Is dance a reflection of character?

[Joy In Motion]

This question keeps coming back to me. When I discuss this with instructors I interview, I feel like I'm talking to kindred spirits and they tend to follow a similar line of thinking. But recently I had a discussion with a local dancer who just did not seem to get the correlation between the way a person dances and their character.

I hesitate to share too much of my own personal views and experiences for right now, just so I don't narrow down the discussion too much. I'd like to hear what your own philosophy is when it comes to dancing and character. What can you tell about someone by the way they dance, and what are the limitations? And to what extent do you feel your own evaluations of others' dancing is as much a reflection on you as it is the dancers in question?

 

[Joyful Dancer]

I do think one’s character eventually comes through in their dancing, and actually in all aspects of their lives. I’m of the opinion that one’s character permeates their entire being. If they have a sunny disposition it will show. If they possess honesty and integrity it shows in how they treat/interact with others. On the flip side, if they are of questionable character that too will ultimately “shine” (or should I say “cloud”) through.

As a somewhat “beginner” dancer, I made a vow that I’d not turn down any gentleman who asked me to dance, and to date, I have not. However; the key word is “gentleman”. The majority of the men I dance with are kind, considerate, and fun dancers. Unfortunately, a few have proved otherwise over time and I’ve made a decision not to dance with them again.

I tend to be quite intuitive; thus if my “little voice” tells me I can trust the guy I’m dancing with, I tend to dance better and with abandon. If I don’t trust the guy, my dancing is not as joyous.

As to my character coming through via my dancing, I perceive myself to be kind, generous, positive, and honest. I think this translates to the dance floor as well. I certainly try to treat others at dances, my instructor, and my fellow dance students this way. I’ve made a lot of wonderful friends via dancing so something must be working.

When it’s all said and done, our character (good or bad) will be remembered long after our actions/dances.:!:

 

[samina]

if by "character" you mean "the totality of who one is", i don't see how dancing can ever be separated from that, in the sense that everything we think, feel, eat, believe, even the memories of our experiences are reflected, energetically stored, or embodied in some way in the very physical instrument we are moving when we dance. and even if we don't realize it, as we move our bodies, we're strumming those dimensions of ourselves, not unlike human chords.

discomfort, resistance, insecurity, freedom, over-intellectualization, tight-fistedness, open-heartedness, generosity, sensuality, pleasure, refinement, stillness, chaos, femininity, masculinity... whatever qualities exist in the inner character all get "plucked" as the body is moved (or resists movement) during dancing.

IOW... dance = life

 

[Joy In Motion]

if by "character" you mean "the totality of who one is", i don't see how dancing can ever be separated from that, in the sense that everything we think, feel, eat, believe, even the memories of our experiences are reflected, energetically stored, or embodied in some way in the very physical instrument we are moving when we dance. and even if we don't realize it, as we move our bodies, we're strumming those dimensions of ourselves, not unlike human chords.

discomfort, resistance, insecurity, freedom, over-intellectualization, tight-fistedness, open-heartedness, generosity, sensuality, pleasure, refinement, stillness, chaos, femininity, masculinity... whatever qualities exist in the inner character all get "plucked" as the body is moved (or resists movement) during dancing.

IOW... dance = life

Very well-put, Samina. I agree.

A little off-shoot of this topic or perhaps a further development that I have been discussing with someone... What do you think of people who act overtly sexual when they dance? The gentleman I was discussing this with didn't seem to notice this quality in certain women (we were discussing women, but of course this is seen in men as well), but to me it is blatantly obvious. I suppose it could be possible that some people don't have a developed sensitivity to this kind of behavior/energy or perhaps they themselves possess this quality as well and don't see anything out-of-the-ordinary about it. When I see this type of attitude in a dancer, I feel that their dancing is very artificial and fake and/or reveals a deep vanity/superficiality/self-absorption that I greatly dislike. Again, perhaps reveals just as much about me as it does about the dancer in question. Thoughts?

