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.
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2This 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: dancespirit.com/uncategorized/take_a_bow– Todd WilcoxFeb 1, 2016 at 17:25
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1That sounds like an answer Todd– Neil MeyerFeb 1, 2016 at 17:39
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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 WilcoxFeb 1, 2016 at 17:41
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1I 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 CrawfordDec 28, 2017 at 16:40
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2 Answers
"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.
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.)
