Reflections of Dance Activities in Ancient Egypt on Today’s Sports

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the reflections of dance activities in ancient Egypt on modern sports. Temple, tomb, and pyramid wall paintings related to ancient Egyptian dance provide us with important information about the dance culture of the past. We can see various dance figures on the walls of temples as well as the tombs of royalty and the pharaoh's family. In ancient Egypt, dance held an important place in the lives of the people and kings, especially as part of the religious ceremonies in temples. During important events such as New Year's celebrations, music was played and dances were performed in most temples to appease Sekhmet in order to protect the lands from diseased and deadly demons. In ancient Egyptian society, dance was a key element in elevating an individual's social class. It also served as a means for professional dancers to earn material rewards. Women who participated in funeral dances played a special role at the center of these rituals. Dances that took place as part of daily life were often performed with music and included acrobatic elements. It is believed that the various dances performed in ancient Egypt formed the origins of today's dance styles and also represented the first forms of folk dances. The presence of professional dancers suggests that dance in ancient Egypt evolved into a sport and represented one of the first sports disciplines. As a result of the current research, researchers examining dance activities in ancient Egypt are advised to explore the chronological depth of dance, the relationship between social layers and dance, the relationship between religion and dance, the social role of professional dancers, and the relationship between dance and other art forms. Furthermore, by examining the evolution of dance over time in more detail, a focus can be placed on the changes between dance styles and rituals in different periods. These studies could help develop a deeper understanding of dance activities in ancient Egypt.