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Dance Through the Years

When you think of dance, you probably think of popular styles, like hip hop, ballet, jazz, etc. These styles have a lot of history behind them. However, dance was very different years and years ago. Believe it or not, dance used to be a part of Greek theatre at Greek shrines, such as the games at Olympia. This occurred all the way back in the 8th century BC! Dance has advanced since then, and today is the day you learn all about that.

Ballet

Ballet began during the Italian Renaissance courts from the 15th century. Dancers performed at weddings, parties, and other celebrations. In 1661, the first dance academy opened in Paris, France, called operaLe Triomphe de l’Amour. From then on, ballet grew more popular. Almost 4 centuries later, ballet is the most popular and enjoyed style of dance in the world.

Hip Hop

Hip hop isn't quite as old as other styles, like ballet, but is still a staple in shaping dance to be what it is now. Hip hop was born in the late 1960's when New Yorkers brought their rhythm to the streets. People who couldn't afford dance lessons but still wanted to dance took their musicality to a new level, incorporating African dancing, swing, and tap.

Ballroom

The earliest ballroom dances were done in the early 1800's. Ballroom dancing was developed from waltzing in England. In 1812, the book "Invitation to the Dance" was written by Carl Maria von Weber. As the century went on, dancers modernized the waltz to make it fit popular jazz songs. By the 1930's, ballroom dancing was featured in movies and was gaining popularity. Now, ballroom has many styles to it, including cha-cha, foxtrot, salsa, and more.

There are just a few of the many more styles that have advanced through the years. I hope you enjoyed and decide to subcribe for more articles!

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