Final answer:
Dance forms like gumboot dancing and Steppin' have grown in popularity due to their rich cultural significance and engaging performance styles. Initially gendered and informal, they are now widely inclusive and celebrated in diverse contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The animal dance mentioned appears to be a reflection of the energy and popularity of certain dance movements amongst working-class societies in the past. Similar to the tango's emergence and growth in popularity during the 1880s, both gumboot dancing and Steppin' have also seen considerable growth popularity and evolution, partly fueled by their competitive nature and audience interaction. Initially performed primarily by males, these dance styles have transcended gender boundaries over time.
Gumboot dancing originated among South African miners as a form of communication and solidarity, performed in arenas where the audience encircled the performers. Steppin', with a history tracing back to Howard University's campus in the 1920s, relied on similar audience participation and was often practiced in informal spaces like 'the yard.' Both styles have since evolved, incorporating rigorous synchronization, individual improvisation, and have been used in educational and mentorship roles.
Despite the competitive edge and the evolution towards more performance-oriented presentations, both gumboot dancing and Steppin' retain their roots in the cultural traditions of their origins, conveying messages of identity and heritage through their expressive movements.