Moving Beyond Words

Dance as a Catalyst for Social Change and Expression

Abstract

Dance, an art form dating back to the earliest human civilizations, is a powerful medium for storytelling, emotional expression, and cultural preservation. From religious ceremonies in Ancient Greece to sophisticated performances of NYC dance companies, the evolution of dance reflects society's evolving values and concerns. This paper will explore how dance functions as a dynamic tool for expressing oneself in a complex society. By exploring historical and modern examples, as well as drawing on personal interviews, this paper will demonstrate how dance connects one’s identity and expression as a versatile and impactful form of protest. This paper will show that dance isn’t only a powerful form of communication but how dance allows deep and myriad connections. Finally, it is concluded that dance is a dynamic and adaptable art form that enables the expression of identity and functions as a potent tool to convey social narratives, peacefully protest, and enco