 

[samina]

What do you think of people who act overtly sexual when they dance? ...When I see this type of attitude in a dancer, I feel that their dancing is very artificial and fake and/or reveals a deep vanity/superficiality/self-absorption that I greatly dislike. Again, perhaps reveals just as much about me as it does about the dancer in question. Thoughts?

yes, my first thought was that it revealed something about your own discomfort about whatever you're seeing and judging. it could be pinging a "chord" in your own being that wishes for a little peace-making with you.

acting "overtly sexual" isn't necessarily a one-size-fits-all thing... there could be all kinds of different motives and energies behind it. might be the kind of "sexual leaking" energy of somebody who doesn't know how to contain their energy and be responsible for it, and usually those are the types who get confused and are either seductive or easy to seduce, and often try to carry it over into something off the dance floor. NMT.

or could be someone who's just play-acting, which might seem offensively egoistic to someone who's uncomfortable with that. or the vitality in them might be a kind of rawness that's too in-your-face for your own sensibilities. or they could be experiencing the pleasure of sensation in their bodies, and that could be glaringly uncomfortable for someone to watch who has trouble finding a similar sensation of their life force.. lotsa different nuances possible.

 

[Joy In Motion]

yes, my first thought was that it revealed something about your own discomfort about whatever you're seeing and judging. it could ping a "chord" in your own being that wishes for a little peace-making with you.

acting "overtly sexual" isn't necessarily a one-size-fits-all thing... there could be all kinds of different motives and energies behind it. might be the kind of "sexual leaking" energy of somebody who doesn't know how to contain their energy and be responsible for it, and usually those are the types who get confused and are either seductive or easy to seduce, and often try to carry it over into something off the dance floor. NMT.

or could be someone who's just play-acting, which might seem offensively egoistic to someone who's uncomfortable with that. or the vitality in them might be a kind of rawness that's too in-your-face for your own sensibilities. or they could be experiencing the pleasure of sensation in their bodies, and that could be glaringly uncomfortable for someone to watch. lotsa different nuances possible.

Hmm, some good thoughts in there, Samina. I have been thinking about this more and more and trying to recognize my own biases.

I guess I feel that there is a big difference between being sexy in the sensual sense and being sexual in the trashy sense. I feel that when I dance there are certain times when my personal mood, the music, and my connection with my partner make me feel sensual and so this sexy energy starts to come out, but it is natural and it is not a constant thing that I am trying to create. What I see sometimes is people who are acting that way all the time and so it appears (my bias perhaps) that they are truly "acting" and that it is not just naturally coming out of them because of how dancing is making them feel. To me, it seems that some people are forcing sexuality into the dance because they want people to watch them or think people are watching them and are trying to come across a certain way. Maybe it's just me, but when I see that type of dancing I feel turned off even if they technically dance well. It's just the energy they are giving off that I don't care for. I have encountered many people who see and feel the same thing and then others who don't notice or place any negative value on it.

I recently read an excellent book about African music (drumming) and dance called African Rhythm and African Sensibility by John Chernoff. In African culture, people who dance overtly sexual (in the sense that it is out of context for the situation) are viewed as having a sexual dysfunction or psychological disturbance. Honestly, his observations and reflections on this really resonated with me because I completely agree. But I do think it's important to recognize that morals and values are very individual and yet there are some overarching principles that seem common to all. The more I reflect on this, the more I feel various shades of the issue opening up for me. I am learning a whole lot about myself.

 

[Joyful Dancer]

Regarding overtly sexual actions on the dance floor, I think there are several types of “sexual”

• Playful/flirtatious
• Dancing with Passion (respect for/love of the dance)
• Sensual
• Sexual
• Going too far/abuse

IMO, I tend to see the first three frequently and on rare occasions, the last two. It was just such a case of going too far and feeling somewhat “violated” that caused me to refuse to dance with one individual.

I think we are all created as sensual/sexual beings and thus, we simply can’t turn off the switch just because we are dancing. However; I do think we can act responsibly and with respect (key word here) to our dance partner and appropriately for the venue we are in at the time.

In my estimation, overtly sexual dancing is best left between lovers in the privacy of their home.

