Evolution of Dance: From Prehistory to Contemporary Forms
History of Dance
Dance, one of the oldest art forms, relies solely on the body and human vitality to express feelings and subjective experiences. It was among the earliest forms of artistic and personal expression. The development of artistic sensitivity shaped dance as an aesthetic expression.
Prior History
Prehistoric cave paintings in Africa and Southern Europe depict dancers. According to Paulina Ossana, this expression is called imitative, figurative, or abstract. Dance played a vital role in hunting and other prehistoric activities. Scientists study these dances to understand ancient ways of life.
Dance in the Middle Ages
People sang and danced wildly in cemeteries, at weddings, and during holidays with folk dances and the dance of “current.”
Dance at the Renaissance
In Italy, nobles hired dance teachers to create court spectacles, including dances called ball or ballet. Catherine de Medici, a member of the ruling family of Florence, became queen of France in 1547 and brought Italian dance and shows to France. Dance was influenced by humanistic ideas, expressing a concept of beauty where body and spirit form a harmonious whole. Many believed that the harmony of dance reflected harmony in government, nature, and the universe. King Louis XIV of France greatly encouraged ballet, making France the cultural center of Europe.
Romanticism
The Romantic period, a cultural, artistic, and literary movement that began in Europe in the late 18th century and spread worldwide until the end of the 19th century, originated in Italy, Germany, and England. However, it gained strength in France through French artists. Romantic ideals spread throughout Europe and America. Key features of this period include the enhancement of emotions, creative freedom, platonic love, religious issues, individualism, nationalism, and historical themes. This period was influenced by the ideals of enlightenment and freedom won in the French Revolution.
Romantic Classical Ballet
Classical ballet originated in the Renaissance period. The Romantic era gave rise to great stories and romantic tales portrayed in dance and poetry. This union of music, dance, poetry, and art led to the creation of the great ballet repertoire. Among the most important are: Giselle, The Nutcracker, Coppelia, Romeo and Juliet, The Rite of Spring, Don Quixote, and The Sleeping Beauty.
Dance Theater
In the Middle Ages, dance theater served to entertain royalty and was presented in various styles, each reflecting the social-historical moment in which it was created.
Social Dance
Social dance can be found at parties, dances, discos, and nightclubs, presenting a variety of types with diverse origins.
Modern Dance
Modern dance refers to the schools and movements in the history of dance during the period of modernity. It emerged in the early 20th century, with pioneers seeking personal and modern ways of expressing their feelings through dance.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance emerged in the 1960s as a protest against classical culture, seeking a total break with ballet. It abandons aesthetics, focusing on the transmission of feelings, ideas, and concepts. Improvisation is frequent.