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How Important Was Music and Dance in Ancient Egypt?
Music & dance in daily life
History and importance
Music and dance were highly valued in ancient Egypt. Music and dance were considered a vital part of creation, communicating with the gods and expressing all manner of life and death.
The first illustrations of dance in ancient Egypt come from scenes in Old Kingdom tombs of performers associated with funerals. Elaborate scenes of festivals and funerals depict the significant role of song and dance. No occasion was complete without it to facilitate the experience.
Dancers
Dancers performed at festivals, religious temples, feasts, and more. Dance was seen as an Earthly pleasure, an offering to the gods, and a celebration of sexuality.
Both music and dance elevated religious occasions and brought Egyptians closer to their gods. Dance didn’t have a negative image during this time but was thought to be a natural extension of life.
Although there were few instances when the upper class danced, there are scenes of the king dancing. No rules stated who could or couldn’t dance, but women were never seen dancing with men.
Wealthier Egyptians hired performers, and the Pharaoh had women who were trained…
