Social Dance

Dance has been used for generations as a way to show feelings, emotions, traditions and rituals. In many forms these dances are taught to newer generations to keep the dance alive. Many generations are learning other dancing from different cultures and this is helping other understand the way other races and cultures. Dance is looked at as a universal language spoken by the people of culture.

I think music helps people stay in touch with their cultural origin by combining the older generation moves and music and adding a modern day twang to it. By learning the dances that later generations danced shows us how things have stayed the same or changed throughout the years. One example of this are Tribal Pow Wows that are put on by Native American tribes. At these pow wows they show the old Indian dances that were used back in the day, they have elders and young kids doing these ritual dances. By attending these helps share the history of the dances with other heritages and cultures. Another example are the Oktoberfest that is put on to celebrate German heritage. At this event there are many dances that are performed and music that has been around for centuries. These events both give a sense of culture and show the old dances of the cultures.

Dance can create a common ground for culture by creating a mutual language. If in a country there are many languages spoken, a common way to interact with other races is threw dance. Many cultures use dance to fight for a higher standing in the line of respect in modern society. By using the universal language of dance many cultures can interact and join together. I personally have not experienced this, being exposed to dance has created this option for me to further in the future.

The way I would describe the dance of Jarabe Tapatio to some one who had never been exposed to it would be; the woman's costume is made out of large full skirts or dresses that have lots of color. The men wear suits that are highly decorated with buttons and gold trim, also wearing a sombrero. The music for this dance has lots of percussion and trumpets, it fluctuates between very upbeat and fast to moderately quick. This dance is known as the courting dance and follows a man pursuing a girl and throughout the song she falls for him and takes his hat as a symbol of being with him. The dance is very fun to watch and perform.

In conclusion dance is a great way to stay connected to older generations of your