Celts

Slavs, Germans and Celts had many rituals which were danced. Often later, they were just 'charmed' in the Middle Ages, by the church and as sacred places and gods, incorporated into their religious rites.
Dancing around the maypole - in some European countries still common - for example is part of an ancient fertility rite, which was conducted by Slavic and Germanic peoples in the spring. The Celts also had hunting and animal dances.


Roman dances

RomandanceAfter the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, his empire felled apart over time. Gradually, the Romans took over many pieces and states. They found the Greek or Hellenistic culture superior and adopted much uses. Among them gods, and dancing.

In ancient Rome dance was held in high esteem. The philosopher and writer Lucian saw dance as a divine gift to mankind. According to him dance was created simultaneously with the cosmos: the order in the universe according to him was a round dance of divine origin of planets and stars.

From 200 BC. The Roman movement theater developed under the influence of, among other Greek dancing. Pantomime and dramatic hand gestures were mainly used. The dancers often wore motion inhibiting robes and masks. With their feet they gave a rhythm.
Terpsichore was their muse of dance and lyric poetry.