The Social Generation: The Democratisation of Dance

I have been a dancer my whole life. From the moment I could walk, I was dancing. Modern, ballet, tap, hip hop. I finally found my real passion in ballroom and latin American. I competed as a Pro-Am (Professional Amateur) from the age of 9 years old throughout my school years. I continued after my schooling days and even rekindled my passion for Ballroom in my 30s.

Dancing is a primitive expression that lives within all of us. it is an expression of joy, passion, pain. It is used in sport, in war, in art and love. It is a visceral expression of our emotions when words will not suffice. In my opinion, it is the most authentic and pure expression of our humanity, of our true selves. How we dance in the dark, or in most private spaces, is where we truly express and discover our true selves.

Dance has long been a universal form of expression, deeply ingrained in various cultures throughout history. Dance has evolved beyond traditional tribal performances to become intertwined with pop culture as a medium of defiance, political expression and community across the globe.

In the 1980s, dance exploded into the mainstream, thanks to the creation of music videos. The MTV generation (of which I am am a proud member) sang into hair brushes replaying hazy Paula Abdul, Kylie and Michael Jackson music videos to perfect choreography performed to bored parents in living rooms across the world. Initially, dance choreography in music videos was reserved for high-profile artists with substantial budgets. But soon things would changed drastically. With the emergence of the internet and social media platforms, dance videos have become accessible to independent artists and creators. And now dance is truly democratised. Everyone is equipped with a camera and unfettered access to music from around the world, creating and sharing choreography and dance content, allowing individuals to showcase their talent to a global audience.

The phenomenon of dance videos can be likened to prehistoric gesture communication, where early humans used bodily movements to convey messages and emotions. In a digital age characterised by constant connectivity and rapid communication, dance videos serve as a contemporary form of nonverbal communication, allowing individuals to express themselves authentically and connect with others on a primal level.

In particular, dance videos play a significant role in fostering community and connection among Gen Z. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have become hubs for sharing dance content, where users can engage with each other through likes, comments, and shares. The collaborative nature of these platforms encourages users to participate in challenges, duets, and collaborations, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the dance community. Furthermore, dance videos often incorporate popular music trends, creating a shared cultural experience that strengthens bonds among users. For a generation that has grown up with the internet from birth, and who lived through the isolation of the pandemic, digital dynamics are as vital as face to face ones. Communities are birthed, forged and maintained across countries and even continents by shared ideals and collective preferences expressed through choreography.

Understanding Gen Z's Motivations: Narcissism or Articulation:

The motivations behind Gen Z's participation in dance videos are multifaceted. While some may perceive it as narcissistic or attention-seeking behaviour, for many, it serves as a form of self-expression and creativity. Dance allows individuals to articulate their emotions, identities, and experiences in a visual and kinetic manner, transcending linguistic barriers. Many feel that dance challenges and collaborations can be empowering, providing a sense of achievement and validation within the online community. Whilst it is undeniable that there is an underlying need for validation through this process of self promotion, it is no different than your friends & family clapping for you at a dance recital.

As technology continues to evolve, dance videos are likely to remain a prominent feature of Gen Z's communication landscape. The democratisation of content creation and the proliferation of social media platforms will enable individuals to continue sharing their passion for dance and building communities around it. Moreover, advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology may open up new possibilities for immersive dance experiences, further enhancing the role of dance in shaping digital culture.

In the end, dance videos represent more than just entertainment; they serve as a powerful tool for communication, community building, and self-expression. This is not a new phenomenon, but one that is as old as time itself. Animals from across the natural kingdom perform dances to seduce a potential mate, or to communicate with others within their own species and even warn off predators from other species. Bees use dance to share information about food, dogs dance to show joy, while humans dance to express a myriad of complex emotions. In a digital age, this is unlikely to change. By understanding the impact of dance videos on Gen Z's communication habits, we can appreciate the profound influence they have on shaping contemporary culture and fostering connections across borders and boundaries. So put on your dancing shoes, turn up the music, and dance like nobody is watching - even though its most likely that everyone is watching and learning your moves!

Author:

Michelle de Havilland, Executive Coach, and CEO of BlackGate, brings over 25 years of extensive experience in the real estate sector, having contributed to numerous global property developments. Michelle is not only a seasoned business leader but also a renowned motivational speaker and TV Personality. For further details on BlackGate, visit www.black-gate.co.uk, or reach out to MD Coach directly for coaching sessions with Michelle at [email protected]. Additionally, explore the MDCoach Intelligence Forum for insightful articles like this one: https://mdcoach.co.uk/intelligence.