Music and dance fulfills many purposes: communicating an idea, visually or orally presenting thoughts and emotions, providing a medium for individualistic expression, creativity, and liberation, educating the masses about another culture, and connecting others through common interests or shared experiences.
Music and dance fulfills many purposes: communicating an idea; visually or orally presenting thoughts and emotions; providing a medium for individualistic expression, creativity and liberation; educating the masses about another culture; and connecting others through common interests or shared experiences.
But do we ever think about the global impact that music and dance have? The involuntary effects of music and dance on the brain? The ways in which music and dance emotionally, physically, spiritually and intellectually benefit one’s life? These are some questions that we should consider about music and dance, especially when thinking about their global impact. But first, here are some well-known facts:
Music can affect and improve several areas of the brain responsible for motor ability, visual and verbal skills, stress and anxiety control, social interaction and, of course, emotional therapy/management. If you ever wonder why you surprisingly feel so much better after listening to a sad song or feel like dancing when a song is very upbeat and “happy,” it is because music has activated your limbic system - more specifically, your amygdala, which is responsible for your emotions.
Now, let’s think about dance! When you watch someone dance, how do you feel? Energized? Excited? Connected to the dancer? According to John Krakauer, a professor of neurology at Columbia University, music and dance activate sensory and motor circuits, which is why we are so attuned and sensitive to the movement of other peoples’ bodies.
The region of the brain that controls our response to movement is activated whether we’re physically moving or simply observing. The same is true for cultural presentation in music and dance. When you perform a dance or song that depicts elements of a certain culture, the audience feels a connection to the performer. The performance educates the audience about traditions and special ceremonies through the visual and performing arts.
You can learn so much more about the world just by sharing that experience with the performer. It can make you feel more connected to countries all over the world and increase your cultural awareness.
An alternative to observing music and dance is actually partaking in the practices.
In African dances classes, you learn the importance of rhythm, timing, energy and the reasons behind a particular type of movement. The experience will make you feel connected to others.
For salsa dance lessons, you’ll understand the movement as being celebratory, physically engaging and full of interaction. The same can be said of other types of cultural dances and musical performances all over the world. The more you participate, the more you learn about their essence.
The artistic practices for many cultures tell a story, celebrate life-changing moments in history or simply share their originality through dance or song. It is not enough to talk about it. Sometimes displaying it in a way that everyone can understand can unify people and create a happier world.
Juannie Williams is senior studying English and Spanish. Email her jw206410@ohio.edu.
