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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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    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: dancespirit.com/uncategorized/take_a_bow – Todd Wilcox Feb 1 '16 at 17:25
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    That sounds like an answer Todd – Neil Meyer Feb 1 '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 1 '16 at 17:41
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    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
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"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.

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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.)

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  • This seems more like a comment than an answer. – Aaron Oct 30 '20 at 14:18

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