-Sonnet
When music plays, and tunes override our senses, our bodies whether intentionally or unintentionally tunes to the dictates of the sound which we hear. Your body sways, then your head jerks and your feet and fingers you release to tap; this sensation or reaction is simply called dance.
Good music is said, to be the medicine to one’s soul. Such is the case when one is angry or tired after a long day, only to hear a favorite playing as stillness and bitterness is suspended for mobility and sways.
Have you ever wondered why dancecomes natural? Either way, you’re a born dancer especially when a good beat is rolled out. Dance is merely an attitude of the mind, a movement to music that translates an action of impulse especially when done to music. For an average person, dance is about connecting to a music; you can dance to feel relaxed, enjoy, celebrate, or at rare times to mourn or express anger.
According to the oxford dictionary, dance is a sequence of rhythmic steps or movements usually performed to music, for pleasure or as a form of social interaction.
Well, doing a dance does not necessarily need a special move; you just have to give yourself first to feeling the music – driving your energy towards enjoying every bit of the moment.
Despite that there have been many terrific dance styles inspired by Nigerian music (especially the hip-hop songs), people still dance to break the rigidity of their bodies.
Common street style dance styles include; breaking, popping, jerkin, Makosa, skelewu, galala, alanta, yahooze, azonto, saku-saku,, Shoki, sakiti-bobo, sepeteri, legbegbe,se.t.c.
A 2017 report on Time Health, reveals that dancing can be a very good means of exercising. Another 2007 study found that hip hop dancing improved energy, buoyed mood and lowered stress in ways similar to aerobic exercise. Many psychologists have come out to say that dance helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
A small study out of the University of Brighton in the UK shows that dancing burns about 600 calories per hour, which is about the same or more than going for a swim or a run for the same amount of time. In short, research has shown that dance improves mood, lowers stress, boosts energy, curbs worry, slows cognitive decline , and increases confidence.
In Africa, come dances are actually attributed to healing and rituals. An example is the Mbira dance, the ritual dance of Zimbabwe. This type of dance enforces and affirms the belief system of the society. During some special ceremonies, such as a birth or a death, music is released into the air and people are inspired to dance and dance.
People dance for different reasons best known to them especially at different occasions, but most times, dancing makes one fulfilled especially after having a long day at school or at work. Do yourself some good this week, and Dance!!!
