Dance Ethnography

Modern dance was created as a rebellion against the prevalent dance forms of the time, ballet and Vaudeville. It is a form of theatrical dance, known for its continual fusion of non-western style and ideas, which allows for a fresh source of movement inspiration. Choreographers rejected what they classified as the inflexible and imperialistic nature of ballet, and in order to be taken seriously as artists rather than simple entertainers they created a new art form. Artists Loie Fuller, Isadora Duncan, and Ruth St. Denis are considered to be the pioneers of modern dance in America. Dance is a social institution, recognized as being an important function in civilized life. The following essay will focus on the theory and work of artist Isadora Duncan, while incorporating lecture notes and articles of both authors Sally Bane and Ann Daly to explain the historical situations that culminated in the development of early modern dance. Arising from the 20th century modern dance was a form of cultural collaboration and exploration, as well as a resistance to colonial repression. Modern dance allowed for the experimentation of the new as well as a freer form of dance movement. Choreographers drew on exotic sources, and example of this illustrated in the work of Isadora Duncan with her use of Greek culture as a movement inspiration. Artists act as both the choreographer and performer creating their own conventions, or dance language.

Dance is globally presented in religion and culture. Dance has been important for entertainment, rituals, ceremonies and celebrations. In India they have a god of the dance whose name is Shiva. Shiva is the third God in Hindu triumvirate. Anytime someone is doing a classical Indian dance Shiva is present. When you are doing a classical Indian dance you learn with one teacher and afterwards you usually have a long term relationship with that teacher. For hundreds of years Indian dance has been based on sacred text surrounding the inner sanctum within the Hindu temples. Kalanidni Narayanan says "if you take it as an art, with devotion, it makes a way of, I mean its a path through which you can attain God." In the Yoruba religion people dance

Hammond, S.N. and Hammond, P.E. “Technique and Autonomy in the Development of Art: A Case Study in Ballet.” Dance Research Journal, 21(2), (1989), pp. 15-24.

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.

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!

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.

Dance has always been the focal point in which Africans are able to let free through movements of emotion. In this essay I will discuss the history of African Dance and its importance to the African Culture. Also will be discussing the general information of African dance, the different types of African dance and the ones that I like the most. Dance in the African culture is something that cannot be taken advantage of in the African Culture because it holds such a strong meaningful moment at the time of any occasion.

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

1) My favorite type of music is hip hop. I grew up listening to great hip hop artists such as Eminem, Drake, and Lil Wayne. I like this kind of music so much because I can express myself through listening to hip hop. All my family and friends listen to hip hop also.

One of the activities that demonstrate the qualities of African-American dance is Basketball. The movements of getting the ball into the basket were created on the street and in the African-American Community. Some of the qualities of the street basketball were even incorporated into professional basketball.

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.

The body is most often used to understand how a person identifies themselves and their sexuality as it is conveyed to the public via appearances and presentation of the body. These appearances are interpreted in conventional society, and can be viewed with distain when it does not fall within the norms of society. Exotic dancers are often criticized for their appearance based on how society has categorized and idealized their gender. To compensate in such a harsh environment, dancers tend to rely on body technology to maintain or manipulate their body to receive more attention and propagandize their body for their work. Often, the use of body technology creates rifts in a dancer’s identity and how they associate themself sexuality. The various

However, I would be ready to move up a ballet level if I wasn’t graduating. I believe that my technique has improved a lot, especially after taking another ballet class. I am able to apply critiques well, because they stick in my head and I make sure to try to apply them. The critiques I noticed that I have a hard time applying is spotting in my turns. I try to make sure to know how to do any exercises given on the left and right side, so that I am prepared. That way I have less of a chance of messing up, or forgetting it. I make sure to listen for any critiques given or helpful tips. Altogether, I think I would be ready as a student to move up a

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.

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.