So bago tayo dumako sa importance and features of dance, let us know first the

definition of dance as an art

Dance as an art

Dance is a natural form of self-expression: the body expresses itself naturally and so
therefore does the spirit. We are all free willed beings, no matter what our personal
situation may be. Through dance, our body expresses how free we actually are, while
also highlighting the restrictions our minds impose on it.

Dance is the art form in which human movement becomes the medium for sensing,
understanding, and communicating ideas, feelings, and experiences. Dance has its own
content, vocabulary, skills, and techniques, which must be understood and applied to be
proficient in the art. The elements of dance are the fundamental concepts and
vocabulary for developing movement skills as well as understanding dance as an art
form.All these elements are simultaneously present in a dance or even in a short
movement phrase.

IMPORTANCE

ART of Dance is a performing art form. It transmits culture, emotions, tells stories and can
be a testimony of a historical moment or a place of origin. Energy exults out of the
performance of a succession of gesture. It has been performed and has inspired artists for as
long as the humankind has been in existence.
More so than that, dance is an art form that has been present at every stage of civilization;
partaking in its beauty is a way of connecting to humans past, present, and future. There is
a long tradition throughout the world of culture's using dance to celebrate, to mourn, to tell
stories, and to educate.
Dance is a fully-fledged art form, belonging to the 'performing arts', a goal in itself and a means
of allowing a human being to express his inner feelings, thoughts and experiences.
Dance is a natural form of self-expression: the body expresses itself naturally and so therefore
does the spirit.

Here you will read compelling reasons why this form of self-expression is a form of art, in its own right. 

It Is Closely Aligned With Music

Music is a craft of its own and a well known and respected form of art and creative outlet. 

Although dance is not necessarily required to be paired with music they do go hand in hand.
Dance takes all types of music and provides a physical outlet where the fluidity of the body can be
applied to music to add a visual element and complement the music. Learning about different musics
and forms of dance, opens the mind to different and new creativity, offers exposure to different cultures
and expression styles. All of which are used in all types of art. As art is subjective there is a wide
variation showcasing not only the artist’s personal style, but their lifestyle, culture and experience. 

It Is A Form Of Self Expression

Art is closely associated with emotion and mood. It provides a physical representation and visual aid to
evoke a feeling, promote talking points and triggers thought and consideration along with enjoyment
and beauty. 

Whether you are a dancer or you are watching a performance, dance evokes the same reactions. 

Through the movements of the body, a dance is able to showcase emotions and entice the viewing into
sharing the emotional journey the dancer is telling. 

Through facial expressions, gestures, the steps taken, the music associated and the way it engages with
the viewer, dance meets the requirements to place it in the category of being a form of art. 

Like all types of art, you don’t necessarily need to understand it to appreciate its beauty and find
enjoyment from it. If anything it is this subjectivity that makes art popular for people of all ages and of
all life experiences. 

Tells A Story

Dance is about portraying a message through storytelling. 

Storytelling is a well known and respected form of art. Dance takes the story and literally brings it to life
in a visual manner. 

Through moving their body, the dancer is able to take the viewer on a story. Body language, facial
expression and rhythmic motions all sync together to captivate the watcher and draw them into the tale
as it is unfolding. 

All types of dance forms can be applied to storytelling. One of the most obvious being ballet. Through
the combination of gesturing, body movements, solo performances or group dances a story unfolds in
front of your eyes. 
Open To Interpretation

Like all forms of art, there is an element of interpretation required. Some art forms are ambiguous and
others are relatively easy to understand. Dance is no different. 

How you are able to interpret what the body movements mean can vary. One person has different
emotions evoked than another. 

Even if the message is clear, the interpretation of the dance can still differ. 

Literature and poetry are both prime examples of where the message can be clear but interpretations
can differ. Shakespeare plays are well known for their artistry. The play doesn’t change. The words on
the page remain the same. However, the interpretation when performed can evoke different emotions,
and can open up different talking points. From how the words are said, the costumes used, the creativity
of the set, how relationships are portrayed all influence how interpretations can vary. 

Dance is no different. With a variety of different ways to position, angle, gesture and express yourself,
dance can be interpreted in many different ways. 

Being one of the purest ways of self-expression, dance is an art form that doesn’t require anything more
than a person’s body.

Yes, there is technical knowhow associated with certain dance forms, however with so many different
forms of dance it doesn’t always require certain training. 

Through passion, desire and expression to be shared, dance is one of the only forms of art that has
popularity across all parts of the world. Language or technical training doesn’t matter. By moving the
body, a story can be told that can be appreciated by anyone.