Learning to re-connect through dance
By Sundus Butt
Is technology distancing us from one another?
With each generation an element of the past is lost and a new trend emerges. Today, cell phones and instant messaging seem essential for social connection, but 10 years ago these technologies were barely part of our social psyche. Although these new technologies do provide great benefits, it’s hard not to wonder: are we sacrificing the vital elements of human contact for a more efficient tomorrow? Alongside our virtual interaction it’s important to maintain face-to-face contact with one another, rather than only deal with the digital fragments of individuals. Community leaders in the Danforth and around the world are encouraging people to take some time away from cyberspace to connect through cultural and artistic outlets.
One of the oldest and most prevalent art forms is dance. Human connection is integral to dance because it is an art form that speaks without words: the universal language of body and soul. The history of dance is also deeply rooted in social cohesion and communication. As a testament to the importance dance has within our own community, every year at the Taste of the Danforth street festival a variety of dance styles are showcased, including the Afro-Brazilian capoeira.
The history of Capoeira
Capoeira is a combination of self-defence, music, and acrobatics. It’s widely believed that it was developed in Brazil over 400 years ago, where slaves were forbidden to perform martial arts. The slaves improvised and incorporated dance elements into the movements they secretly practised under the guise of exercise. Capoeira is one of the most famous examples of how dance has been used as an expression of independence and resistance. On his website, master capoeirista Mestre Accordeon emphasizes that “capoeira transcends each occasion of its actual performance and translates to every moment in life. Capoeira is not a costume to be worn and taken off according to the situation or tournament. It is our own skin. We carry it all the time . . . We are clowns, masters and slaves of the art.” As one of breakdancing’s primary influences, capoeira also epitomizes the transferrable heritage of dance as it has developed and evolved.
Dance your way to better health
On a practical level, dance contributes enormously to our well-being. Studies have found that the physical benefits range from a healthier heart and lungs to improved balance and spatial awareness. Dance student Penelope Tunnell acknowledges, “Above all, I have gained greater physical coordination as well as improving my mental agility. Dance is also a wonderful way to meet people and socialize. I belong to the Toronto Swing Dance Society and I have seen some very shy people come out of their shells.”
The collaborative aspects of dance are also closely connected to psychological health, impacting self-esteem and even memory. In fact, The Arts Council of England has found positive results for dance’s ability to inhibit symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Jennifer Jones, co-owner of the Joy of Dance Centre at Danforth and Broadview, couldn’t agree more. Jennifer believes that the psychological benefits of dance are as important as its aesthetic qualities: “Dance is the movement of the spirit and, due to its universal nature, there is no need for translations, explanations, or judgments. At our studio we use dance to build a better community by developing happier, healthier people who are spirit-filled and socially connected to others.”
Become a part of the community
Another enduring aspect of dance is its inclusiveness. Everyone can participate— young or old, classicist or modernist. Due to the vibrant range of styles, dance has an impressive reach within Canada’s multicultural society. “Young people really take pleasure in the urban culture of modern dance, appreciating the music and creativity. Older students dance for fun and the ability to meet new people with similar interests,” explains Vince Parrell of Vince Parrell’s Dance Centre at Danforth and Main. Students of different cultural backgrounds also experience varying emotions when dancing, but the unifying factor of dance is the process of self-examination it inspires. Dance allows people to be more aware of their bodies on both a physical and psychological level; it enables dancers to consciously explore their identity. Fifteen-year-old Victoria Bradbrook, a student enrolled in the scholarship program at the Joy of Dance Centre, performed at last year’s Taste of the Danforth and believes she has greatly benefited from studying dance. “I am more confident now and have better control over my body. I think you can watch dance all the time, but you will never have a true grasp or understanding of dance until you try it. Once you have tried dancing you can’t live without it. I know I can’t.”
Although Canada has a strong domestic arts and culture community, instructors and dancers feel the need for broader participation. Many domestic dance troupes have to tour internationally since the UK, United States, and Asia have higher attendance rates and better media coverage of dance performances. Television programs such as So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars provide great exposure, opening up the possibilities of dance to a new generation, but dance devotees believe it’s important to physically engage and encourage their art proactively. Jennifer enjoys both programs and performances, but finds a marked difference between the two: “When watching TV shows, sometimes the most magical part is a single meaningful hand movement. That is the essence of dance. Performance is another thing altogether. Performers excel to express our stories and struggles universally . . . They are our storytellers.”
Dance is vital to the human condition, regardless of nationality, race, or religion. Humanity continually reinvents itself through its artistic endeavours, and dance is an expression of our evolution. Knowing this, the dance studios around the Danforth are encouraging more members from our community to congregate and connect with themselves and each other. As American dancer Agnes de Mille once said, “To dance is to be yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power on earth and it is yours for the taking.”
