Watching dolphins "fly" through the hoops, and jump at the sound of a whistle bring cheers and camera flashes by the thousands. No matter how much fun it is to watch shows such as these, one thing must be known, these behaviours are not learned, they are natural.
Dolphins leap, jump, twist, and slap their tails for numerous reasons. Whether it is to express joy, fear, or danger is not completely known. However, it is known that this language of "dance" is practiced by dolphins all over the world. Similiar movements, or dances, are preformed by dolphins on the shores of South Carolina just as they are by the dolphins along the coast of Africa. Pods that have never been to the coast of Japan mimick the dances of those that live there.
Divers that have interacted with these dolphins in their natura habitat have reported that by varying the experience of the interaction; hostile, friendly, subtle, it will vary the reaction from the dolphins, including their "dances".
From this information, as well as numerous reports available, it can be determined that the movements and body language of the dolphins is not just for human entertainment. It is this creatures way of expressing their feelings, thoughts, fears, and joys.
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