Why do people dance?

[pinkglitter12]

There wasnt a category for this to go in so apologies..
Ok i know I'm going to sound a little bit weird now, but its been bothering me.
Why when people hear music do they start waving their arms and legs around?
Is it a mating ritual still? Do people want to be admired for their dexterity?
Does dancing make people feel a certain way?
Why?

I absolutely hate dancing. I don't think there is anything enjoyable about it. Apparently I'm in the minority though.

Not really sure what you mean, but I started "real" dancing after attending a wedding in 1996, where the uncle of the bride wanted to dance with me, but it was proper ballroom stuff, which, at that time, I couldn't do.
I then learned all the stuff you see on tv.
Should add that my parents could do proper dancing, but they were of an older generation.

Is it a mating ritual still? Do people want to be admired for their dexterity?

😂🤣 😂

Have you never danced then?
I don’t think I’ve ever waved legs around though, or seen anyone do that tbh.
I often dance around my living room. It feels good, boosts my energy when I’m in a bit of a slump and makes me feel happy.
It’s infectious if you’re listening to music, say a band playing in the park or whatever. Everyone foot tapping/swaying/dancing to the beat.
Im ridiculously shy and have two left feet so it’s definitely not for people to admire my dexterity.

Why do people have dogs and now, why do people dance 😆

I love dancing. Not anything formal or anything like that, just if I hear a song I like, I'm dancing. It's nothing to do with wanting to look like anything in anyone else's eyes, in fact I'd rather no one was watching. For me it's just almost an involuntary reaction to hearing music I like!

This is a really odd thread.
I don’t automatically start ‘waving my arms and legs around’ as soon as I hear music (e.g. on the radio) but I do feel like dancing in certain situations such as parties for example. It’s about the atmosphere, situation and energy in the room. I wouldn’t start dancing down the aisles in a supermarket along to music but I would certainly dance at a wedding or birthday party celebration with friends/family.
I personally LOVE music and if there are certain up-beat songs that I like then I just feel a need to dance as it brings out a happy energy in me. Other times, music can make me thoughtful/feel sad/nostalgic etc. In that particular situation I wouldn’t dance.

I don't know about dexterity OP.

I love a little party for one in my kitchen while rummaging up some supper. But I'm dyspraxic so can't hold a beat or have any rhythm.

I am so interested in this too. Music and dance is a uniquely human love that has always existed, through every civilisation and tribe. It is used for emotional regulation for some or as an expression of joy. It's definitely not a mating thing because children do it more than adults. Babies dance instinctively, they bop their heads or jerk their feet to rhythm even if they are too young to move. Most little kids love dancing, most adults too when they are alone. I wish it was socially acceptable to just randomly dance when you are happy or enjoying a song.

I've never really read up on it but I'd be interested in the psychological theories behind it.

Have you never seen a toddler spontaneously start moving to music? They're neither engaging in a mating ritual or hoping to be admired, they're simply affected by the music and respond by moving.

It’s fun, never thought about why but music (well some music at least) makes me want to dance. Suspect it’s innate, toddlers dance to music so they haven’t learned the behaviour.

I feel like I need to state my case like Ren.

Dancing provides a dopamine hit and they think it helped our ancestors bond and communicate. Certain chord sequences are in tune with our emotions and stimulate areas of the brain. People dance for a sense of unity, to prepare for war , to attract a mate or release stress

I hate dancing in public now, but love to dance in the privacy of my own home.

Music and dance is a uniquely human love that has always existed

I know of domesticated birds that respond to music too, either by cheeping or bopping and moving when particular songs come on. I cant think of any other animal, though 😂

Someone once told me that people dance in the same way they have sex. Once you know that, you never look at people dancing in the same way again! 🤦🏻‍♀️

I love it when you see tiny kids dancing to buskers or whatever. It’s so cute and must be instinctive.

Why do people do anything?

Generally because they enjoy it.

stupid ass question really.

From an anthropology point of view, dance is ancient and found in all cultures. It is intrinsically rewarding to move in time to a beat - for cockatoos and other animals as well as humans. And showing off to the opposite sex can also be part of it.

a recent big study suggests joining dance classes is better for depression than many antidepressants.

and the good thing is, there are many types of dance. If salsa does suit you, try Scottish country dancing or something else.

To express joy! And be part of something

I learned when I studied in Scotland in a semester abroad. (Mid 90’s) It was an odd setup but one of the traveling professors was a PE professor (just roll with it…it’s too long to explain and not relevant to the story).

Anyway he must have attended a wedding shortly before the term started and went on a bit of a rant about parents shelling out lots of money for bands and DJs for their kid’s wedding and nobody knew how to dance. So he offered up a ballroom dance class (with bonus ceilidh dances taught by local volunteers)

It was a blast!

I bloody love dancing. You couldn’t keep me off the dance floor at one time.

Unfortunately I’m crippled now so my dancing days are over which makes me incredibly sad.

As soon as a rhythmic beat starts it’s involuntary.

I can’t help myself. If I hear music I move and dance.

Dancing makes me feel free and joyful and it’s one of the few things I do that makes
me me truly happy.

I’m not interested in it as a mating ritual - I prefer dancing with friends for fun. I don’t care how I look.

Well because they like the music, I suppose then you could say Why do people make music? Why do we do any of the things we enjoy?