DANCING has been practised from tho most ancient times by many races. David, king of Jerusalem, danced naked in a religious rite. Later than this Socrates regarded the dance as a part of religion. Most of the uncivilised non-Aryan races of British India have dances, as the Mil, the Juanga, the Khand, the Kol. In Southern India, also, the Jakkulwar and Jattiwartalawar are dancers. Of the races in S.W. Bengal, the Jadnr, Jumbir, Terriab, Kitariah, Karni Rasa, Dawa, and Bahni have war dances. The Kol of Nagpur have several dances, which are all more or less connected with some religious ceremony. Among the Santa], also, the dance is known, and the whole of their religious observances are generally performed and attended to by the votaries whilst in a state of intoxication,—a custom which re minds us of the worship of Bacchus among the Greeks and Romans.
Dancing is not practised in India by any Aryan race of II indus nor by Mahonaedans ; but Persians, Afghans, Mahomedans of India, and Hindus of all sects, gladly witness the performances of pro fessional dancing. women. Many of the non
Auan or aboriginal races of India, however, particularly those who have not greatly advanced in civilisation, have their national dances ; and the Uraon and Ho of Central India are pas sionately fond of it. The Kodaga race of Coorg have a national dance. The 3fahomedan dancers are all women, in bands called taifa, and are all public. The Hindu dancers are also all women, but do not associate with others than Ilindus, most of them being attached to the temples.
Many of the dances of wilder races arc solemn attitudinizing, moving in a ring, and locking up close to each other, often holding sticks.
• The natives of Australia in their corrobery run , in Indian file or sideways, and as they stamp the ' ground they grunt.