Final answer:
Ciranda is a Brazilian communal dance that celebrates unity and joy. Group singing and dancing increase hormone levels that promote happiness and bonding, facilitating a sense of community. Examples like the San trance dances and gumboot dances underscore the importance of musical and dance rituals in forming strong social connections and maintaining cultural traditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ciranda is a traditional dance and music form from Brazil, characterized by its communal and inclusive nature. The participants form a circle and move to the rhythm of the music, which is usually provided by a group of musicians playing drums, flutes, and string instruments. It is an expression of culture, unity, and joy that brings people together, reinforcing social connections and a sense of belonging.
Group singing and dancing, as seen in various cultural traditions around the world including African, Native American and Asian societies, fundamentally contribute to building a sense of community. These activities are known to alter brain chemistry, elevating serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin levels - hormones that evoke happiness, encourage repeat behavior, and enhance bonding among individuals. Intertwining physical movements through dance and unifying voices in song, individuals achieve a collective identity and shared experiences, demonstrably increasing their emotional closeness and community bonds.
Moreover, the importance of rituals such as the San trance dances, which combines physical movement with spiritual beliefs, has been significant for both historical and contemporary communities dealing with social stress. Similarly, the gumboot dances of the mining communities in South Africa and yard steppin' in American university settings illustrate the use of dancing in a circle to encourage audience participation and establish unity.
Overall, these collective expressions through music and dance are essential for a community to thrive socially and emotionally. They serve not only as entertainment but also as profound experiences that shape cultural values, strengthen communal ties, and foster solidarity among different ethnic groups.