While the origins of the dance are not precisely known and evolutionary studies fail to reveal the time or place of the first dance, we do know that the dance is the product of the earliest forms of human civilization. These same studies show us that the circle dance existed in the Paleolithic cultures and was very important to their people. Preceding all other art forms, the dance flourished in the ancient world, becoming works of art as early as the Stone Age.

The power of the dance was believed to summon and dispel the forces of nature and heal the sick. Celebrations and seasonal changes included dancing. Hunters would dance prior to the hunt to bring luck to the chase. Everything from blessing the fields to sealing a marriage contract was accompanied by dancing. Not even political events were conducted without it. The dance affirmed the appointment of the tribal leaders and assured victory in the battle.

Spiritualism is also a prominent aspect of the dance. All ancient religions, including Judaism and Christianity, have accounts of the dance in the form of prayer, praise, and prophetic vision. A Gnostic hymn of the second century reads, “Who so ever danceth not, knoweth not the way of life,” The dance was not perceived as sin to be condemned or a casual past time to be tolerated; rather it was viewed, even to holy men and spiritual leaders, as a sacred act and a very serious activity. Rumi, the Persian dervish poet, exclaimed, “Whosoever knoweth the power of the dance, dwelleth in God.”