Dance has served as an important part of many cultures and societies throughout history, so it is no wonder why it continues to impact so many areas of our lives to date. Check out these interesting, fun facts about dance that you might not have known!

 

1. Dancing Through the Decades and Millennia

The first archaeological evidence of dance was found in a 9,000-year-old cave painting in India, and continued to play an important role in religious and cultural ceremonies for the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and others throughout history.

2. Couples That Dance Together Stay Together

Studies show that couples that dance together (particularly ballroom dancing) can strengthen their mental and physical connection through the lead and follow aspect of a dance. They also improve cooperation by having to work as a team, and enhance communication skills by exercising both verbal and non-verbal communication on the dance floor. The overall bond can be strengthened along with many other aspects of a relationship.

3. Go Hard Or Go Home … Literally!

Rotterdam is home to Club Watt, the worlds first sustainable dance floor. With rainwater filled toilets and heat harvested from musical equipment, everything is recycled in this Eco party paradise. The floor tiles are supported by springs that are connected to generators, which produce light and energy the harder that people dance!

4. Classical Rap

Did you know that the late rapper Tupac Shakur was a ballet dancer? Before making it big as a rapper he studied ballet, jazz, poetry and acting at Baltimore School of the Arts.

5. Hindsight (Or In This Case Peripheral Sight) Is 20/20

Some doctors have been known to prescribe dance to patients to improve peripheral vision. Certain dances require specific head positions that have been shown to aid those with limited peripheral vision.

6. Make a Move for Academic Excellence!

Dancers are known to be high achievers whose discipline and focus tend to make them excellent students. Along with fostering a creative outlet and promoting physical activity, this is yet another long lasting benefit of getting children involved in dance

7. From Corrupt Exploit to Commercial Cash Cow

In the early 1950’s some people labeled Rock and Roll music as the downfall of society, similarly to how many viewed the Charleston in the early 1920’s.

8. Liberty, Justice and Dance for All!

Those who say that they can’t dance due to having two left feet, might be inspired by paraplegics who not only dance, but also compete without the use of lower limbs. Wheelchair bound participants are paired with one another or with a non-wheelchair user, and dance to various Latin American and standard ballroom dance styles. Wheelchair dance-sport competitions have been held throughout Europe since the 1970’s.

9. Ballroom On Ice

Did you know that Ice Dancing, a popular Olympic event came from ballroom dance? Since making its Olympic debut in 1976, the International Skating Union imposed restrictions on music and dance hold, which balance theatrics with ballroom elements on ice skates.

10. The Big Ten

Get ready for fun in the sun (and in the ballroom) this June as ATOMIC celebrates its ten-year anniversary.
With many new, exciting things on the way you won’t want to miss a step!