When it comes to dance there are many interesting and amazing styles of dance that span the globe. From the weapon dances of old (which are a perfect display of virility and masculinity though not widely practiced today other than in ceremonial dance) to the grace and beauty of ballet or ballroom dancing there is almost certain to be some form of dance that should appeal to almost anyone on the planet.
Native Americans had an excellent attitude and ideals when it comes to dancing. They danced for almost any reason and let the beat of the drum serve as their guiding spirit. Native Americans danced for worship, for rain, for joy, for grief, and to prepare for war. Their dances were heartfelt and as much a part of their individual natures as it was their tribal identities. Dancing was an essential part of their culture and heritage and is still passed on today though to a much smaller degree.
While some religions discourage dance, others embrace dance as a form of worship and commitment to their deities. Some encourage dance as an expression of praise. Others dance for the joy of the blessings and bounty of their gods or in submission to their gods. Regardless the fact remains that dance plays a vital role in many of the world’s religions. If you are a believer, I can think of few better reasons to dance than to express your beliefs in a physical form.
Some people dance simply because they like music and enjoy watching other people dance. There are all kinds of fun dancing styles that can be practiced alone, as a couple, or as a part of a much larger group. In the United States line dancing and square dancing are excellent ways to dance as part of a larger group as well as many types of competitive dancing and as part of a ballet company or other type of competitive or professional dance company. Couples dancing to some degree includes square dancing but other forms of dance such as ballroom dancing as well. Singles dancing is pretty much reserved to competitive dancing and often requires years of practice in order to perfect. Some people devote their lives to this sort of dancing and still never manage to make their mark on the competitive dancing circuit.
Dancing for fitness is another wave that seems to be taking the world by storm. There are many ways that this can be done and it is quite effective among those who would otherwise not exercise at all as well as those who simply love to dance. It is getting out of your seat and moving around to the music. Find a nice driving beat, close the curtains, and dance until you can no longer breath. It’s a great way to get that much needed exercise while having fun and not even realizing that you are (gasp) exercising. Mind over matter is a great thing. If it doesn’t feel like exercise then there is no reason for your body, mind, or spirit to protest, right?
Dancing is becoming somewhat of a novelty sport around the USA and around the world. Reality television shows such as “Dancing with Stars” and movies such as the one with Richard Gere-Shall We Dance have made ballroom dancing popular and attractive to the average person who would have never considered this form of dance before. With so many wonderful reasons for a person to dance why on earth wouldn’t you want to dance?
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Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/dancing-and-religion-1086651.html

How are ballroom dancing shoes different from regular high heels?
Is there any real distinction between official “ballroom dancing” shoes and your standard high-heeled dress sandal? I know that they are different, but I’m wondering what makes them so special that people go to dance stores to buy ballroom dancing shoes.
My interest was piqued by my own sorry-looking high-heeled sandals. I’m going to a dance in April (for the first time – and to actually dance!) and my shoes are pretty flimsy. I’m wondering if they fall so short of dancing shoes that I’ll need to buy a new pair.
Answer
Both ballroom and Latin shoes (yes, they ARE different) have sueded soles, so the shoe slides easily on the ground but doesn’t slip around like patent leather or something would.
Ballroom shoes are closed-toed. Latin shoes are open-toed. Also, in Latin shoes your big toe is technically supposed to touch the floor instead of the shoe (like what would happen if your toes were too long for your shoes or if your shoes were too small)…it gives you more control over the way your foot is moving, I guess.
But the way that dance shoes are “special” is mainly the suede soles, and the fact that the shoes are REALLY flexible.
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Tags: Dancing, religion