I guess it all depends on the comfort level of the partners. (What I consider to be overtly sexual may not be viewed the same by others) There are some guys that I’m comfortable only dancing playfully with and there’s other guys that I’m totally OK with being sensual and completely vulnerable with on the dance floor. BTW, I tend to think that sensual is not always sexual; sometimes sensual is far more passionate

 

[samina]

I have been thinking about this more and more and trying to recognize my own biases.

great perspective...

I guess I feel that there is a big difference between being sexy in the sensual sense and being sexual in the trashy sense. ...To me, it seems that some people are forcing sexuality into the dance because they want people to watch them or think people are watching them and are trying to come across a certain way. Maybe it's just me, but when I see that type of dancing I feel turned off even if they technically dance well.

reminds me of how i feel about the butt-to-groin grinding i've seen in clubs, often occurring en masse, with groups of men & women joining in for an orgy of this lurid business. it's so popular across several cultures in the states right now. not my thing.. just mind-bogglingly unattractive to me. but i figure... meh... others are into it. no harm in that. i guess they think it's sexy, and mebbe to each other it *is*, what do i know? i just don't see it that way. but... whatever... to each his own.

I recently read an excellent book about African music (drumming) and dance called African Rhythm and African Sensibility by John Chernoff. In African culture, people who dance overtly sexual (in the sense that it is out of context for the situation) are viewed as having a sexual dysfunction or psychological disturbance. Honestly, his observations and reflections on this really resonated with me because I completely agree. But I do think it's important to recognize that morals and values are very individual and yet there are some overarching principles that seem common to all. The more I reflect on this, the more I feel various shades of the issue opening up for me. I am learning a whole lot about myself.

i actually very much appreciate primal, sexual energy danced ritualistically. i've seen it in tahitian dancing (some amazing dance rituals in the marquesas islands...), various african dances, even the powerfully alluring dancing in the middle east/greek belly dancing of my own culture of origin.

doesn't bother me in the least to see bold displays of masculinity, femininity, or desire whilst dancing. but as part of the dance... not as a voyeur of something that should be occurring in private.

 

[samina]

In my estimation, overtly sexual dancing is best left between lovers in the privacy of their home.

does "dirty dancing" style of dancing fall into the category of "overtly sexual" for you? am curious... does that style of dancing make you feel uncomfortable and would you rather not to see it on the dance floor?

i'm sure there are dancers who do feel that way.

 

[Joyful Dancer]

does "dirty dancing" style of dancing fall into the category of "overtly sexual" for you? am curious... does that style of dancing make you feel uncomfortable and would you rather not to see it on the dance floor?

i'm sure there are dancers who do feel that way.

I suppose it could, it doesn't personally bother me but that's as far as I'd be comfortable going in public and then again not with all guys that I dance with. I think it is a personal thing and the key is to respect your dance partner and the cultural moors of the venue you find yourself in at the time.

 

[samina]

I suppose it could, it doesn't personally bother me but that's as far as I'd be comfortable going in public and then again not with all guys that I dance with. I think it is a personal thing and the key is to respect your dance partner and the cultural moors of the venue you find yourself in at the time.

lol... yes... can you imagine someone pulling that out at the average ballroom social? LOL...

 

[Joy In Motion]

Regarding overtly sexual actions on the dance floor, I think there are several types of “sexual”

• Playful/flirtatious
• Dancing with Passion (respect for/love of the dance)
• Sensual
• Sexual
• Going too far/abuse

IMO, I tend to see the first three frequently and on rare occasions, the last two. It was just such a case of going too far and feeling somewhat “violated” that caused me to refuse to dance with one individual.

I think we are all created as sensual/sexual beings and thus, we simply can’t turn off the switch just because we are dancing. However; I do think we can act responsibly and with respect (key word here) to our dance partner and appropriately for the venue we are in at the time.

In my estimation, overtly sexual dancing is best left between lovers in the privacy of their home.

