1.1 Definition and Scope of Dance History
3 min read•august 15, 2024
explores how dance has evolved and shaped cultures over time. It looks at different styles, from ancient rituals to modern performances, and examines the people and events that influenced dance's development.
This field connects dance to broader historical contexts, showing how it reflects and impacts society. By studying dance history, we gain insights into cultural values, artistic expression, and human movement across diverse times and places.
Dance History: Definition and Scope
Understanding Dance History
Top images from around the web for Understanding Dance History
The Eight Cultural Forces - The lens & the lever — The Learner's Way View original
Is this image relevant?
Louisiana tribal communities celebrate culture and traditions - Verite View original
Is this image relevant?
2.8 Appreciating Different Cultures – Technical Writing at LBCC View original
Is this image relevant?
The Eight Cultural Forces - The lens & the lever — The Learner's Way View original
Is this image relevant?
Louisiana tribal communities celebrate culture and traditions - Verite View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Understanding Dance History
The Eight Cultural Forces - The lens & the lever — The Learner's Way View original
Is this image relevant?
Louisiana tribal communities celebrate culture and traditions - Verite View original
Is this image relevant?
2.8 Appreciating Different Cultures – Technical Writing at LBCC View original
Is this image relevant?
The Eight Cultural Forces - The lens & the lever — The Learner's Way View original
Is this image relevant?
Louisiana tribal communities celebrate culture and traditions - Verite View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Dance history systematically studies dance forms, styles, and traditions across cultures and time periods
- Examines development, influences, and cultural significance of dance practices
- Encompasses Western and non-Western dance forms (classical , indigenous , contemporary experimental choreography)
- Subdiscipline of dance studies focusing on chronological and contextual analysis
- Analyzes dance practices, performers, choreographers, and dance-related events
- Contributes to broader field by providing historical context
- Traces lineages of dance techniques
- Analyzes evolution of dance and philosophies
Scope of Dance History
- Spans from prehistoric ritual dances to phenomena
- Covers social, theatrical, and sacred dance forms
- Key areas of focus include:
- Influential choreographers, dancers, and dance companies (, )
- Evolution of dance techniques and styles (ballet, , )
- Impact of socio-political contexts on dance practices (Harlem Renaissance, )
- examines construction and interpretation of dance history over time
- Analyzes how historical narratives about dance have been shaped and reshaped
Dance History as an Academic Discipline
Research Methodologies and Sources
- Primary sources in dance history include:
- Visual documentation (paintings, photographs, films)
- Written accounts (, reviews, personal journals)
- Oral histories from dancers and choreographers
- Research methodologies involve:
- Archival research (examining historical documents and artifacts)
- (studying dance techniques and choreography)
- (understanding dance within broader social frameworks)
- of historical dance practices
Theoretical Frameworks
- Academic discipline develops theories for understanding dance as cultural and artistic practice
- Examines dance through lenses of aesthetics, , and
- Incorporates interdisciplinary approaches:
- Borrows concepts from art history, musicology, and theater studies
- Applies critical theory to analyze power dynamics in dance (gender, race, class)
- Develops frameworks for:
- Analyzing choreographic structures and movement vocabularies
- Interpreting symbolic meanings in dance performances
- Understanding transmission of dance knowledge across generations
Dance History and Related Fields
Anthropology and Dance History
- Intersects in studying dance as cultural practice
- Examines how dance reflects and shapes societal values, beliefs, and traditions
- Analyzes dance rituals and ceremonies in various cultures (, )
- Utilizes ethnographic research methods:
- Participant observation in dance communities
- Interviews with dancers and cultural practitioners
- Documentation of dance events and practices
Cultural Studies and Dance History
- Provides frameworks for analyzing dance as cultural expression
- Considers issues of identity, power dynamics, and representation
- Examines dance in popular culture and media (music videos, dance films)
- Informs analysis of:
- Cultural appropriation in dance (, )
- Globalization's impact on dance practices (, )
- Dance as a form of social and political resistance (, )
Performance Studies and Dance History
- Offers theoretical approaches to understanding dance as live, embodied art form
- Examines relationship between performers, audiences, and cultural contexts
- Analyzes performativity in everyday movement and social dance
- Contributes concepts such as:
- and in dance training
- and transformation in dance performances
- Site-specific and
Interdisciplinary Integration
- Dance history's integration with related fields leads to new areas of study:
- (combines historical and anthropological approaches)
- (applies cultural theory to historical dance analysis)
- Interdisciplinary nature allows comprehensive understanding of dance practices
- Considers multiple perspectives and contextual factors
- Provides insights into evolution of movement and bodily practices in societies
- Dance history contributes specific knowledge to related fields:
- Informs anthropological studies of cultural embodiment
- Enhances performance studies' understanding of historical performance practices
- Enriches cultural studies' analysis of body politics and representation
Key Terms to Review (32)
Aesthetics: Aesthetics refers to the principles and philosophy concerning the nature of beauty, art, and taste, particularly in the context of how these concepts influence perception and experience. In dance, aesthetics involves understanding how movement, form, and expression come together to create artistic value, significantly impacting historical interpretations and practices in various dance styles and cultures.
