expression that can be used to communicate a variety of social and cultural messages.

The Role of Dance in Popular Culture

Social dance has played a major role in popular culture throughout history. For example, the waltz was featured in the movie "Gone with the Wind." The foxtrot was featured in the movie "The Great Gatsby." The twist was featured in the movie "Pulp Fiction." The hip hop was featured in the movie "8 Mile."

Social dance has also been featured in television shows, music videos, and commercials. For example, the waltz was featured in the television show "Dancing with the Stars." The foxtrot was featured in the music video "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson. The twist was featured in the commercial "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke" by Coca-Cola.

Social dance is a popular form of entertainment that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a powerful form of expression that can be used to communicate a variety of social and cultural messages.

Social dance is a rich and diverse form of art that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. It is a reflection of the social and cultural values of the time period in which it is performed, and it can be used as a form of social protest or expression. Social dance has also played a major role in popular culture, and it continues to be a popular form of entertainment today.

Social Dance: A Short History (Routledge Revivals)

by Brenda Bobby

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	212169 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	31 pages

FREE