The History of

Dan Simak
Sean Valentine
Elaine Cotter
Rachael Jenson
HaleGich Daqniek
 History of Dance
There is no definite date where certain dances originated
1. Experts suggest (through the analysis of cave painting)
that dancing has been around since beginning of life
2. Used for mating, communication, rituals & offerings
 General Types
• Ballet •Contra
• Jazz •Country/Western
• Hip Hop
•Belly
• Swing
• Tap •Flamenco
• Modern •Latin Dance
• Swing •Folk Dance
 Why People Dance
• Dance is a way to express emotion
• Dance differs by region and culture
• Main reasons why people dance
– Fun
– Exercise
– Stress Relief (Letting Loose)
– Spiritual
– Tradition
 American Dances
– The Two Step (1813)
– The Waltz (1880)
– The Cake Walk (1899)
– The Fox Trot (1920)
– The Charleston (1926)
– The Lindy Hop and Jitterbug (1933)
 Modern Dancing
• Break Dancing
– Formed in the streets
– Developed as Hip Hop/Rap music developed
• Bump & Grind
• Based off of Songs (Two step, Soulja Boy, Duggie, Cha
Cha Slide, John Wall, Shufflin’, etc.)
• Disco
 African Dance
• Essential role in the culture of tribes
• Right of passage, communication, also
strengthen the bonds within the tribe
• Most villages have “dance master” who leads
and teaches members
• Drums, gourds, stomping, clapping, and
singing helped develop the beat
Spanish Dance

• Salsa
• Flamenco
• Merengue
Famous Dancers
• Michael Jackson
• Britney Spears
• Jofre Ballet
• Sammy Davis Jr.
• Olga San Juan
Animals shaking what der momma
gave dem
The Evolution of Dance
Macarena