8

Why do we bow after a performance? Where does this tradition come from? For how long has performers been doing this?

Maybe there is some sort of interesting anecdote about this.

Dave
  • 17,808
  • 10
  • 60
  • 98
Neil Meyer
  • 14,943
  • 8
  • 44
  • 101
  • 2
    This article suggests it was from the days of royal patronage as a bow to the royalty after (and maybe originally before) a performance, since the performers were literally in the presence of the monarch: http://www.dancespirit.com/uncategorized/take_a_bow/ – Todd Wilcox Feb 01 '16 at 17:25
  • 1
    That sounds like an answer Todd – Neil Meyer Feb 01 '16 at 17:39
  • Well, one column on a dance web site is not exactly a reputable historical source, so it's more of a supposition than an answer. – Todd Wilcox Feb 01 '16 at 17:41
  • 1
    I had prepared a lovely answer complete with anecdotes to the effect that the tradition evolved from artists dodging the rotten tomatoes and other fruit thrown by a particularly keen audience ... – Will Crawford Dec 28 '17 at 16:40

2 Answers2

3

"Bowing was originally a gesture (a movement of the body) which showed deep respect for someone."

After a performance, bowing is basically a sign of respect to the audience, for listening and potentially clapping.

More about bowing here.

dorien
  • 1,233
  • 1
  • 7
  • 15
1

In some areas of the world, the musicians acknowledge applause by applauding back. Bowing is another method (which lends itself to a rehearsed bow from the entire cast.)

ttw
  • 25,431
  • 1
  • 34
  • 79