ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

History of Chinese dance

Okay kiddo, let me tell you a story about Chinese dance. A long, long time ago in China, people used to dance to show their happiness and celebrate important events like weddings and religious ceremonies. This was known as folk dance.

As time went by, different kingdoms in China developed different styles of dance, like the Han and Tang dynasties. These styles often had special costumes, music and props, like fans and swords.

A very famous style of Chinese dance is called classical dance. This kind of dance became popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties, from the 14th to the 20th century. It’s a very graceful and elegant dance, where the dancer uses their whole body to tell a story, from head to toe.

Another type of dance that became popular in China is called opera dance. This kind of dance is often performed by opera singers who also know how to dance. A lot of the time, the dance tells a story from Chinese history or mythology.

In modern times, Chinese dance has evolved to include some Western styles, like ballet and modern dance. Many Chinese dance shows feature colorful costumes, intricate props and amazing acrobatics that will leave you speechless.

So, in summary, Chinese dance has a long and rich history that has evolved over time, from folk dance to classical dance to modern dance. It’s a beautiful art that uses body movements to tell stories and express emotions, and it will keep evolving and changing over time.