Dance, an art form as ancient as civilization itself, holds a profound place in human history. Anthropological evidence suggests that dance originated in early tribal societies, serving as a vital component of ritualistic ceremonies intended to implore deities or spirits for success in warfare and hunting expeditions. Across ancient cultures, from the Egyptians and Israelites to various other groups, dance played a significant role in religious observances and festive celebrations. In ancient Greece, dance was integrated into children’s education and was prominently featured in both comedic and tragic theatrical performances. The Romans, influenced by Greek traditions, adopted and further developed many of these dance forms, embedding dance deeply within their cultural fabric.
By the dawn of the 18th century, ballet transitioned into a respected profession, evolving from courtly entertainment to a theatrical art form. This era marked the establishment of dedicated ballet schools, theaters, the rise of paid professional dancers, and the emergence of choreographers who shaped the art. Notable figures like Jean-Philippe Rameau, Franz Hilverding, Jean-Georges Noverre, and Auguste Vestris became pivotal in ballet’s progression. La Fille Mal Gardée, a French ballet choreographed by Jean Dauberval, stands as one of the oldest ballets that continues to be performed and cherished today.
Simultaneously, ballroom dancing maintained its popularity within aristocratic circles. The mid-1700s saw the opening of the first public dance venues in London, known as assembly rooms. These spaces soon gained popularity and spread throughout Europe and America, democratizing dance participation and enjoyment.
The mid-19th century brought about a significant innovation in ballet technique with the introduction of pointe shoes and dancing en pointe, or on the toes. This period coincided with the Romantic movement, which inspired the creation of some of ballet’s most iconic and enduring masterpieces. Ballets such as La Sylphide, Swan Lake, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker Suite emerged during this fertile period, captivating audiences with their artistry and storytelling. Towards the end of the century, Russian ballet ascended to global prominence, becoming a leading force in the ballet world.
At the beginning of the 20th century, modern dance emerged as a reaction against the perceived rigidity and formality of classical ballet techniques. Modern dance emphasized a more liberated, personal, and expressive approach to movement. Many modern dance pieces moved away from narrative storytelling, instead exploring abstract concepts such as time, space, emotions, or focusing on movement itself as a form of expression. American pioneers who championed modern dance included Loie Fuller, Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, and Ted Shawn. Later influential figures in this movement were Doris Humphrey, Charles Weidman, and Martha Graham, followed by contemporary successors like Merce Cunningham, Alvin Ailey, and Twyla Tharp, each contributing unique styles and visions to the evolution of modern dance.
The growth of musical theater and musical comedy, both on stage and in film and television, has further popularized a diverse range of dance styles, encompassing modern and classical forms such as ballet, modern, tap, jazz, folk, ethnic, and ballroom. Influential choreographers in stage and film have included Jerome Robbins, Bob Fosse, Gower Champion, and Michael Bennett, each contributing significantly to the landscape of dance in popular entertainment. More recently, prime-time television dance competition shows, such as Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, have played a crucial role in expanding the audience for various dance styles and choreography across the United States.
Dance schools continue to thrive in the 21st century, benefiting significantly from the heightened interest in dance fueled by these television programs and movies that showcase different dance genres.
Arthur Murray Dance Studios and Fred Astaire Dance Studios stand out as leading companies in the dance education industry. Arthur Murray established the first company of its kind, incorporating in 1925. Fred Astaire’s studios followed, beginning operations in the mid-1940s. Both companies operate on a franchise model and are owned by dance enthusiasts worldwide. By 2019, Arthur Murray Dance Studios had expanded to 270 locations across 22 countries. Fred Astaire Dance Studios boasted numerous locations across the United States, with significant concentrations in California, Illinois, Florida, Texas, and the East Coast, and also had international locations in Poland, Austria, Jordan, Lebanon, and South Africa. While both Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire sold their stakes in their respective companies in the 1960s, their names have remained integral to the brand identity of these enduring dance institutions.