I guess it all depends on the comfort level of the partners. (What I consider to be overtly sexual may not be viewed the same by others) There are some guys that I’m comfortable only dancing playfully with and there’s other guys that I’m totally OK with being sensual and completely vulnerable with on the dance floor. BTW, I tend to think that sensual is not always sexual; sometimes sensual is far more passionate

Very thoughtful post, Joyful. There are definitely different types of sexuality you described, and oftentimes we fit into a blend or combination of the above.

I definitely believe that how close you dance with someone and the way you dance with someone very much depends on your relationship with them, the energy and response you are receiving from them, the feel and composition of the music, etc. I was discussing this with one male dancer, and he disagreed with me. He said that he had been to an international bachata festival and some other events where everyone danced pressed up against each other and that it was considered the norm. So for him, although he acknowledges that he may not do so with someone he just met and was dancing with for the first time, he feels that considering the energy and comfort level of the other person is not necessary because to him it is part of the dance. I disagree because I don't think any type of dance by nature requires a specific or set degree of physical closeness/contact in order to do it authentically and enjoyably (at least in the social realm because I know competitive ballroom can be an exception), but I tend to find his line of thinking pretty common among some male dancers based on watching them dance.

 

[Joy In Motion]

i actually very much appreciate primal, sexual energy danced ritualistically. i've seen it in tahitian dancing (some amazing dance rituals in the marquesas islands...), various african dances, even the powerfully alluring dancing in the middle east/greek belly dancing of my own culture of origin.

doesn't bother me in the least to see bold displays of masculinity, femininity, or desire whilst dancing.

I appreciate this type of dancing as well, but I believe it is attached to a particular cultural expression. The "primal, sexual energy" of African dancing (as one example) comes from their culture and comes from the way they view and experience the world. Outside of that cultural context, the same movement would not have the same meaning. So for people dancing in the United States who do not have that cultural reference or some other deep internal purpose/energy/motivation driving that type of movement, their manner of dancing does not have that same primal sexual energy to it. When I think primal, I think of it as being pure, reverent, and rooted in something very elemental. What I am seeing does not have any of those qualities. But when I see someone who does possess these qualities in their dancing (regardless of their cultural background), the sexuality that comes out is beautiful and amazing instead of cheap.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy sexuality/sensuality in dancing, but I want the real thing - something genuinely masculine and genuinely feminine - and not a fake imitation.

 

[samina]

So for people dancing in the United States who do not have that cultural reference or some other deep internal purpose/energy/motivation driving that type of movement, their manner of dancing does not have that same primal sexual energy to it. ...
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy sexuality/sensuality in dancing, but I want the real thing - something genuinely masculine and genuinely feminine - and not a fake imitation.

mebbe the inner craving is there for the same type of expression or experience, but lacking a socially acceptable or culturally familiar outlet, they take a stab at it in their own way... and that's what some of the vulgarity we see at times may be? just an idea...

 

[CANI]

But when I see someone who does possess these qualities in their dancing (regardless of their cultural background), the sexuality that comes out is beautiful and amazing instead of cheap.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy sexuality/sensuality in dancing, but I want the real thing - something genuinely masculine and genuinely feminine - and not a fake imitation.

Hi Joy in Motion –

This, for me, gets to the ‘art’ part of dancing versus the ‘athletic’ part of dancing. As humans, most of us have probably cried at some point in our lives. You can see an actor crying in a scene and think that’s not the ‘real thing’, it’s a ‘fake imitation’ and you can see another actor crying in a scene and it is ‘beautiful and amazing’, it draws you in, and touches your heart. For me, it is the same with dancing. I really applaud dancers who are working on both the ‘artist’ and the ‘athlete’ in dancing. Sometimes, just as movement will seem awkward and out of place, so, too, will the sexuality/sensuality. Also, just as there are differences in what people appreciate in a piece of art, there will be differences in what people appreciate in viewing dancing. I know when I’ve seen professional latin dancers, I’m always drawn to the understated sexuality/sensuality as I think that is more difficult to pull off, whereas others would be bored with those couples and prefer the dancers who, to them, are more overt in their display of sexuality and sensuality.