The Magic of Dance
The music running through the air taking control of my body almost in a trance. I could feel it as if it was coursing through my veins making me keep moving. Dancing can be a great way to release stress, exercise, and many other things! Though it doesn’t necessarily have to take control of you; it does have its own meaning.
Native Americans are famous for the various dances that they perform either for social or ritualistic ceremonies. Dancing in their culture is a very significant part of their life. They would not simply dance, each one had a meaning behind it. It is a way for them to give thanks, express prayer, or even express victory. One of the many dances that Native Americans perform is the Grass dance. This dance is derived from the old custom of tying braids of grass to a dancers’ belt in order to promote a swaying appearance. There is a reason for this as everything! It’s said that a handicapped man from the Northern Plain Indians sought out a medical man. He suggested for the man to go meditate on a prairie, and he did just that. While there he had a vision of him dancing with the grass. After seeing this he went back to the others, and told them what they saw. He was so excited the man was able to perform the dance even though he had at one point been handicapped. Even now the grass dance is performed. Usually it is performed by the oldest man in the tribe in order to honor ancestors and gain spiritual strength. Those that perform the grass dance as well as the observers receive a blessing.
Another dance that they perform is the Hoop Dance. This is a storytelling dance that has the use of hoops that can be used to represent animals. The hoop dance has been used in healing ceremonies in order to restore balance and harmony. The hoops are included to create animal shapes. Performed solo a single hoop is symbolizing the circle of life. It also is a reminder that there is no definite beginning or end. The dance was originally given to a dying man who wanted to have a gift to leave behind.
The last Native American dance I’m going to mention, is one of the most popular. The Sun Dance is performed to celebrate each Summer; and practiced all over the world! The dance is dedicated to the Earth and Sun. Done to honor them so that the Earth and universe will continue regenerating natural resources and creativity in people. Though the intention of the dance can change based on the individual performing it. It can be done for personal reasons While performing the sun dance they can hold the intention for a better future, a wish, or for family.
Santeria also incorporates dancing into their worship. For example, they communicate with Orishas through music and dance. While doing so it is described as a trance in which the body is taken over. The spirit can possess the individual communicating through dance. There are also many salsa songs that have been written with the orishas as their subject. The drums used to help summon them.
Another culture that uses dance for expression is the African culture. Their dancing has no distinct difference between ritual and social dancing. A stamping dance is performed in honor of Earth Mother and elder women in the community. Though they will take pauses in between to sing praise and observe the order of seniority of those in the community. Dance helps the community continue interactions between spiritual forces and them.
Finally the last culture we will speak about in Zimbabwe. They dance to speak with the Shona, guardian spirits of the dead. Like Santeria they use their repetitive footwork in hopes of becoming entranced and communicating with the dead. However, the dance must be performed by a priest, medium, or confirmed ritual leader. They also perform masquerade dances. The masks worn during the dance determine the meaning. For example,
Animal Mask: Mali masquerades perform while carrying carvings of antelopes and other wild animals. They dance imitating moves to promote fertility of land and their community.
Ikpelweme: these dances will be done while wearing colorful and tight fitting costumes as well as face masks and headpieces.
Nagol Akakayi: these dances are also performed in close fitting head and body coverings. It will be performed at the second burial of a leader in the community.
This shows that dance simply isn’t just dance. It can be used to communicate with different deities, deceased loved ones, or even healing. It’s interesting to see the different uses that a simple task can be used for. Sometimes things look different on the surface than the true meaning behind it.
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Works Cited
“Masquerade Dancers.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/art/African-dance/Masquerade-dancers.
“Native American Dance Tradition.” CulturallyOurs, 2 Mar. 2020, www.culturallyours.com/podcast/native-american-dance-tradition/.
says:, Michael D, and Trisha howson says: Legends of America, www.legendsofamerica.com/na-dances/.