Reference Information
Title: Coming of Age in Samoa
Author: Margaret Mead
Editors: Williams Morrow and Company (1928)
Chapter 8: The Role of the Dance (12 pages)
Summary
This chapter describes the significance of dance in the Samoan culture. It is the one activity that all age groups and genders participate in. There are 3 different dancing styles: taupo (aloof and beautiful), dance of the boys (jollier than the girls) and jesters (honoring the taupo by mocking them).
Dancing emphasizes one's individuality. If one is a bad dancer, they will get made fun of.
Discussion
Although dance is not a large part of our society, I know what it's like to basically have two left feet. I feel awkward dancing; I can't imagine how it must feel to be that way in a culture that celebrates dance so heavily.
This chapter describes the significance of dance in the Samoan culture. It is the one activity that all age groups and genders participate in. There are 3 different dancing styles: taupo (aloof and beautiful), dance of the boys (jollier than the girls) and jesters (honoring the taupo by mocking them).
Dancing emphasizes one's individuality. If one is a bad dancer, they will get made fun of.
Discussion
Although dance is not a large part of our society, I know what it's like to basically have two left feet. I feel awkward dancing; I can't imagine how it must feel to be that way in a culture that celebrates dance so heavily.
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