Page 23 - Images Literary Magazine 2016 - 2017.pdf

D an cin g in th e 19 6 0 ?s

By Em m a H ean ey, Grade Eigh t

Dance is something that frees the soul; it allows everyone to express themselves in ways they
could never imagine. People may believe that one person was the inventor of dance, but that is
incorrect. Dance was actually first used in different types of ancient cultures in religious practices in
the eighth century BC. In some countries like India, Greece, and Europe dancing before God was an
important element in temple ritual. This ritual allowed everyone to get their mood up and have
more excitement in their lives. An example of this situation is when the Greek villagers would come
back from harvesting their grapes. They would celebrate the occasion by stomping on the ground,
which gave them the mood of release and excitement.
In more modern times, Dance has made tremendous changes. Since the 1960?s, the music has
become faster, and the dance moves have turned into dance routines. It is much more intense and
energetic. Before the 1960?s, dancing was choreographed to slower more classical music. The
moves were somewhat stiff and not as upbeat. Chubby Checker was the inventor of one of the
most popular dance moves of the 1960?s. This dance move is called The Twist, "It's like putting out a
cigarette with both feet, and wiping your bottom with a towel, to the beat of the music." -Chubby Checker.
The Twist became the number one song and dance for three weeks in January of 1962. Dance in the
60?s brought numerous new and different moves. Today, we have many different dance routines
like Juju on That Beat, Whip, Nae, Nae, Wake Up in the Morning, and many more to come, but many of
these developed from the changes of the 1960s. People may think that the 1960?s had many dance
crazes, but just wait and see what dance in 2016 have in stock!

Art by Emma Chase, Grade 7
Olivia St rumolo, Grade 8

Brynne Harrison, Grade 6