The Development of Dance and Dancewear

The Origins of DanceOlympic Games and other such sporting occasions.
Dancing was originally cultivated by the ancientMusic and dancing even had its part in war as the
Greeks and was regarded as one of the essentialSpartans are also known to have also marched to
elements in the education of the minds and bodiesbattle dancing to the sound of flutes.
of the young, along with music, hunting, fencing,Evolution of Dancewear
riding, learning, and philosophy.Just as many forms and styles of dance have
In fact, both dancing and wrestling were derivedevolved throughout the ages, so have the endless
from what they called the gymnastic; thevarieties of clothing that go into the formation of
exercises of the later being designed to preparemodern dancing costumes.
the body for the stresses of war, farming or anyInitially tribal dancewear, while it may be colourful,
other vocation demanding rigorous physicaltended to be fairly clumbersome and rather basic
activityin design, but as dancing became more
The aim of dancing was to keep the body firm,competitive and previously unavailable materials
supple and in its proper proportions, and that bysuch as nylon and spandex came into the market,
obtaining that balance, it bestowed upon thethere became an increased need for dancewear
dancer an air of grace and confidence which inclothes that not only looked good, but provided
turn had a positive knock-on effect on otherfar greater comfort and flexibility.
people they came into contact withA typical development, of this evolution of
The origins of Musicmodern day dancewear was the introduction of
Similarly, the Greeks also considered music as anthe leotard in the later half of the twentieth
essential component in the education of youthcentury; now regarded as an essential component
that would calm the passions, soften thein any professional dancer's wardrobe.
manners, and even humanize people who wereNowhere have these changes been more
previously considered savage and barbarousimportant than in the development of a dancer's
The union of dancing and music came aboutfootwear, particularly when it comes to dancing
during such special occasions such as religious"en pointe" in ballet. This in turn has lead to the
festivals as a way of acknowledging the Godsgrowth of a number of successful big name
and thanking them for any favours they hadcompanies such as Bloch and Capezio catering
bestowed upon them; of honouring victors of thespecifically to the Dancer's needs.