When we think of language, what often comes to mind is something that is spoken. We neglect to realize that nonverbal communication is another form of language that is often used when we interact with one another. For example, many people gesticulate when they speak, using various hand gestures and motions to emphasize certain words and ideas. In addition, there is sign language, which uses body language instead of spoken words to convey meaning. Sign language uses movement of the hands, arms or body, as well as facial expressions, to express one’s thoughts.
Observing these examples of nonverbal communication, I think dance can be considered a language. Dance is defined as the movement of the body in a rhythmic way. It existed before verbal or written communication and for early human civilizations was a significant part of ceremonies, rituals, celebrations, and storytelling. If we look at any type of dance, we can see its resemblance to sign language. Like sign language, dance uses body movement in order to communicate certain ideas. Dancers use their arms, hands, legs, and faces in order to convey meaning or emotion. They can be graceful and fluid with their movements to show serenity, or they can move with such power and force as to express anger.
While dance may be restrictive in the sense that we are not able to form actual “sentences,” it can be used in order to tell a story. Through body movement and facial expressions, dance sets a certain mood and expresses certain emotions. We can see how two dancers move with one another to see what the thoughts and emotions that are being shared between them. For example, nonverbal messages are often dictated by space, touch, facial expressions, and eye contact—all elements that are incorporated into dance.
