Chapter 8: The Role of the Dance
Summary:
Dance is the only activity in which almost all ages and both sexes participate. There are no teachers and it is highly individualistic. The children learn to dance at the small informal dances and there are three styles to be chosen from, dance of the taupo, dance of the boys, and the dance of the jesters. Younger children normally learned by copying an older boy or girl.
Dancing is significant because nobody is told they are being presumed above their age and punished. They are encouraged to dance. There are two main ideas about Samoan dance that stand out. The first is the difference the children are treated. The second is the threshold of shyness is reduced.
Discussion:
Dancing in a culture is always interesting to read about. I liked this chapter because it wasn't about the dance itself it was about the culture's response to people and the events. I kind of get the feel that on the dance floor everybody is equal, this may not be true but it is certainly closer to this than the average Samoan day. I thought it was interesting to when the fact that shy or physically defective children were not as shy. The child with the turtle dance was cool to hear about.
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