Purposes of Dance
Ceremonial - dances created or performed for rituals or celebrations
(e.g., dances of Native Americans and West Africans to celebrate life events such as harvest,
ritual dances associated with worship)
Recreational - dancing for entertainment, to support recreational activities, (e.g., ballroom, line dancing,
aerobic dance, dance as a hobby)
Artistic Expression – dance created with the intent to express or communicate emotion, feelings, ideas,
(e.g., ballet, tap dance, modern dance, dance created and performed in a concert and/or theatrical setting for an audience).
(e.g., dances of Native Americans and West Africans to celebrate life events such as harvest,
ritual dances associated with worship)
Recreational - dancing for entertainment, to support recreational activities, (e.g., ballroom, line dancing,
aerobic dance, dance as a hobby)
Artistic Expression – dance created with the intent to express or communicate emotion, feelings, ideas,
(e.g., ballet, tap dance, modern dance, dance created and performed in a concert and/or theatrical setting for an audience).