rhythm and beat

[gastwo]

Can anyone explain why people tap/clap/sway/jig or react in general whenever a rhythmic sound occurs? Its not just music - any oscillating noise seems to cause a body to move in time in some form or other. Why?

[WaldoMcFroog]

Basically, it comes down to your heart beat. Since your heartbeat is kinda essential, humans are very aware of the rhythm of their hearts. Should this become uneven, a person would undoubtedly become distressed. So, a strong steady beat is something which humans naturally associate with a healthy heart and therefore enjoy.

Native people discovered that if a beat were set up and then increased in rhythm, the body will attempt to match it, thus speeding the heart beat. This in turn will release endorphins into the blood stream (and is the basis of religious ecstacy).

Interestingly, if you take a tribe of small people, such as a pygmy race and listen to their music, you would think it was very fast. If you listen to the music of a very tall race, e.g. the Watusi, their music is very much slower. This is because people's natural oscillation is dependant on their height! Cool huh?

[gastwo]

Thanks Waldo! So logical when you think about it. And so nice to get a quick lucid reply in correct English.