History of Dance: Rhythms That Shaped Cultures

The Ancient Dances of Asia –India  

Ancient Iran  

A notable example is the pottery found at Tepe Sialk. This features intricate designs depicting human figures engaged in various dance-like movements. These images suggest that dance played a central role in communal rituals and ceremonies, possibly related to fertility, agriculture, or religious worship.  

Furthermore, the discovery of terracotta figurines at sites like Susa and Tepe Hissar provides further evidence of the significance of dance in ancient Iranian culture. These figurines, often depicting stylized representations of human figures in dynamic poses, may have served as votive offerings or talismans associated with fertility rites or other religious practices.  

Statuette from Tepe Hissar, Layer III, Alabaster, 2300-1900 BC (NearEMPTiness/CC BY-SA 4.0) 

The earliest confirmed dance in Iran was one worshiping Mithras, a pre-Zoroastrian god of Iran associated with the sun, justice, and war who later became attached to the Roman Mystery Religion, the cult of Mithras. During this dance, a bull would have been sacrificed and the dance was used to promote vigor. The Greek historian Herodotus was fascinated by ancient Persian dance and wrote extensively on it in his book IX (calliope) which covered the ancient Asian Empires up to 478 BC.  

Over time, Iran’s dance evolved. One of the most significant influences on ancient Iranian dance was Zoroastrianism, the dominant religion of ancient Iran. Zoroastrian rituals often incorporated dance as a form of worship and spiritual expression, with movements symbolizing cosmic harmony and the battle between good and evil.  

Later, the Parthians and Sassanians, who ruled from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD contributed to dance in the region. While historical records are scarce, depictions of dance can be found in Parthian and Sassanian art, suggesting that dance continued to play a significant role in ancient Iranian society. There is also evidence that the region’s dances were heavily established by neighboring powers like Mesopotamia and Indus Valley civilization.  

The biggest change came with the advent of Islam in the 7th century AD with attitudes towards dance undergoing major changes throughout the region. Islamic law and tradition discourage public displays of dance, particularly those perceived as sensuous or immodest. As a result, dance in Iran became more subdued and relegated to private gatherings and religious ceremonies.  

Despite these challenges, dance persisted in Iranian culture, albeit in more subdued forms. Traditional Persian dance styles such as the “Raqs-e-Shirin” and “Raqs-e-Banafsheh” evolved over centuries, blending elements of folklore, poetry, and classical music. By the 19th century, Iranian dance had further evolved, with regional variations reflecting the cultural diversity of the country’s ethnic groups. Folk dances such as the “bandari” of the Persian Gulf region and the “Kurdish dance” of Kurdistan emerged as popular forms of social expression, performed at weddings, festivals, and other communal gatherings.  

Kurdish folk dance during Nowruz celebrations. (Fars Media Corporation/CC BY 4.0) 

Asia’s long and proud history of ancient dances stretches to Neolithic China. Pottery from this period has been found that depicts groups of people dancing in lines while holding hands. The earliest Chinese word for dance can be found on oracle bones dating back to several centuries BC, while dances are also described in the ancient Lushi Chunqiu encyclopedia which dates back to 29 BC.  

The earliest known dances were associated with shamanic rituals, and some of the dances mentioned in ancient texts, like those using sleeve movements, are still practiced today. Over time, these ancient folk dances evolved and developed into court dances held before China’s rulers.  

For example, during the Zhou dynasty of the first millennium BC, ceremonial yayue dances were practiced. By the time of the Tang Dynasty (618–908 AD) dance had become a respected art form, with dancers from all over the world coming to China to perform in front of the imperial court. Often parts of their dances were then incorporated into local dance traditions.  

Dance in China evolved once again with the rise in popularity of Chinese opera during the Song (960-1279 AD) and Yuan (1271-1368 AD) dynasties. During this period, many traditional dances were adopted and merged into Chinese Opera. Classical dance forms such as “jingju” (Peking opera) and “huaguxi” (flower-drum opera) incorporated stylized movements, martial arts techniques, and storytelling conventions, influencing the evolution of Chinese dance aesthetics and repertoire.  

Jingju (Peking opera) An actor doing a backflip. (陈文 /CC BY 2.0) 

At the same time, the rise of foot binding during the Song dynasty is believed to have contributed to a decline in female dancers. Somewhat ironically, some historians believe the foot binding practice may have actually originated from dancers, who began binding their feet so that they could dance in a ballet-style fashion.   

By the 19th century, Chinese dance had become highly refined and diverse, with regional variations reflecting the cultural diversity of the country’s ethnic groups. Dance forms such as the “dragon dance” and “lion dance” became popular during festivals and celebrations, symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and cultural pride.  

While not as ancient, we have solid evidence of dance being practiced in ancient Egypt that dates back to 3000 BC. Dance in ancient Egypt was an integral part of religious ceremonies, social gatherings, and honoring the gods. Temple reliefs and tomb paintings provide vivid depictions of ancient Egyptian dance, highlighting a wide range of styles and movements.  

A notable example of Egypt’s dance is the “pyrrhic dance.” This was performed during religious rituals and military processions and was characterized by impressive rhythmic footwork and arm movements. Another common form was the “ebullient dance,” featuring acrobatic feats and expressive gestures, often performed at festivals and banquets.  

Moreover, dance in ancient Egypt evolved over time, influenced by cultural exchange and socio-political developments. During the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 BC), for example, dance became more formalized and structured, with trained performers entertaining royalty and elite guests at lavish feasts and courtly events.  

