This month we celebrate Women with Mother’s Day In Mind. We acknowledge the different people who take on the role of a ‘Mother’ and look at how something that is accessible to all can appeal to everyone. That is dance. This is all about Celebrating the life and times of Traditional Dances through the years, as far back as 6000BC, when Women were leading dances developments throughout the world. In order to understand and appreciate the significance of dance within our society. Bringing people together and playing a huge part in producing the formal dance styles that we recognise and enjoy today.
In Part One we take a look at traditional female dances from around the world. We’ll explore some historical features and begin to unravel why this really is something that everyone can love in one way or another.
In Part Two we explore more inclusive traditions. Showcasing how those with disabilities and LTHC’s can enjoy dance, alongside some Strictly Magic and Dancing on Ice sensations that have quite literally got everyone engaged in this all inclusive love of something money can’t buy.
Even just bopping around in the kitchen can have a significant effect on Mental Health and Physical Well-Being. Plus we look at the Psychological benefits of watching dance.*
The History Of Dance & Mothers Day
Women have always played a role in dance, which can be seen from its earliest history. Formal dance styles dating back to the 15 century developed into what we know now as ballet are shown through cave paintings or statuettes. Women are thought to have played a large part in the early religious and rituals dances. This developed into a range of other dances such as Flamenco, Cabaret and expressionist dance.
According to The Time Of India many historians consider the dance form that is today known as Belly Dancing originated 6,000 years ago and was practised by many ancient cultures. They note that:
‘Even though the modern belly dance has many negative connotations and is considered to be seductive, it had a totally different purpose in ancient times. Originally, it was performed only by women, for women, sometimes as a part of goddess worship and sometimes to celebrate womanhood. Its practical purpose was to exercise the abdominal muscles of women so that they
could go through pregnancy and child birth successfully'. (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/which-is-the-oldest-dance-form/articleshow/4449656.cms)
So even back then there was a link between dance and it’s effectiveness to support our health and well-being. Plus there’s a close connection there between Mothers and their children as we launch into Mother’s Day, which itself has a fascinating story to tell as Find Me This Gift explains;
'Mother's Day celebrations date back as far as the ancient Greeks where they would celebrate Rhea, the Mother of the Gods and Goddesses, every spring with festivals of worship. The Romans also celebrated a mother Goddess, Cybele, every March as far back as 250BC. Mothering Sunday has been celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent, in the UK and Ireland, since the 16 century’ (https://www.findmeagift.co.uk/mothers-day-gifts/history.html)
They continue with;
‘It was originally a day to honour and give thanks to the Virgin Mary, also known as Mother Mary. Such celebrations required people to visit their 'mother' church-the main church or cathedral in a family's area. The spread of Christianity throughout Europe in the 16 century increased the celebrations and firmly put Mothering Sunday on the calendar. It was believed to be essential for people to return to their home 'mother' church to make it a true family honoured occasion. The gatherings reunited families and gave children who worked as domestic servants, or as apprentices away from home the opportunity to have the day off to join their family and see their mother’.( https://www.findmeagift.co.uk/mothers-day-gifts/history.html)
Traditional Dances From Around The World
10 Dances From Around The World is a real celebration of different cultures. Written by Dance Competition holders Starquest Dance, this informative article looks at and explores the origins of;
The Samba Of Brazil
The Flamenco of Spain
The Dragon Dance of China
The Viennese Waltz of Austria
Hopak — Kiev, Ukraine
Adumu “Aigus” — Kenya and Tenzania
The Zaouli mask dance of the Ivory Coast
The Haka of New Zealand
Ote’a of French Polynesian Tahiti
Bharata Natyam: Southern India
Picking out two dances at opposite ends of the spectrum Genni Abilock explains that if we head to Southern India in Asia the Bharata dance is performed to express religious themes of Hinduism. Initially this was only for female temple dancers, and in 1930 the Bharata Natyam began to be performed to the public. Abilock explains;
‘This dance is composed of a series of rhythmic feet movement, during which the dancer remains in a low squat, while the arms, neck and shoulders of the dancer move to the beat. Throughout the performance, the dancer utilises their hands in order to tell a story, while their facial expressions set the mood. In the pure form of this dance, hand movements are restricted to the 11 “mudras”, a series of symbolic religious hand gestures.During a performance of this dance, a single dancer performs on stage for around two uninterrupted hours, never once leaving the stage to change costumes or take a break. Behind the dancer, the dancer’s guru, or teacher, conducts an orchestra of drums, a drone, and a singe’. (https://www.starquestdance.com/%E2%80%A8ten-dance-around-the-world/)
She continues withThe Zaouli mask dance from the Ivory Coast which comes from African traditions. Only certain people are allowed to be present with no women allowed;
‘Once the Zaouli dancer puts on their mask, the performer begins to change, a representation of the spirit taking over the dancer’s body. This dance is reflective of the culture of the Ivory Coast, where people often turned to these masks when there was fear of danger. While some masks protected against evil, other masks are used to celebrate’. (https://www.starquestdance.com/%E2%80%A8ten-dance-around-the-world/)
Delving Deeper
If this is of interest you can find some more historical dance inspired by women at Wikipedia - Women In Dance. It’s a really fascinating history and that alone could inspire a new hobby, which in turn could create some special time away from the stresses and strains of your everyday life.
Benefits of Dance
There are so many reasons for dance and we have already explored through that of ritual, religion, health and entertainment as well as actual health benefits. Prudential Life UK report that there are 10 benefits to Dance which include the following:
Better Brain Health
Improved Flexibility
Minimised Stress
Reduced Depression
Weight Loss
Increased Energy
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Better Coordination, Strength & Balance
Improved social and mental health &
Higher Self-Esteem & Confidence
Whilst these are felt through actual dance activity there’s a lot to be said for the psychological impact that watching dance can also support. A bit like music therapy but with the addition of dance. With Stress Awareness Month to follow in April and then Mental Health week also falling into May this could be an area to which we can link and connect. Especially with the focuses for this year being ‘A 30 way challenge to Reduce Stress’ through a personalised plan and ‘Loneliness’ respectively in light of the pandemic.
So the stage is set! We have our bit of background knowledge, we have an idea of the different types of dance that have been created, changed, enjoyed and utilised in many different ways that are accessible to all. A quick look at the benefits of Dance from a number of angles. Now all we need to do is venture further into what Dance can do for you personally. Whether that’s activity based, at home, structured classes or simply watching. This accessible activity can make a real difference to our general well-being and mental health however we decide to utilise it.
*It is worth remembering that what we convey is helpful to us but at other times it’s not. However, we include it because everyones journey is different and feel that to dispose of it all would be a waste and, a dis-service to our readers.
The All Important Links
The Times Of India - Which Is The Oldest Dance Form
10 Dances From Around The World
The History Of Dance
Prudential Life - Benefits of Dance
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