Dance

Dancing involves moving the body, often but not always, in relation to music. It is not an easy activity to define, as it happens in numerous different ways. Dance takes place in multiple social and cultural contexts. It is used as a way to celebrate, relax, exercise, and as a means for self-expression and communication. Dance is an activity, a skill, a profession, and an art form. People encounter dance in multiple different ways throughout their lives, whether as participants or as audience members. Following a discussion of some of the ways people participate in dance, the entry goes on to consider the experience of the viewer.