Dance Ethnography

Native American art forms have been dwindling in the past few years. Even though they have been decreasing, some tribes gather still to continue traditions. Art forms such as dance, pottery, and weaving have been passed down from generation to generation. There are many different types of dances including war dances, grass dances, and rain dances. Each dance has its own meaning and represents something unique. Native American dance is a creative way to tell a story, share values, pass down traditions, and communicate traditions of their ancestors in the 21st century.

Since the beginning of time African people have valued and honored dance and music in the most secret way. They knew that dance and music was a gift from the Gods that they worshiped and that it should be respected as a valued custom in everyday life. Although, dance on the African continent differed from region to region dance and music had always been a part of tradition across the continent and throughout the African Diaspora. Nadine George-Graves explains that, “Spirituality means different things to different people, and in many respects, it defies definition, which is, of course, part of its power. Too, spirituality has long been considered a path to healing and liberation” (George-Graves 136). Dance and music was a way in which people

Response: I found Katherine A. Dettwyler’s, Dancing Skeletons; Life and Death in West Africa very interesting though I did not like the way in which it was written. To me it was written in a very scattered brain way, similar to how a hyperactive childs diary would look like. At times when Dettwyler was trying to explain something, she would go into tangents, mostly about her own personal opinions of the topic, which ruined the mood of the book, lessened the impact of whatever she was talking about at the time and frankly, it just annoyed me. I found it difficult to understand what was trying to be said and it made it difficult to read. I think if she didn’t try to cover so much in such a small book- malnutrition, female circumcision and other random topics- I would have enjoyed it more. One thing that I did like was how she wasn’t political on her trips to Mali, she just talked to people. She didn’t preach just talk and I think that’s what helped improve these people’s lives. It was interesting but I wouldn’t read it again or recommend it like I did for the Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down.

This essay will compare and contrast the dance styles of the European Americans and the Native Americans that were born from the cultural beliefs and expression that shaped how dance played a role in both cultures. The dancing styles of the Native Americans had ritual and spiritual meaning to the people of the tribes, who believed that certain spirits could be contacted through these dances, which would lead of a bountiful hunting trip or help protect warriors in a coming battle (Overture Center, 2010). The dancing styles of the European Americans were very formal and structured dances that were performed in many social occasions as courtship rituals between a man and a woman, but often would see partners shifting and moving around the room

Since I was a little girl I’ve always been part of something. But none of the activities I did really filled me. I became part of a dance academy when I was 13 years old, and it was because my sister wanted to learn to dance for her Quinceañera. It’s kind of ironic how something that would be very important to me started so simple. But I guess that’s just how the best things in life happens.

The music played a large role in determining the style of the pieces in the show by Koresh Dance Company. It set the theme and mood for the dances. Also, the choreography was dependent on the beats and variations in the music. This basis added to the themes of the dances as well.

Dance has always been a part of my life, and it was always fun to look back at old pictures and reminisce about all of the dance issues I had when I was younger. But as I got older and better, the growing stopped. I wasn’t learning as much new stuff, just perfecting old choreography. Ballet has never been my favorite dance style, my studio is more invested in lyrical and performance styles, like tap, jazz, and musical theatre. I originally only wanted to take ballet here because I wanted to be in the Nutcracker because it was something my studio doesn’t do. But this class brought me back to ballet basics, and I have seen major growth in my ballet technique, enough for my mom to notice. I’ve gotten a lot stronger at certain ballet barre warm

Secondly, dance is a big part of Native American culture, and thus will be incorporated into my teaching of physical education. Native Americans have used dance as a way to connect with each other and honour longstanding traditions. Dance is an important part of socialization, as well as preservation of fascinating and distinct cultures. Overall, traditional Native American dances reflect cultural beliefs. The dances define their values in life, their environment, and their relationships.

If one has ever been fortunate enough to see a live ballet then I’m sure at some point during the performance they found themselves wondering how much time, effort, and skill the dancers devote prior to the performance. While there are many factors contributing to the outcome of the show, as long as the dancer learns the choreography and has a great dress rehearsal, the audience is guaranteed to love the show!

This online article starts by stating how often elderly should exercise and how dance would be a great way to add a great workout with varying degree of intensity while keeping thigs interesting. The article continues with the different types of dance like ballroom and chair aerobics and how to stay safe. They conclude with misconceptions of dance and how it doesn’t matter your age or ability, but to just go and enjoy what a dance class can do for you.

Throughout my life I have never really been interested in the dance until last year where I started to accept it. why? Why do we put ourselves through the physical stress to call ourselves dancers? Why do we love it so? I simply found those answers when I started dancing as I saw the potential it gave, showed the importance of teamwork, and the courage it taught.

Dance has been a natural movement form since the beginning of time. The origin of dance is unknown, just as the knowledge of the benefits of dance are unknown to many in our society. Many people do not enjoy dancing and also do not fully understand the positive benefits that come from dancing. Researchers such as Edwards, Duberg, and many more have found countless mental and emotional benefits of dance that originate from movement patterns, brain connections, and even expressions of emotion. Many are aware of the physical benefits of dance, but beyond the physical benefits of dance, there are also emotional and mental benefits that come from dance as well.

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had a passion for dancing. My mom enrolled me in dance when I was three years old. Very quickly, I began to realize that dance was something I wasn’t willing to give up. Dance has become such an important part of my life, and I don’t know what I would do without it.

In one my classes; Dance Appreciation, I had an assignment to view a dance piece on YouTube. The dance that I viewed was called “She without arm, he without leg, Hand in Hand”. The dance was not only informative, but it was enlightening to watch.

In the nineteenth century some of the greatest innovations come from artists who strove to discover if art could work on the same level as music. I have decided to research the relationship between art, dance, and music. The interpretation of dance and music in art continually developed during the twentieth century. Firstly dance as a subject matter, drawn narratively and may have a symbolic meaning. This then moved on to dance interpreted emotionally. Thirdly music and dance can be interpreted abstractly. Endell's hypothesis (Fig.1) shows this idea of art working abstractly. Arshile Gorky describes abstraction as "allowing man to see with his mind what he cannot