Researchers at Northumbria University and the University of
Gottingen examined the science of dancing in order to determine what draws a
women to a male dancing partner. Dancing ability, specifically of men, may
serve as a factor in mate quality. The researchers conducted an experiment in
which they recruited 30 men to dance to a drum for 30 seconds while their
movements were recorded via a motion-capture system. The dance of each
participant was computed into a “featureless, gender-neutral” avatar. 37 women
were then asked to rate each performance based on a seven-point scale.
FINDINGS: The women favored men who showed larger and more
variable movements of the head, neck and torso. In addition, there was a
positive response to quick leg movements that displayed coordination. The study
suggests that although more research is needed, men’s dance moves could carry
“honest signals of traits such as health, fitness, genetic quality and
developmental history.”
Genetics and the Influences on Dance
Sex steroids including testosterone are responsible for sex
differentiation during the development of a male body. A reference provided in
the original study found that prenatal levels of testosterone may not only play
a role in male facial development but also male dance movement.
Past research on selections in human mating acknowledge many
cues that utilize phenotypes to evaluate men. For example, studies
show that males with prominent facial features are associated with higher
testosterone levels and are, therefore, perceived to be more masculine and
dominant. Preferences for a more masculine face may reflect the chance of selecting for
heritable immunity to infectious disease, since testosterone is noted to have
immunosuppressant effects. Overall, evolutionary theory suggests that the prevalence
of T-related secondary traits reflect a man’s reproductive viability.
I found this article to be very interesting. Although you
would not normally associate something such as dance moves in the quality of a
partner this study shows its actual significance. Further, in reviewing other
articles referenced in the study it is apparent that several heuristic studies
have been conducted that examine mate selection. More research still needs to
be done in order to strengthen the findings, however, this information provided
is in intriguing topic that links genetics to mate selection in today’s
society.
References:
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