Honestly, when I want to start a spontaneous do-si-do or flash mob, I should not be met with quizzical looks or outright disdain. In the past few weeks I’ve had several encounters that only confirm my mounting suspicion. Americans are afraid to dance.
During the Fall Dance Happening when I spoke with non-dancers who came to see the show, a few expressed interest in joining the ranks of the leotard and tights, and I encouraged them to audition in the spring. My suggestions were immediately followed up with a bunch of “maybe, but I’m a total white girl when I dance.” Another comment in the same manner was made a week later when I was told by an individual that she could only “white girl dance.”
Now, I’m going to drop some truth-bombs: I am a white girl. I also dance. A lot. In fact, it’s my minor and I’ve been trained in ballet and pointe for 18 years, Not to mention I have been in jazz, modern, African, ballroom, tap and hip hop classes and dance pieces. Aside from these dance forms, I’ve also partaken in some more casual creative movement dancing and the obligatory line dance or awkward prom couple dance.
No matter what social situation I find myself in, however, there is a clear distinction between those who won’t dance out of fear or self-consciousness and others who misinterpret dance. I feel one of the main reasons getting a group to dance is so hard is because no one wants to mess up or look stupid. Americans are only comfortable dancing when there is a loud voice coming over the speakers dictating the exact moves you should be doing (see: Cha Cha Slide, Electric Slide, Macarena, Cupid Shuffle, etc.). Don’t even get me started on the whole clubbing culture. I’ll just note that grinding on someone’s junk amongst hordes of sweaty bodies does in no way, shape or form count as dancing.
It’s sad, but it’s true. America has no dance culture. Around the world, dancing is a normal part of everyday life. It’s used for more than just entertainment. In America, it is to entertain or to be entertained. There is no mythology taught through dance. We are comprised of a salad bag of traditions, lacking a unifying culture that would promote positive body contact, storytelling and fun. Dance could bring us all together. Why aren’t we letting it?
Amanda Sieradzki can be reached at asieradzki@spartans.ut.edu
Amanda,
This is so well put. I most definitely agree that America needs to why back in touch with its heritage of dance. Dance is such an incredible form of expressive art that many people miss out on because they are too afraid of what others think or they just do not get it. I think that with the right enthusiasm, fervor, and classes we can get America dancing again. I am all in. Challenge accepted!