The Joy of Dance

Dancers Pierce and Neve MacNeil

By Jim Giles

Dance has been part of human history from its earliest origins, bringing transcendence to spiritual rituals and creating bonds within communities. Dance styles have changed through the ages but dance itself remains one of the most expressive physical art forms.

Archaeological evidence of dance has been found in cave paintings in India that date back to 10,000 BCE. Egyptian tomb paintings depicting dancing figures were done around 3300 BCE. In addition to having cultural and social influences, dance imparted mythical significance and religious connotations. Early people danced for enjoyment, entertainment and even seduction. Before written languages, it was an important part of communication.

Some of the popular dances today are Samba (Brazil), Salsa (Cuba), Square Dance, Rock & Roll and Hip-Hop (North America), Step Dance (Ireland), Flamenco (Spain), Waltz (Austria), Polka (Bohemia), Belly Dance (Middle East), Bharatnatyam (India), Dragon Dance (China), Ballet (Russia), Tango (Argentina and Uruguay) and Hula (Hawaii).

Dance is an art form comprised of sequential body movements, not solely restricted to performance; it’s occasionally used for training in sports and other activities. For instance, many professional football players take ballet classes to increase strength, agility, balance, focus and coordination.

Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoire of movements or by its historical period or place of origin. Theatrical dance, ballet and modern, is intended primarily as a spectacle, often telling a story.

Participatory dance such as a folk dance, a social dance, a group or a partner dance is primarily for social interaction or exercise, building flexibility of participants rather than for entertaining an audience.

Ballet may be the most difficult genre to master. Its rigorous style is the foundation of most dance training, while the waltz is less complex with its repetitive patterns that are easy to grasp.

There are numerous benefits of dance especially for children. Local resident Stacey MacNeil, mother of two girls, Pierce, age 10 and Neve, age 8 understands the importance of dance for youth. Growing up in St. Marys, MacNeil began dancing at the age of three, active in ballet, tap, jazz and modern. She continued to dance through her university years and still participates in the adult classes.

“Dance is so important for children because in addition to the physical benefits of exercise, muscle coordination and control and improved flexibility, it creates an outlet for kids to express their true selves. They can leave their day behind them and let loose when they walk through the doors of the dance studio,” emphasises MacNeil.

Both her girls take dance at On Stage Dance in Stratford under the leadership of Meghan Seaman. The girls dance five days a week and partake in the Intensive Dance Program as part of a competitive team. Beyond improving physical health and enhancing emotional and cognitive development, children learn time management, organization, social skills and creativity.

Pierce feels fortunate to be partnered with her good friend Declin McMahon from Tavistock. He is one of the many boys at the studio. “Pierce has had a couple of neat opportunities, winning a ticket to World Performers to represent Canada for her tap solo when she was 9. (We) decided to wait…until she was older to participate in an experience like this,” MacNeil says.

On Stage Dance Studio strives to create a positive, supportive and fun environment both inside and outside of class. “Our studio has a neat thing whereby our students…hand out You Inspire Me pins to dancers or routines from other studios that inspire them. Listening to my kids walk up to strangers and tell them that they've inspired them makes me very proud. The recipients are always just so honoured and thankful,” says MacNeil.

She admits that there is time and cost associated with such a commitment. “However, seeing your kids do what they love and dancing their heart out on that stage is very rewarding. The confidence that is gained by performing is also something you just can't explain.”

And what do the girls feel about dance? “I dance because it brings joy when days can feel rough. I love my friends and teachers at dance. They make me happy and help me to laugh,” says Pierce, while her younger sister Neve declares, “I like that I have a lot of fun at dance and I always work really hard with all of my friends. I'm proud when I master a new move.”

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