The
United States Postal Service has contributed significantly to promoting dance on its
postage stamps. Tribal dance, national dance and classical ballet have all been represented and reflect the diversity of cultures within the American nation. Four
stamps dedicated to sassy Latin dances kicked off the National Hispanic Heritage month. The dances shown were the Salsa, Cha-cha, Mambo and Merengue. To showcase each of the popular dances, artists created designs that expressed their personal interpretation for each of the stamps. Known for its up-tempo beat, fast footwork and sensuous body language, Mambo laid the groundwork for its off-shoots, the Cha-cha and Salsa. Popularised in the 60s by New York Puerto Rican musicians, the Salsa integrates rhythm and blues and jazz into Afro-Cuban rhythms. The Cha-cha is slower and more constrained than its sister, the Mambo. To complete the Latin dance stamp series, issued in 2005, the Merengue is a mix of European and African derived styles and eventually became the national dance of the Dominican Republic.
Classical ballet is highlighted with the release of a
postage stamp, in 2004, depicting a delicate layout of ballet pointe/toe shoes. The pink satin ballet slippers and ribbons make the perfect
postage stamp for ballerinas or dancers.
Belly dancing is highlighted with a
postage stamp depicting four belly dancers dressed in magnificent beaded costumes. In 2006, this stamp was released to support the foundation for Women’s Rights. It represents the concept that women have the right to be safe, respected and valued in all spheres of life. The colourful portrayal of the dancers is a tribute to the art of belly dancing.
Again in 2006, another example of tribal dance is cleverly and artistically presented with a set of stamps showing American Indians in their elaborate and decorative costumes and make-up. These dancers perform to ensure the continuation of ancient ways of life, to honour deities and each other and to affirm their Indian identities.
Denmark also issued two
stamps in 2005 showcasing classical dance to celebrate the 200th anniversary of August Bournonville’s birth. It was released at the Danish Ballet’s 3rd Bournonville Festival and shows a portrait of this exceptional dancer with a motif figure of a dancer in the lower right hand corner.
Although it is only in recent years, the artistic element of dance is well represented in this brief selection of
postage stamps. They exemplify the athlete within the artist and effectively display the traditions and cultures with which they are associated.
Please visit our online shop for a large
stamp collection to purchase.
