Dance has been an integral part of human culture for
centuries, and it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing times. From
traditional folk dances to contemporary hip-hop and everything in between,
dance has played a prominent role in popular culture. The evolution of dance
styles, dance moves and prominence in every day life can mirror key aspects
about our society’s characteristics.
One of the most iconic examples of dance in popular culture
is the rise of rock and roll in the 1950s. The music and accompanying dance
moves of Elvis Presley and other rock and roll legends captivated audiences and
helped to break down racial barriers. At a time when racial injustice was
exploding onto the scene, the music and dance moves of the time seem to reflect
the explosive and unprecedented nature of the discussion topics sweeping the
nation and the world. The twist, the jive, and the cha-cha were just a few of
the dance craze that swept through the country, inspiring countless imitators
and becoming ingrained in popular culture. As the decades passed, dance
continued to evolve with the times. The 1960s saw the rise of the Twist, and
the 70s brought us Disco. The 80s was the era of the Breakdancing and Electric
Boogie, while the 90s was the age of Hip-Hop. Each decade brought its own unique
style of dance that reflected the cultural and societal changes of the time.
In recent years, popular culture has been heavily influenced
by the rise of social media and streaming platforms. Most recently, this has
become especially prominent on the social media platform TikTok. The internet
has made it easier than ever for dancers to share their work and connect with
fans from all over the world. This has led to the emergence of a new generation
of dancers and choreographers who are pushing the boundaries of what is
possible with their bodies. Not only this, but major dance trends sweep the
country with many teenagers, young adults, and even older generations getting
in on the fun by mimicking, recreating, and adding their own twists to the
trend. The global connectivity of the internet has connected cultures and
people that have never before been able to interact in such an immersive way. The
sharing of these cultures and practices adds to the trends and dances we see
rocketing around the world on social media platforms. This reflects an increase
in creativity, acceptance, and connection among our cultures across the world creating
a global network of popular culture.
Overall, dance has been and will continue to be an integral
part of popular culture. From the rock and roll of the 1950s to the TikTok
dances of today, dance has always been a reflection of the times and a powerful
tool for self-expression. With the rise of social media and streaming
platforms, the world of dance is more accessible than ever, and the
possibilities are endless. As long as there is music, there will be dance, and the
way it evolves and adapts to the times will continue to fascinate and inspire
people all around the world. What aspects of dance in popular culture get your
feet moving?
I really enjoyed reading your post about TikTok and the dancing pop culture side of it. I noticed a huge jump in generational participation in TikTok dancing among middle age and older adults during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. It became a way for people to bond with others when so many people were isolated at home. I have also seen how TikTok has greatly influenced the music world. You can see artist like Meghan Trainor and Lizzo using the platform to excel their music through tiktok dances. I personally love watching the Tiktok dances and half attempting them with my kids. Pure entertainment.
ReplyDeleteI really love the topic you chose because this Tik Tok pop culture trend is one that I wish I understood better. I have to say I don’t use Tik Tok that much (more pop culture I am falling behind on), so my familiarity with this trend comes from the shares that the dances receive on Instagram. What I think is great about this dance trend is that it gives many people an introduction to different music and dance styles that I never had. I grew up without social media and really had no understanding of dance beyond my friends that took ballet.
ReplyDeleteWhat I have noticed about this trend is that it brings people together. I have seen families making dance videos together and really bonding over this trend.
It shows that the internet can bring families together and not divide them, which is a critique we often hear.
This is a little embarrassing to admit, but the first pop culture that really inspired me to dance was the movie Napoleon Dynamite. I thought that the dance Napoleon does at the end of the movie was so hilarious, and I was determined to master it myself. I spent hours in my living room as an 11 year old watching that scene, then rewinding it, and watching it again, over and over. I first unveiled it in a 5th grade talent show and it became my trademark. In middle school, I lived for the school dances. I would request the song Canned Heat by Jamiroquai from the DJ, and as soon as it would come on, a circle would form around me while I awkwardly threw by body around. I peaked early.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I think it is cool that social media allows the joy of dancing to spread across the globe. Everyone has a digital stage, and learning to dance is remarkably accessible.