Final answer:
The 1960s dances broke new ground by embodying the shifting social norms towards freedom and liberation, fostering racial integration and reflecting the counterculture of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dances of the 1960s broke new ground because they were a reflection of the evolving social climate of the time, marked by an increasing challenge to traditional values and a push towards more freedom and liberation. The new wave of music, rock and roll, not only encouraged new styles of dancing but also played a significant role in blurring racial lines and advancing the movement towards ending segregation in American society. The Jazz Age set the stage for these developments, with jazz music paving the way for new forms of expression that transcended racial barriers.
Furthermore, the popularity of rock and roll led to social interactions and intermingling of black and white teenagers, a change initiated by the shared love of music and further solidified by the groundbreaking Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling. Televised programs like The Ed Sullivan Show and American Bandstand showcased both black and white artists, helping to integrate American culture and break down prejudices. By the 1960s, dances and musical events such as the iconic Woodstock Festival were symbolic of the freedom and rebellion against previous generations' social controls, emphasizing the power of music and dance as forms of social and cultural revolution.