Introduction
Different traditional cultures are forms of the primary self-organization of the human community. With confidence in inextricable unity with the community, a person gains a sense of security and belonging in traditional culture. As a vital part of the culture, dance promotes unity with society and the appearance of the mentioned secure feelings. Although people who migrated to other countries for various reasons are disconnected from their native lands, they can use traditional dances as support for connection with their culture and their self-identification.
Literary Sources
Mollenhauer, Jeanette. “Dance in Diaspora: The Politics of Practice.” Power, Politics and the Dancing Body, 2018, pp. 1-8. Web.
Migrants bring and practice the traditions of their culture to new countries of residence. Mollenhauer compared how Irish and Croatian diasporas in Australia practice folk dancing (1). The researcher is sure that traditional dancing is not only an expression of predisposition to native culture but also an indicator of difference. Moreover, interviewed migrants reported that cultural practices created transnational links between the diaspora and the homeland. Nevertheless, supporting traditions, including the practice of dancing, is not always a simple task. Communities need support and recognition to continue to be active in their dancing performance. Thus, the Mollenhauer article proves the thesis about the ability of traditional dances to maintain unity and identification of migrants and highlights some problems that prevent these efforts.
Smith, Yda J. “Traditional Dance as a Vehicle for Identity Construction and Social Engagement after Forced Migration.” Societies, vol. 8, no. 3, 2018, Web.
Cultural traditions become even more critical when migrants’ connection with their homeland is interrupted forcibly. Immersion in a new society can be accompanied by difficulties, cause stress and disrupt a sense of identity. Smith studied how traditional dancing helps shape and maintain identity in the Karen community – an ethnic group forced to leave their native country. Representatives of the community reported that folk dances help them learn their culture and thereby learn themselves. Moreover, culture contributes to studying the history of their people, the formation of national pride, and social integration. Another essential function of traditional dancing is preserving culture and its salvation from complete extinction. Thus, this article also supports the thesis on the importance of cultural traditions, particularly folk dances, for migrants.
Multimedia Sources
“Irish Dance.” DanceUs.org, 2019, web.
A multimedia source provides information about Irish traditional dance, including history, features, clothing, styles, and related videos. The data can be connected to Mollenhauer’s article, which indicates that Irish dancing is better accepted in Western societies. The considered source also draws attention to the fact that this dance is supported by many organizations and can be represented at holidays in various countries (Irish Dance). Information supports the thesis that folk dancing is an integral part of a culture that promotes history.
“Traditional Don Dance, Karen Ethnic Group of Burma | FIUTS CulturalFest Performance Showcase.” YouTube, Web.
The video is an example of a performance by the Karen ethnic group discussed in a Smith article. This dance emphasizes the unity of the Karen people, even though their representatives live in different places around the world. The dance is accompanied by instrumental music and traditional songs (Traditional Don Dance). Thus, through folk dance, migrants can celebrate their unity without being all around and living in their native country. As a result, performance takes on particular significance for them.
Conclusion
In summary, dancing is of particular cultural importance to various peoples around the world. Migrants who have left their countries often seek to maintain a connection with their native culture, and folk dance can help in this effort. Traditional dancing supports history and promotes identity and self-knowledge. However, diasporas often require additional support to preserve their culture as it can yield more substantial and widespread traditions.