Dance

People have always danced. In ancient times people danced and sang to praise their gods or to celebrate big events such as a successfull hunt or harvest. Dance is still an important part of many cultures, but today people all over the wortld enjoy dancing just for fun. Some dances have special steps, which need to be learned. Others, such as disco, let the dancers move freely.

Dancing and and acting are often closely linked and many dances tell stories. For example, in Indiaa some dances tell ancient srories from hindu faith. Group dances that tell a dramatic story are called dance- dramas. Dances act out the story to singing and mime. Mime is a type of acting that uses facial expression and body movement.

Kathakali is a spectacular dance- drama from southern India. It dates back to the 1500s and is still popular today. During the plays, singers tell stories from hindu legends while dancers act them out using their special dance language. Kathakali plays are traditionally shown at night in a temple courtyard, and all the parts are played by men.

Ballet is a mixture of graceful dancing, beautiful music, custumes,mime and scenery. Ballet began more than 400 years ago in europe. At first it included singing and speech as well as dance and the performance wore high heels. Then about 200 years ago,dancers began to wear the soft, flat toe shoes they use today.

Ballroom dancing is usually performed by couples with the man and women holding each other as they move to the music. Dances can be energetic with fast steps, or slow with graceful steps. Nearly all of the ballroom dances seen today were developed during the 1800s and 1900s. At first they danced at parties and public gathering. Now they are also danced un competitions.