Final answer:
Communal dances such as gumboot dancing and Steppin' allow room for audience participation, community engagement, and individual expression within a group. Performances often occurred in non-theatrical settings that facilitated audience interaction and participation, emphasizing solidarity and community through dance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Communal Dance Forms and Audience Participation
Other communal dances allow room for audience participation, engagement with the community, and the expression of individuality within a group. An example of this can be seen in traditional gumboot dancing and Steppin', both of which involve dancers performing in spaces where the spectators are closely situated, often in circles or long sets that create a sense of inclusion and community. Gumboot dancing, with its roots among South African miners, and Steppin', with its history at Howard University, both provide space not only for the dancers but also for the audience to be part of the experience, either through observation or active participation.
Gumboot dancing and Steppin' highlight the importance of unity and solidarity, often performing in non-theatrical settings like 'the yard' or open areas within mining communities. This close proximity allows the audience to interact directly with the performers, and sometimes the dances included room for relaxed interludes, where audience members could join in with singing and dancing. The diversity of the performers and the sense of community built through these dances offered a powerful form of expression that transcended social and cultural boundaries.
Apart from fostering a sense of belonging, both dance styles showcase the individuality of dancers and groups. While maintaining a unified group movement, the dances incorporated room for improvisation and individual flare, allowing dancers to express their talents and personality, further connecting with the audience.
In essence, communal dances like gumboot dancing and Steppin' provide an interactive and participatory atmosphere that encourages solidarity, individual expression, and a built relationship or community among all participants.