Final answer:
Characteristics of royal court dances include elaborate dress, ceremonial movements, music accompaniment, symbolic meanings, and participation of high ranking individuals. They served social, ceremonial, and political purposes, reinforcing hierarchies and courtly values during significant events.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of Royal Dance in Courts Around the World
Royal dances were an integral part of court life and served various functions, including social, ceremonial, and martial. These dances were characterized by elaborate dress, precise and sometimes ceremonial movements, and often followed strict protocols to reflect the norms and values of the royal court. The performance of royal dances was usually accompanied by music, with participants sometimes including the king, as was the case with the dancing kings of Dahomey.
In many royal courts, dances were not just for entertainment; they often had symbolic meanings and were used to reinforce the social and political hierarchies of the time. The dancers, who could be members of the royal family or other high ranking individuals, typically wore costumes that featured jewels, precious metals, and other symbols of wealth and power. It was also common for dances at royal courts to take place during significant events and celebrations such as welcoming ceremonies, gift-giving ceremonies, or victory celebrations.
The formation of long sets and circles in royal dances promoted audience participation and witnessed the inclusion of various art forms including poetry, minstrels, and chivalry. Royal dances played an important role in the broader culture of aristocratic feasting and entertainment, where the elites showcased their loyalty, courage, and honor. Rituals performed within the dances were meant to impress and contribute to the solemn atmosphere that reflected the dignity of the court.