Dancing, Music and Stereotypes

Our stereotypes about the world around us can often hinder the potential experiences throughout our life. Music and dance styles can generate a lot of stereotypes. When you think of country dance or music, you often already have a preconceived idea of what the people, atmosphere, and music will be about. Some stereotypes can be positive—others negative. Hip-hop is a dance style that often gets a bad rep. Every reader can undoubtedly think of some opinions carried with hip-hop music and dance/dancers.

Now, think of another dance style, say Argentine Tango. Tango is seen as a classy and respected dance style. It was once seen with the same distain as other forms of art; today the paradigm surrounding Tango has been altered. Hip-hop can be described with the same emotion and respect. Jazz is a music style that was heavily banned throughout the 1920’s and, yet again, the public opinion turned around. Or try Rock and Roll or Bachata!

Every new art form has its own evolution and road to acceptance. Our willingness to avoid generating stereotypes will help to broaden our own horizons. So even if you don’t wear cowboy hats, or you don’t know what it means to “drop it and lock it on the dance floor”, you might have the time of your life if you go out and throw yourself into the experience.

In the end, regardless of the genre, music enriches our lives in a way nothing else can. Allow the music to introduce you to a dance style that can do the same.