*** boys' dancing costumes -- social dancing








Dancing Costumes: Social Dancing


Figure 1.-This looks like a school dance. We do not know where it was taken. Apparently it was in 1966, but we do not know what country. The image was marked Anette Michael Patreece Dance. I'm not sure what that meant, but could be the yhree children photographed at the dance.

There is a long history of social dance dating back to ancient times. Social dancing is a phenomenon of constant change. Modern folk dancing is based on popular social dancing in earlier times. At times there have been religious objection to social dancing. Every generation recalls the popular dances of their time. The list here is very long, the Charleston, jitterbug, twist, and many more. Religious objections are now less common, except in the Islamic world. It was once a virtual ritual for middle-class and uupper-class children to atted dancing lessons. Schools often had dance instruction as part of the gym program. It was one of the rare times that boys and girls did gym together. Often boys did not care for the experiebnce as well. Today that is less common. I'm not sure some of the modern dances are actually taught.

History

There is a long history of social dance dating back to ancient times. Social dancing is a phenomenon of constant change. Modern folk dancing is based on popular social dancing in earlier times.

Religion

At times there have been religious objection to social dancing. Religious objections are now less common, except in the Islamic world.

Popular Dances

Every generation recalls the popular dances of their time. The list here is very long, the Charleston, jitterbug, twist, and many more.

Social Dancing Lessons

It was once a virtual ritual for middle-class and uupper-class children to atted dancing lessons. Often boys did not care for the experiebnce as well. Many boys were sent off to dancing school only after considerable resistance to learn the box step. They often remember the experience with considerable distaste. Formal dancing lessons have become less common in the modern era. Many boys do, however, receive dancing lessons at school. The private schools make a special effort in this area, but dancing lessons are also offered at many state schools. Schools often had dance instruction as part of the gym program. It was one of the rare times that boys and girls did gym together.

School Dances

It wasvery common for American schools to sponsors dances. This varied somnewhat chronolgically. After World War II this was vey common. They were often called "Sock Hops" because the students took off ther shoes to protect the gym floor surfaces.

Teen Dancing

Often pre-teen boys are not to interested in dancing, although many pre-teen girls are. By the teen years, boys increasingly become interested in dancing as well. Often teen agers dances with a great deal of movement requiring considerable enegy. Often these were dance crazes are fads which only lasted a few years. Many decades are defined by popular dances, such as the Chrleston and Lindsey Hop (1920s), jitter bug and swing (late30s-early 40s), rock and roll (1950s), and the twist (1960s). Normally their parrents stayed away from these dances which were primarily embraced by teenagers who had the energy to execute them. Swing era music and dance was especially interesting in that the music was essentially music evolving out of the Black community. It was generally frounded upon by White parents. Once the name was changed to swing and White bands like Benny Goodman began performing, it was quicly embraced by White teenagers, many of whom might not have accepted it if they had been aware of its essentially Black origins. In the 20th century many of the popular teen dances have been American in origin. As a result, they have not always been well received by authorities in other countries, especially in totalitarian countries.

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Created: 6:51 AM 8/7/2004
Last updated: 8:20 AM 10/9/2004