Alvin Ailey: Alvin Ailey was a groundbreaking American choreographer and dancer, renowned for his contributions to modern dance and for founding the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958. His work celebrated African American culture and heritage, and significantly influenced the evolution of contemporary dance and its accessibility to diverse audiences.
Balinese Kecak: Balinese Kecak is a traditional Balinese dance and music drama that features a chorus of male performers chanting 'cak' while enacting scenes from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. This unique performance combines dance, music, and theater, showcasing the cultural richness of Bali while also serving religious and social functions within the community.
Ballet: Ballet is a highly technical form of dance characterized by precise movements, formalized steps, and often performed to classical music. Its development has had a profound influence on various dance genres, including musical theater, and has significantly shaped perceptions of gender roles within the art form.
Bollywood Dance: Bollywood dance refers to the diverse range of dance styles that are incorporated into Hindi films produced in Mumbai, India. It blends traditional Indian dance forms like classical, folk, and contemporary styles with influences from global dance genres, creating a vibrant and energetic expression that is characterized by its dramatic storytelling and elaborate choreography. This form of dance plays a crucial role in Indian cinema, often serving as a narrative device and reflecting the cultural landscape of India.
Breakdancing: Breakdancing, also known as b-boying or b-girling, is a street dance style that originated in the 1970s in the South Bronx of New York City. It combines elements of acrobatics, gymnastics, and dance, characterized by intricate footwork, spins, and freezes. The cultural roots of breakdancing are intertwined with hip-hop culture, which encompasses music, fashion, and visual art, reflecting a broader movement that emerged during this vibrant time in urban America.
Contemporary global dance: Contemporary global dance refers to the diverse and evolving styles of dance that have emerged worldwide, influenced by various cultural exchanges, technological advancements, and social changes. It encompasses a wide range of genres, blending traditional forms with modern techniques, and reflects the interconnectedness of cultures in today's globalized society.
Critical Dance Studies: Critical dance studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines dance through various lenses, such as cultural, social, and historical contexts. This approach analyzes the ways dance interacts with issues of identity, power, and representation, making it crucial for understanding the complexities of dance history and practice. By considering dance as a cultural text, critical dance studies expands the scope of traditional dance history to include diverse narratives and perspectives.
Critical interpretation: Critical interpretation is the process of analyzing and evaluating dance within its historical, cultural, and social contexts to uncover deeper meanings and significance. This approach encourages looking beyond the surface elements of dance, such as movement and aesthetics, to explore how various factors shape a dance work's creation, presentation, and reception, including the influences of time, place, and community.
Cultural Contextual Analysis: Cultural contextual analysis is the examination of how dance and movement are influenced by the cultural, social, and historical conditions in which they exist. This approach involves understanding the values, beliefs, and practices of a specific culture, as well as how these elements impact the creation, performance, and perception of dance forms. By analyzing dance within its cultural context, one gains insights into its meaning and significance.
Cultural theory: Cultural theory is an interdisciplinary framework that examines how cultural practices and beliefs shape human behavior and social structures. It looks at the ways culture influences identity, power dynamics, and communication within societies, providing insights into how dance and other forms of art reflect and reinforce cultural values.
Dance ethnology: Dance ethnology is the study of dance within its cultural context, focusing on how dance functions as a form of social communication and expression in various communities. It examines the historical, social, and political influences on dance practices, highlighting the interconnectedness of dance with cultural identity and tradition. By analyzing dance as a reflection of cultural values and beliefs, dance ethnology contributes significantly to our understanding of the broader scope of dance history.
Dance historiography: Dance historiography refers to the study and analysis of how dance history has been recorded, interpreted, and presented over time. This field examines the sources, methodologies, and perspectives used in documenting dance, highlighting how these elements shape our understanding of dance as an art form across different cultures and eras.
Dance history: Dance history is the study of the evolution and development of dance as an art form, encompassing its cultural, social, and historical contexts. This field examines how dance has reflected societal changes, influenced cultural movements, and shaped artistic expression throughout different eras. By analyzing various styles, techniques, and performances, one can understand the role of dance in society and its significance across diverse cultures.
Dance notation: Dance notation is a system of symbols and written instructions used to document dance movements, choreography, and performances. This method allows dancers and choreographers to preserve their work, communicate ideas, and study dance across different cultures and time periods, connecting deeply with the broader narrative of dance history.
Embodied knowledge: Embodied knowledge refers to the understanding and skills that are integrated into the body through practice and experience, rather than solely acquired through intellectual means. This type of knowledge is particularly significant in dance, where physical movements and techniques are learned and internalized through repetition and personal interpretation, connecting the mind and body in a unique way. It reflects how dancers carry their cultural, historical, and personal contexts within their physicality.
