💃History of Dance Unit 9 – Dance in Popular Culture

What's This Unit About?

• Explores the role of dance in popular culture throughout history
• Examines how dance styles, trends, and innovations have shaped and been shaped by society
• Investigates the influence of media, technology, and cultural events on the evolution of popular dance
• Analyzes the cultural significance and social issues surrounding popular dance forms
• Discusses the contributions of influential figures and groups in the world of popular dance
• Considers the modern developments and future outlook of dance in popular culture

Key Concepts and Terms

• Popular culture: Refers to the cultural products, practices, and beliefs that are widely accepted and consumed by the masses
• Social dance: Dance forms that are primarily intended for participation rather than performance, often associated with social gatherings and events
• Street dance: Dance styles that originated in urban environments, often characterized by improvisation and a strong connection to hip-hop culture (breakdancing, krumping)
• Dance crazes: Short-lived dance trends that gain widespread popularity, often associated with specific songs or music genres (Macarena, Gangnam Style)
• Dance halls: Venues that were popular in the early to mid-20th century, where people gathered to dance to live music and socialize
• Dance competitions: Events where dancers showcase their skills and compete against one another, often in specific genres or styles (ballroom, hip-hop battles)
• Dance in film and television: The incorporation of dance into movies, TV shows, and music videos, which has played a significant role in popularizing various dance forms

Historical Context

• Dance has been a part of human culture since ancient times, serving various purposes such as ritual, celebration, and social bonding
• The rise of industrialization and urbanization in the 19th and early 20th centuries led to the emergence of new social dance forms and venues (dance halls, ballrooms)
• The advent of mass media, particularly radio and television, played a crucial role in the spread and popularization of dance styles in the 20th century
• Social and political movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the rise of youth culture in the 1950s and 1960s, have influenced the development of popular dance forms (rock and roll, funk)
• Globalization and the internet have facilitated the rapid exchange and fusion of dance styles from different cultures, leading to the emergence of new hybrid forms

Influential Figures and Groups

• Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers: Iconic dance partners of the 1930s and 1940s, known for their elegant ballroom dancing in Hollywood films
• Michael Jackson: Pop icon whose innovative dance moves, such as the moonwalk, became cultural phenomena and influenced generations of dancers
• Madonna: Singer and dancer who has pushed boundaries and set trends in dance and fashion throughout her career, often incorporating provocative and controversial elements
• Alvin Ailey: Pioneering African American dancer and choreographer who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, known for its powerful and expressive performances
• The Nicholas Brothers: African American tap dancing duo, famous for their acrobatic and energetic routines in films of the 1930s and 1940s
  • Fayard and Harold Nicholas were known for their complex, synchronized tap routines and athletic leaps and splits
• Motown artists: Musicians and dancers associated with the Motown record label in the 1960s and 1970s, who popularized a distinctive style of soul music and dance (The Temptations, The Supremes)

Popular Dance Styles and Trends

• Charleston: Energetic dance style of the 1920s, characterized by fast, syncopated movements and associated with the Jazz Age
• Swing dance: Umbrella term for various dance styles that developed alongside swing music in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s (Lindy Hop, Jive)
• Disco: Dance music genre and accompanying dance style that emerged in the 1970s, known for its four-on-the-floor beat and stylized moves (Hustle, Bus Stop)
• Breakdancing: Street dance style that originated in the 1970s as part of hip-hop culture, featuring acrobatic floor moves and power moves
• Voguing: Highly stylized dance form that emerged from the Harlem ballroom scene in the 1980s, characterized by angular, pose-like movements inspired by fashion models
• Line dancing: Dance style in which participants perform synchronized movements in a line formation, often associated with country and western music
• Flash mobs: Seemingly spontaneous gatherings of people who perform a coordinated dance routine in a public space, often organized through social media

Media and Technology's Impact

• The rise of music videos in the 1980s, particularly on MTV, provided a new platform for showcasing dance and popularizing new styles and trends
• Reality television dance competitions, such as "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance," have brought dance to a wider audience and launched the careers of many professional dancers
• Social media platforms, like YouTube and TikTok, have allowed dancers to share their work, collaborate, and create viral dance challenges that spread rapidly across the globe
• Advances in video game technology have given rise to dance-based games, such as "Dance Dance Revolution" and "Just Dance," which have introduced dance to new audiences and promoted physical activity
• The internet has made it easier for people to access dance tutorials, classes, and resources, enabling them to learn and practice various dance styles from the comfort of their own homes

Cultural Significance and Social Issues

• Dance has often served as a form of cultural expression and identity, particularly for marginalized communities (African American vernacular dances, Latin American dances)
• Popular dance styles have sometimes been met with controversy or moral panic, reflecting broader social anxieties about race, gender, and sexuality (rock and roll in the 1950s, twerking in the 2010s)
• Dance has played a role in social and political activism, with dancers using their art to raise awareness about issues such as racism, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality
• The appropriation of dance styles from marginalized communities by mainstream culture has been a recurring issue, raising questions about cultural ownership, authenticity, and recognition
• Stereotypes and discrimination based on race, gender, and body type have been prevalent in the dance world, leading to calls for greater diversity and inclusivity

Modern Developments and Future Outlook

• The increasing globalization of dance has led to the fusion of various styles and the emergence of new, hybrid forms that blend elements from different cultures
• The rise of social media has democratized dance, allowing a wider range of voices and perspectives to be heard and enabling dancers to build their own brands and communities
• Technology continues to shape the future of dance, with innovations such as motion capture, virtual and augmented reality, and AI-powered choreography tools opening up new possibilities for creation and performance
• The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend towards digital dance experiences, with dancers and choreographers exploring new ways to create, collaborate, and share their work remotely
• As society becomes more diverse and inclusive, there is a growing recognition of the need for greater representation and equity in the dance world, both on and off stage
• The increasing focus on physical and mental well-being has highlighted the potential of dance as a tool for promoting health, fitness, and emotional resilience
• The future of dance in popular culture is likely to be shaped by a combination of technological advances, social and cultural shifts, and the enduring human need for creative expression and connection through movement