Dancing is a natural form of expression that even people “who can’t dance” can still react naturally to music and rhythm of music. It’s a natural reaction. The answer to why we dance – and why some are better dancers than others, can be found, once again, from evolution.
A study published in 2006 suggests that the ability to dance was connected to survival; but what human trait isn’t? According to the study, dancing was a way prehistoric a way of communicating and bonded when the advantage of speech was impossible. “Dancing” by early humans who were coordinated and rhythmic could have had an evolutionary advantage for survival by reducing tension. Warriors marched to battle in step to music and drums, and studies show that babies inherently react to rhythm as young as five months. Scientists aren’t sure why; but it could be an innate evolutionary trait to lessen tension. The first thing a child in the womb hears is the rhythmic beating of the mother’s heart.
Of course, not everyone has the ability to dance like Fred Astaire, and the reason may be body symmetry. Research shows dancers are physically more symmetrical; and “dancing” is still a factor in survival: just ask anyone trying to impress someone in a party or participating in a dance contest to influence a judge. They too will be dancing for their “survival”.