10 Functions of Dance

Contribution to the Continuity and Stability of Culture

a dance should aim to pressure and pass on cultural values and traditions through movement

Emotional Expression

a reason for dance is to convey or release one's inner emotion. ex. hip-hop or lyrical

Enforcement to Conformity to Social Norms

dance because everyone else is

Validation of Social Institutions and Religious Rituals

dance to affirm religious beliefs, political or social ideas or organizational ideas

Entertainment

engage others in a way that keeps them enthralled during a performance, a dance meant to captivate an audience

Aesthetic Enjoyment

ideals of beauty ex. ballet, lyrical, contemporary, worship

Physical Response

people sometimes dance because they cannot help themselves ex. a toddler bouncing up and down with music playing

Symbolic Relationship

represent something greater than itself ex. cheerleaders performing dance routines on the football field serve as a symbol of the school

Contribution to the Integration of Society

striving to share culture with others and learn about others cultures through dance

Communication

to convey a story, message, or idea through movement