The history and significance of medieval dance
PAGE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction
1.1 History of dance
1.2 Significance of dance
1.3 The 'Dance of Death
1.4 Why people danced
1.5 Conclusion
1.6 Bibliography
1. INTRODUCTION
If you are not familiar already in the fifteenth centaury was era commonly referred to as the Dark Ages. Within this medieval period the arts played an essential part of preserving the culture spiritually and physically. Throughout this era time was valued and spent concentrating on music, dance, food, and festivities. The following unit will provide readers with the significance and meaning dancing brought to the people of the medieval time.
1.1 HISTORY OF DANCE
Dancing was excessively disregarded by the church as it was seen only as an action of moving the body, having no rational benefits, referred to as a corrupt and wicked deed. Even to an extent that it was branded one of the seven deadly sins. Later the church changed their viewpoint on dance when it became overwhelmingly popular. As the acceptance for the arts began to grow, the churches even started incorporating dance into their masses.
Informal and majority of the time unstructured dancing was an activity which everyone could participate in as it required no special skills however a band was a good accompaniment. The bands would normally consist of any of the following percussions timpani drums, the lute, tambourine, bells and jingles. Each dance was given an individual name which would indicating that there was a lot of different styles of dance. According to pictures found from that era dances differed according to the composition. Couples used to dance together moving freely around the floor, and in long lines or circles holding hands.
("Medieval dance", 2006, pg1)
1.2 SIGNIFICANCE OF DANCE
A short time later, dance was taken more seriously rather than just a bit of fun. Becoming very religiously centred taking part regularly in religious ceremonies throughout the period. The concept of dance continually became admired, becoming a custom of church through the swaying and chanting whilst singing along to the hymns. A lot of these dancers had a significant purpose. Relaying important messages and signs to people. (Fenmere and Trahaearn ap Ieuan, 2006, pg 1)
1.3 DANCE OF DEATH
One of the most familiar dancers was Called 'The Dance of Death, even though it was given this bitter tile it was not to promote death as a destroyer but ironically a message "sent from god, summoning men to the world beyond the grave". (New Advent, 2003, pg2) The principle of this dance was to communicate to men and make them aware, that everybody faces death and consequently must prepare themselves to appear before their judge. Although it was called 'The Dance of Death it was a form of expression much like the dances we see today of the indigenous culture in Australia. Communicating a spiritual message in which they seek from their gods above. The dance was used not only as an expression of religious faith but also to stimulate peoples feeling and emotions at that point in time, as they had no boundaries on dance, you didnt need money or experience to participate. (New Advent, 2003, pg2)
1.4 WHY PEOPLE DANCED
Dance was a form of entertaining but many occasions brought upon the desire to celebrate and therefore dance. Dancing was a way for folks to interact with their friends and neighbours, visitors, family and partners.
These occasions usually including: celebrating weddings, the beginning of a season, and the birth of a child. These dances often spanned across a whole village with instruments, taking place in the streets. Nobles often saw these dances in villages as rough and unrefined, expressed at such a swift pace not stopping until you were out of breath resulting in somebody faster taking the limelight. The noble dances were a lot more refined and formal, giving the dominant population, which were people of higher status a chance to display fancy footwork, twists and swirls.
(BellaOnlines Renaissance editor, 2006, pg 1)
Dance psychologically assisted in helping the culture find a sense of identity and uniqueness. Each town was renowned for having a traditional dance, also allowing the culture to discover its "national unity or ethnic identity". (Jane Lynn of Fenmere & Trahaearn ap Ieuan, 2006, pg1) When the arrival of foreign nobles came to visit a town, it encouraged another opportunity for villagers to give an engaging festival of food and dance. This was a way of expressing their unique culture and lifestyle to their welcomed visitors, in order to leave a good impression to foreigners. (Jane Lynn of Fenmere & Trahaearn ap Ieuan, 2006, pg1)
Originally the medieval dances were exclusively performed by the male sex. As time passed and values, attitudes and beliefs altered an equal opportunity came about allowing both males and females to participate. As a result of this it provided a chance for equality between males and females as it created an opportunity for women to do the same things as men. Seeing that during this period it was a time where women had few to no rights to act and partake in many activities. Frequently the dance would have a function of telling a story. If it was a happy story the way the dancers expressed their bodies would release a sense of joyfulness and optimism to the audience, having an effect on viewers to escape the everyday predicaments, and take their mind off things.
Not only was dance used as physical expression but it was even used as a form of physical activity, usually after dinner to promote good digestion and bodily health. (The OBR: The online reference book for medieval studies, 2002, p 3)
With the knowledge we know today the daily life of a child growing up in the medieval period revealed to be greatly different. Children didnt have the facilities they have now, without technology they didnt have computer games, television, or even board games and play equipment. If they were lucky they may have had some sort of handmade toy. Mostly the children of noble decent would have the advantage of getting educated. Consequently they would have to use their wild imaginations to keep entertained, resulting in singing rhymes and dancing.
(BellaOnlines Renaissance editor, 2006, pg3)
1.5 CONCLUSION
"The dances themselves could be simple or complex, sedate or energetic, and contributed to the social life of every level of society." (BookRags, 2002, pg 1, 2) As outlined previously the movement of dance can be associated with filling a variety of need including, "a way of expressing happiness, a casual relief from the toils of daily labors, an occasion for amorous flirtation, a vehicle for displaying elegance and wealth" (BookRags, 2002, pg 1, 2), celebrating significant occasions, keeping children entertained, bodily health, relaying imperial messages, and a way for people to associate and communicate.
1.6 BIBLIOGRAPHY
"Dancing in Medieval Life", BookRags, 2002, Viewed: 9th May 2006, http://www.bookrags.com/history/arthistory/dancing-in-medieval-life-ahe-03/
Alena K Shumway, "Renaissance Dance", BellaOnlines Renaissance editor, 2006, Viewed: 10th May 2006, http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art42677.asp
Yvonne Kendall, " Medieval Dance" , The OBR: The online reference book for medieval studies, 2002, Viewed: 9th May 2006, http://the-orb.net/encyclop/culture/music/kendall.htm
Jane Lynn of Fenmere and Trahaearn ap Ieuan, "Stepping on your toes", 2006, Viewed: 10th May 2006, http://www.pbm.com/~lindahl/lod/vol2/stepping_on_tones.html
Charles G. Herbermann & George Charles Williamson, "The Dance of Death", New Advent, 2003, Viewed: 10th May 2006, http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04617a.htm
Jane Lynn of Fenmere and Trahaearn ap Ieuan, "Stepping on your toes", 2006, Viewed: 10th May 2006, http://www.pbm.com/~lindahl/lod/vol2/stepping_on_tones.html
"Medieval dance", Viewed: 10th May 2006,http://www.shoshone.k12.id.us/medieval/dance.htm
Saul Nigel, 1997, "The Oxford illustrated history of Medieval England", Oxford, New York University Press
Goldberg P.J.P, " Medieval England: A social history 1250-1550", 2004, Great Britain, Arnold
