Writing for Academic Discussion Should dancing be given more importance in society than now?

Should dancing be given more importance in society than it currently is? (sociology)

 

 

☆ Let’s Think

1.       Do you often dance?

2.       Have you ever joined any dancing event in society such as bon dancing?

3.       What a society will be like if dancing were given more importance?

 

☆Hints for points

Yes:

・It helps bonding with others.

・It is a good way of exercise. It is good for mental and physical health as well as entertaining.

・It promotes cultural appreciation.

・It is a traditional means of expression.

・It helps intercultural communication.

・It is a good ice braker. People enjoy dancing whether they dance or watch others dancing..

 

No:

・Not all people like dancing.

・Dancing is not taught much at school, and therefore few even know basic steps of any dancing.

・Some types of dancing cost much money in terms of costumes and venues.

・Today’s popular dancing is commercialized and have become superficial as a result.

・Dancing without proper guidance may cause injuries.

 

 

☆ Sample for Ideas and Expressions

【Thesis】Although I agree with Lucus in that dancing has many positive effects on people, I agree more with Isabella’s opinion that people’s interests have diversified and dancing cannot be given more emphasis than other cultural activities.

【Supporting Details】In ancient times, dancing played an important role for organizing. Dancing has hypnotizing effect as we can see in authentic traditional dancing like kecak in Bali. Because of this power, it can be used to lead a movement or bond communities. But as Isabella says, not everyone likes dancing now. Also, the power of dancing is a double-edged sword. If it is used correctly, it can be a great booster for a movement while it can be used to control a certain group of people, like a dancing religion. As far as I know, the vector of dancing is toward the latter, which will lead to convention and corruption.

【Counterargument-treatment】Social movements are not alien to cultures, including dancing. Rather, there is a tradition of culture playing a teaching role, and movements for reform also make use of it. However, as a whole, dancing practices and all the related activities will settle down into a part of the existing social structure and works to protect it, as in the case of other cultural genres.

【Conclusion】Today’s dancing is just a part of culture and it won’t have more power. Therefore, I think it should be left as it is now. There should be more important things that people should focus on. (244 words)

 

 

 

 

 

Write your response in 10 minutes. Show each other your responses. Write down questions or suggestions to each other’s response.

 

 

                                                   DRAFT