Dance Through History: Dance During The Stone Age

The Mayan’s are known to have “a deeply artistic and spiritual culture” that is expressed through their music and dance that goes back in ancient times (Lozano, n.d.). The influences of their culture and religious practices are seen even in modern day celebrations. It’s amazing how a form of dance, such as the Mayan dance, expect so much in fine detail and specificity while having the ability to thrive to modern times. In order to understand how this culture has lived for so long we must come to terms with its history, details of performances, and attire.

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

Dance is one of the most beautiful, expressive forms of art known to mankind. It expresses joy, love, sorrow, anger, and the list truly goes on for all the possible emotions that it can convey. Dance not only can express how one feels, but it can tell a story or even be used to praise a higher power. Dance has intricately played an important role to every culture over the course of time. Two forms of dance that have not only stood against the test of time but have influenced the development of other various styles of dance is none other than Classical Ballet and Modern Dance.

important foundation in understanding the broader scope of how dance can be seen as a

Dance began as a form of communication and storytelling. Thousands of years ago dancing served as a way for people to tell a story and helped distract themselves of the hardships they faced. Furthermore, dance was a form of storytelling through communication, which then turned into using storytelling through dance as entertainment. According to the History World, many dancers during the BC time danced in front of only a few people to get a story across. That later turned into hundreds of thousands of people as dance was used by many. Today, dance is also a form of entertainment and storytelling, but in a modern sense. However, today perfection and technique are stressed more than they were in the past. Yet, the passion for dance has not changed. Many dancers who share this passion also have many of the same qualities. Among a discourse community of trained dancers, one expects to find individuals who are healthy and active athletes, expect perfection from themselves through competition, and religiously attend dance performances.

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.

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

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.

Thesis: This article is mainly concerned with comparing contemporary ballet with the earliest forms of ballet. By showing these comparisons the reader is able to understand how ballet evolved under many aspects. Some of these aspects include choreography, technique, and roles of men and women. In addition, the authors also go into some broad theories in art and relate them back

Since the beginning of time, music and dance have been a form of entertainment for millions of people. As audiences across the world prepare for dance performances, they typically expect to see something that is lively, exciting, and unique. However, what most audiences of dance and musical performances neglect to consider is the origins and importance these forms of dance and music have on culture. It is truly astounding how synonymous music and history have been and continue to be. Understanding the history and culture behind a certain piece of music only makes the experience more special than ever. People need to realize the significance music has had on the foundation and progression of each and every culture around the globe.

Dance has been a part of human history since the earliest records of human life. Cave paintings found in Spain and France dating from 30,000 -10,000 BC. have vivid drawings of dancing figures in association with ritual illustrating the pesents of dance in early human society. Many people around the world see life as a dance from the movements of the heavens and the turn of the seasons to the unique dance of every creature. The history of dance reflects the changes in the way people see the world, relate to their bodies and experience the cycles of life. In India

Moving History/Dancing Cultures is a collection of dance related essays and articles by various authors. The book was published in 2001. The article “Searching for Nijinsky’s Sacre” was written by Millicent Hodson. Hodson is a well-known choreographer and lecturer. She has also reconstructed multiple ballets; her most famous being Le Sacre du Printemps, originally choreographed by Nijinsky. As the title suggests, Hodson’s article is about her extensive research of Nijinsky’s Sacre, and the importance of remembering, preserving, and recreating such revolutionary ballets.

Dance is explored in a sacred way on the pages of Winton-Henry’s book. This essay identifies the author’s intent for the work as well as summarizes the key points made about the role dance serves in our lives and how to incorporate

Since the beginning of time, music and dance has been a form of entertainment for millions of people. As audiences across the world prepare for dance performances, they typically expect to see something that is lively, exciting, and unique. However, what most audiences of dance and musical performances neglect to consider is the origins and importance these forms of dance and music have on culture. It is truly astounding how synonymous music and history have been and continue to be. Understanding the history and culture behind a certain piece of music only makes the experience more special than ever. People need to realize the significance music has had on the foundation and progression of each and every culture around the globe.

Their dancers connect with the dance tradition embodying feelings of existential human anguish and references to specific geographic places, dancing focused on surreal situations, body use and the relationships between stage and