A Final Research Paper on the Cultural and Social Essence of the Lakota Sioux Ghost Dance and Mongolian Tsam Dance

A Final Research Paper on the Cultural and Social Essence of the
Lakota Sioux Ghost Dance and Mongolian Tsam Dance
Name
Subject: History
3 May 2019
“In a society that worships love, freedom, and beauty, dance is sacred. It is a prayer for the future, a remembrance of the past and a joyful exclamation of thanks for the present.”~Amelia Atwater-Rhodes~
Introduction
Every country and culture have their own historical memoirs that are showcased through various theatrical or creative arts, strategical entertainment and performances. Some historical records are seen through dancing and dramatic entourage. Dancing is an expression of one’s thoughts, beliefs, principles, personality, character and ideologies. It is a form of free expression that has survived from one era to another, from classical, jazz, to pop songs, dancing has been a brilliant way of showing a group of audience the meaning of life. This paper focuses on a rather detailed and content-filled research of how dancing has progressed and affected the society’s cultural upbringing. Mostly, this research aims to place emphasis on the in-depth meaning of the Lakota Sioux Ghost Dancing and how it has permeated the thoughts of both leaders, authorities and common people within a nation. Furthermore, a point of comparison will be accurately discussed as the Lakota Ghost Dancing is compared and examined from another type of dance such as the Tsam Dance which is also similar in so many ways to Lakota Sioux, the Tsam Mongolian dance being commonly practiced and celebrated in the country of Mongolia. “Dance is practiced in several ways and for a number of purposes that include the social, political, psychological and political factors.” As we go through the origins of ghost dancing and tsam dance, this article will also point out the social, political and historical underpinnings that will help the readers bring into light the very core purpose for these dances and how it affects the society. In light of the historical background information of Lakota Ghost dancing and Tsam dancing, the type of audience and participants will also be unveiled in order for us to delve deeper into the hidden truths about why these types of dances have been created and why they are existing at this point of time. It is important to be educated as to the kind of people who practices both of this dances because it will lead us into the discovery of the ideological reflection of the culture that the countries where such dances have originated. Getting to know the practitioners and the answers as to why they are involved in this kind of dancing will allow us to be informed of the vision and mission that the creators of these dances would want to speak out and share. There are many purposes for dancing. It may be for a social cause, educational reasons, or political factors.  Despite the variety of reasons behind why people dance, dancing has such a powerful impact in the lives of people most particularly the Lakota Sioux and Tsam Dance. Some people dance for therapeutic reasons and help others in terms of their personal dilemma and problems. Dancing is not only for the sake of art but as well as in changing and persuading hearts and minds to pursue a ...