ALTERNATIVE DANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Alternative dance is a genre of music that combines electronic dance beats with elements from various alternative music styles and genres. It emerged in the 1980s as a subgenre of alternative rock and new wave, incorporating elements of post-punk, synth-pop, and dance music. This fusion created a unique sound that appeals to listeners who appreciate the experimental and unconventional aspects of music.
Characterized by its upbeat and danceable rhythms, alternative dance often features a blend of electronic instruments, synthesizers, drum machines, and guitars. The genre emphasizes catchy melodies, pulsating basslines, and intricate layering of sounds and textures. Artists within the alternative dance genre often incorporate diverse influences such as punk, funk, disco, and world music, resulting in a broad range of sonic explorations.
Alternative dance has its roots in the underground music scene, where artists sought to challenge and push the boundaries of traditional rock and pop music. Over time, the genre gained popularity and recognition, with artists like New Order, The Cure, Depeche Mode, and LCD Soundsystem pioneering the genre's sound and style. However, alternative dance continues to evolve, as new artists and subgenres emerge, incorporating elements of electronic music, indie rock, and even hip-hop.
Today, alternative dance remains an exciting and ever-changing genre, appealing to a diverse audience of music lovers who appreciate its blend of catchy melodies, infectious beats, and unconventional soundscapes.
Etymology of ALTERNATIVE DANCE
The word "alternative dance" combines two distinct terms: "alternative" and "dance". Here is the etymology of each term:
1. "Alternative": The term "alternative" originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word "alternativus", which is derived from "alternare" meaning "to alternate". It initially referred to something that exists as a choice or option instead of something more conventional or mainstream. In the context of music, particularly the alternative music genre of the 1980s and 1990s, "alternative" describes a style that deviates from the mainstream or conventional sound, often associated with independent or underground music movements.
2. "Dance": The term "dance" has roots in various languages. Its earliest origins can be traced back to the Old French word "dancier", meaning "to dance", which came from the Frankish word "dansōjan".