Flash mobs: Flash mobs are spontaneous gatherings of people who come together in a public space to perform a predetermined dance or activity, often for a short duration before dispersing. These events are usually organized through social media and rely on the element of surprise, creating a sense of community and joy among participants and onlookers. Flash mobs have become a modern phenomenon that reflects the evolution of dance as an interactive and communal experience.
Hip-hop: Hip-hop is a cultural movement that emerged in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York City, characterized by its distinct styles of music, dance, art, and fashion. It encompasses various elements including rap music, DJing, graffiti art, and breakdancing, creating a dynamic form of expression that has evolved over the decades and significantly influenced global culture.
Immersive dance experiences: Immersive dance experiences are interactive performances that engage the audience in a multi-sensory environment, allowing them to become active participants rather than mere spectators. This form of dance breaks the traditional boundaries of performance spaces, inviting viewers to explore the choreography and narrative in a more personal and intimate way. These experiences can involve unique settings, technologies, and audience participation, creating a deeper emotional connection to the art form.
K-pop choreography: K-pop choreography refers to the highly stylized and synchronized dance routines performed by K-pop artists during their music performances. These choreographies are essential to K-pop culture, often showcasing a blend of various dance styles and serving as a crucial element of the overall artistic presentation in music videos, concerts, and live performances.
Liminality: Liminality refers to the transitional phase in a rite of passage or ritual, where participants exist between two states or conditions, often marked by ambiguity and transformation. This concept emphasizes the in-between space where traditional structures and identities are suspended, allowing for new meanings and experiences to emerge. It connects deeply with dance as a form of expression during these transitional periods, highlighting how movement can embody change and facilitate personal and communal transformations.
Martha Graham: Martha Graham was a groundbreaking American dancer and choreographer, widely recognized as one of the pioneers of modern dance. Her innovative techniques and philosophies transformed the landscape of dance, emphasizing the importance of emotional expression and the connection between movement and personal experience.
Modern dance: Modern dance is a genre of dance that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a departure from traditional ballet techniques, emphasizing freedom of movement, expression, and the exploration of new ideas and themes. This form of dance reflects the cultural and social changes of its time, focusing on individuality and the human experience.
Movement analysis: Movement analysis is the systematic observation and assessment of the physical movements involved in dance, focusing on the mechanics, body dynamics, and expressive qualities of the dancer's performance. This process allows for a deeper understanding of how movement conveys meaning, emotion, and cultural context within dance, shedding light on both individual technique and broader historical trends.
Muscle memory: Muscle memory refers to the process by which the brain encodes and retains motor skills, enabling individuals to perform movements with little conscious effort after repeated practice. This phenomenon is crucial in dance, as it allows dancers to execute complex choreography fluidly and instinctively, enhancing their performance. Muscle memory is developed through consistent repetition and practice, reinforcing neural pathways that facilitate quick recall of physical movements.
Native American Powwows: Native American powwows are cultural gatherings that celebrate Indigenous traditions through music, dance, and social interaction. These events serve not only as a showcase of Native American heritage but also as a way to strengthen community bonds, promote cultural exchange, and preserve traditional practices in the face of modernization.
Protest Performances: Protest performances are artistic expressions that seek to challenge social norms, highlight injustices, and advocate for change through the medium of performance art, including dance, theater, and other forms of expressive movement. These performances often serve as a platform for marginalized voices and address political, social, and cultural issues, aiming to provoke thought and inspire action among audiences.
Ritual Dances: Ritual dances are structured movements performed as part of a ceremony or religious practice, often carrying significant cultural or spiritual meaning. These dances serve as a way to express beliefs, commemorate events, and connect participants to their community and traditions. Ritual dances can vary widely in form and purpose, but they often share a deep-rooted connection to the cultural identity of the people performing them.
Site-specific dance: Site-specific dance is a form of performance that is created and performed in a specific location, often interacting with the unique characteristics of that environment. This style emphasizes the relationship between the dance and its surroundings, allowing for an exploration of space, context, and audience engagement that traditional stages cannot offer. Site-specific dance can take place in various environments, such as urban landscapes, natural settings, or historical sites, making each performance unique and tailored to its location.
Sociology: Sociology is the study of society, social behavior, and the various social structures that influence individual and group interactions. This discipline explores how culture, institutions, and relationships shape human experiences and collective activities, including art forms like dance. Understanding sociology is essential for analyzing how dance reflects societal norms, values, and changes throughout history.
Soviet Ballet: Soviet ballet refers to the style and practice of ballet that developed in the Soviet Union from the early 20th century until its dissolution in 1991. This form of ballet was characterized by a blend of classical techniques and innovative choreography that aimed to reflect socialist ideals, making ballet more accessible to the masses while also promoting national identity and cultural pride.
Voguing: Voguing is a stylized form of dance that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by angular, linear movements and poses inspired by fashion models and the art of posing. It developed within the LGBTQ+ ballroom culture, particularly among African American and Latinx communities, and reflects themes of identity, performance, and empowerment. This dance style not only signifies a unique artistic expression but also embodies a significant historical context that interweaves dance history and popular culture.