Despite the lack of written records detailing specific dance techniques, the abundance of visual representations provides valuable insights into the diverse and vibrant dance culture of ancient Egypt. These depictions offer glimpses into the spiritual, social, and artistic significance of dance in one of the world’s oldest civilizations.  

Pyrrhic dance from An illustration of the Egyptian, Grecian and Roman costumes by Thomas Baxter (1782–1821). Original from The New York Public Library. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel. (Rawpixel/CC BY 4.0)  

Africa is a large, diverse continent and this is reflected in the history of dance in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is made up of a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and artistic expressions. Dance has played a vital role in African societies for millennia, serving as a way to communicate, celebrate, and connect with one’s ancestors.  

Traditional African dance styles vary hugely from region to region and between ethnic groups- each with its own special movements, rhythms, and symbolic meanings. From the energetic leaps and stomps of South African Zulu dances to the graceful, flowing movements of West African Yoruba dance, Sub-Saharan Africa boasts a beautiful range of unique dance variations.  

The evolution of dance across Africa is intricately connected to religious and spiritual practices. A particularly significant genre of dance is the griotic dance, named after the griot, a traditional oral storyteller in West Africa. Griotic dances served as a form of storytelling, with certain dances reserved for the griot alone, although over time it has become more popular for traveling troupes to perform these once exclusive dances.   

Besides storytelling, ceremonial dances also play a vital role in many African societies and have long been performed at weddings, anniversaries, and rites of passage. Many dances served multiple purposes, blending primary and secondary meanings. In some tribal societies, dance played a crucial role in maintaining a ruler’s status within his tribe.   

Sadly, colonialism also had a major impact on Africa’s dance traditions. Alongside globalization, it has led to the total eradication of some styles, while others have been blended or influenced by foreign dance forms.   

On the other hand, traditional African dance has had a major impact on dance traditions across the world. From the 1500s onwards, increasing numbers of slaves were taken from Africa, and these slaves brought their dance traditions with them. While some regions, like North America, tried to stop their slaves from exhibiting their culture, others were more open.   

For example, the modern Charleston dance comes from the Cakewalk, a dance originally used to mock slave owners. This evolved from the Calenda, which itself was an evolution of African tribal dances danced by slaves.  

Dance held a principal place in both religious rituals and secular life in ancient Greece and served as a form of artistic expression, social interaction, and cultural identity. Greek mythology is packed with stories of gods and goddesses who danced as part of divine celebrations, like the ecstatic dances of Dionysus, the god of wine, and fertility. Religious festivals, such as the Panathenaic Games of Athens, featured elaborate processions, music, and impressive dance performances in honor of the gods.  

Furthermore, dance was a major part of the performing arts of ancient Greece, particularly in the theater. Greek tragedies and comedies frequently included choral odes and dance interludes known as “choral dances” that were performed by a chorus of actors and musicians. These dances weren’t just for aesthetics, they were integral to the dramatic style of storytelling and emotional expression of performances.   

Greek philosophers and scholars, including the likes of Plato and Aristotle, recognized the educational and oral value of dance, advocating for its inclusion in physical education and cultural development. Dance forms such as the pyrrhichios (war dance) and the kordax (comic dance) reflected the diversity of Greek dance styles, ranging from solemn and dignified to playful and humorous.  

From these beginnings in Greece, dance traditions spread and evolved across Europe. In the medieval period, dance was a major aspect of European society, serving as a form of communal celebration, religious expression, and courtly entertainment. Folk dances were common among the lower classes, while court dances were refined and formalized, a great way for royals to show off in their courts.  

The Renaissance was marked by a revival of interest in classical art, and this was reflected in the period’s elaborate court dances, which developed during the period. Influential dance masters like the Italian choreographer Cesare Negri and French dance composer Thoinot Arbeau codified many dance steps and styles. This laid the foundations for the balletic traditions that emerged in later centuries.   

Dance at Herod’s Court, an engraving by Israhel van Meckenem, c. 1490 (Public Domain) 

The Baroque era witnessed the emergence of ballet as a distinct art form, particularly in France under the patronage of King Louis XIV. The establishment of the Académie Royale de Danse in 1661 was a turning point in the formalization of ballet technique and training. Elaborate court spectacles and ballets de cour became popular forms of entertainment, characterized by opulent costumes, elaborate stage designs, and intricate choreography.  

During the Romantic era, dance underwent another transformation, emphasizing emotion, fantasy, and individual expression. Ballets like “La Sylphide” and “Giselle” explored themes of love, longing, and the supernatural, with female dancers, known as ballerinas, rising to prominence. Romantic ballets conveyed a sense of ethereal beauty and poetic storytelling, capturing the imagination of audiences across Europe.  

The study of ancient dances across cultures offers us a window into humanity’s collective history, reflecting the diversity of the human experience, expression, and spirituality. From the ritualistic dances of ancient civilizations to the courtly spectacles of medieval Europe and the sacred ceremonies of indigenous peoples, dance has been a universal language transcending time and geography.   

These dances give us fascinating insights into the values, beliefs, and traditions that have shaped societies throughout history. Through the preservation and appreciation of these ancient art forms, we honor the rich cultural heritage of humanity and celebrate the enduring power of dance to unite, inspire, and uplift.  

 Top image: Dance History: a Kathak dancer performing sacred dance. Source: artem/Adobe Stock 

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