A DEFINITION OF DANCE – By Nicola Van Rooyen

Several sources of information have different definitions and opinions about the true definition of “Dance”. An ‘un-named’ encyclopedia source says that in the world of dance; “Forms of dance vary from those who employ the whole body in free and open movement to those in which movement is restricted to certain parts of the body.” Dance is usually rhythmic, often with an element of repetition and forms of pattern in both space and time. Dance can be a simple expression of pleasure with the movement of the human body or as an art form of complex patterns and significant gestures.

The oxford dictionary argues that “dance is to move rhythmically to music, alone or with a partner or set; move in a lively way, to skip, bop up and down and or perform.”

From these two primary definitions we can deduce the following; Dance is the free or isolated movement of the human body, with the use of rhythmic patterns in both space and/ or time.

FUNCTIONS OF DANCE IN SOCIETY

#1: Communication- “The act of imparting information”[1]

When looking at the sensory disadvantaged e.g. deaf, blind and mute or physically disabled, society can make use of dance as a means of communication. When looking at Remix Dance Company (Situated in Rosebank, Cape Town), their techniques of movement give physically, mentally and sensory disabled dancers the opportunity to communicate through movement and dance.

#2: Culture and Ritual-“A ritual is an action event or ceremony which follows a fixed pattern of procedure and thus can be repeated”[2]
Dance as a ritual originated many years ago, inspired by the rhythmical patterns of the heart beating, breathing and animal sounds. But now dance can be seen being practiced at ceremonies of religious matters- weddings, funerals, rites of passage and traditions to do with the ‘happenings’ of heritage.

#3: Education-“To give intellectual or moral training”[3]

Numerous conferences and workshops are given in the form of dance where the subject matter is educational e.g. aids awareness and drug abuse campaigns.
In schools the subject of arts and culture deals with dance as a form of education and students are given assignments where they need to explore subject matters through the artistry dance.

#4 Political-“of or concerning the state or its government or public affairs generally’[4]

In Pre-democratic South Africa, ‘Africans’ used the dance form of the ‘toi-toi’ to express views on political action either for or against the unit of power in the government. Arguments say that ‘toi-toi’ is in fact not a form of dance but when looking at the previously stated definition of dance the ‘toi-toi can be seen as a form of dance because of its function and movement factors.

#5 Exercise and Health-“Training to sustain or to improve health”[5]

Dance is used as means of physical fitness to sustain and improve health. Dances Studios around South Africa allow all members of society to join dance classes for improved health and physical fitness for all walks of life. Dance is an excellent method of exercise as it trains the body both mentally and physically, while working the body in equilibrium with both strength and flexibility.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, no-one can state the true definition of dance as every human being has their own opinion and is entitled to state that opinion. My personal definition of dance is as previously stated; “Dance is the free or isolated movement of the human body, with the use of rhythmic patterns in both space and/ or time.”

I believe that in today’s modern society dance should be explored by as many members of our society as possible, as dance is beneficial in countless ways and the positive outcomes of dance are endless.

My advice to anyone reading this;
• If you’ve never tried dancing or participated in a dance class of any form, you have to try it! (No question about it!)
• If you have been to a dance class and didn’t enjoy it, try another form of dance, change the dance class environment and/or find a better teacher/ instructor that you can be more comfortable with.
• If you used to dance and don’t anymore… What are you doing reading this article? Get back to a dancing, you’ll feel the difference immediately!
• If you are currently dancing, just keep going! Love every minute of it and keep pushing yourself!

“LIFE WITHOUT DANCE IS LIKE LIFE WITHOUT FRIENDS.”
Fulfill your soul, body and mind…Just DANCE!!!