💃History of Dance Unit 11 – Dance and Society

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Ethnochoreology studies dance within its cultural context, considering factors such as history, social structures, and cultural values
• Participatory dance involves active engagement from all participants, often in communal settings (folk dances, social dances)
  • Encourages social bonding and reinforces cultural identity
• Presentational dance is performed by trained dancers for an audience, typically in formal settings (ballet, modern dance)
  • Focuses on artistic expression and technical skill
• Ritual dance is performed as part of religious or spiritual ceremonies, often with symbolic meaning (Native American sun dance, Hindu temple dance)
• Vernacular dance refers to popular dance styles that emerge from specific communities or subcultures (hip-hop, salsa)
  • Reflects the values and aesthetics of the group
• Dance notation systems, such as Labanotation and Benesh Movement Notation, provide written representations of dance movements and choreography
• Kinesthetic empathy describes the ability to understand and feel the movements of others through observation and mirroring

Historical Context

• Dance has been an integral part of human culture since prehistoric times, evident in cave paintings and ancient artifacts
• Ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, Greece, and India, incorporated dance into religious rituals and entertainment
  • Egyptian tomb paintings depict dancers performing at funerary ceremonies
  • Greek theater featured choreographed dances in plays and festivals
• During the Middle Ages, European court dances emerged as a symbol of refinement and social status (pavane, galliard)
• The Renaissance saw the development of ballet in the Italian and French courts, later spreading throughout Europe
  • Ballet d'action in the 18th century introduced narrative and expressive elements
• Industrialization and urbanization in the 19th and early 20th centuries led to the rise of ballroom dances and popular dance halls
• Modern dance emerged in the early 20th century as a rebellion against the rigidity of ballet, emphasizing individual expression and social commentary
• Globalization and technology in the late 20th and early 21st centuries facilitated the rapid spread and fusion of dance styles worldwide

Dance Forms and Styles

• Ballet is a highly technical and expressive dance form characterized by precise movements, grace, and storytelling
  • Originated in the Italian and French courts during the Renaissance
  • Employs a codified vocabulary of steps and positions (plié, tendu, arabesque)
• Modern dance developed in the early 20th century as a reaction against the strict rules of ballet, prioritizing individual expression and social commentary
  • Pioneers include Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, and Merce Cunningham
• Jazz dance evolved from African American vernacular dances, incorporating elements of ballet, modern, and tap
  • Characterized by syncopated rhythms, isolations, and improvisational qualities
• Tap dance is a percussive dance style that uses the feet to create rhythmic patterns and sounds
  • Originated in African American communities in the 19th century, blending African and European influences
• Folk dances are traditional dances specific to a particular culture or region, often reflecting the community's history and values (Irish step dance, Ukrainian Hopak)
• Street dance encompasses various styles that emerged from urban environments, often associated with hip-hop culture (breaking, locking, popping)
• Ballroom dances are partner dances performed in social and competitive settings, following specific patterns and techniques (waltz, foxtrot, tango)

Cultural Significance

• Dance serves as a means of cultural expression, reflecting the values, beliefs, and histories of different communities
• Ritual dances are often performed to mark important life events, such as birth, coming of age, marriage, and death
  • Hopi Snake Dance is performed to ensure rainfall and fertile crops
• Dance can be used to reinforce social hierarchies and gender roles within a culture
  • In some African societies, specific dances are reserved for royalty or initiated members
• Participatory dances promote social bonding and a sense of belonging within a community
  • Maori haka is performed to welcome guests, challenge opponents, and honor achievements
• Dance can serve as a form of cultural resistance or assertion of identity in the face of oppression
  • Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art dance, developed as a means of self-defense and cultural preservation among enslaved people
• Dance traditions are often passed down through generations, ensuring the continuity of cultural heritage
  • Indian classical dances, such as Bharatanatyam and Kathak, are taught through a guru-shishya (teacher-student) relationship
• Dance can facilitate cultural exchange and understanding between different communities
  • Fusion dance styles, such as Bollywood and Afro-Cuban, blend elements from multiple cultures

Social Influences on Dance

• Social and political movements have often inspired the creation of new dance forms and styles
  • The Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s fostered the development of African American dance and art
• Economic factors, such as the availability of leisure time and disposable income, can impact the popularity and accessibility of dance
  • The rise of the middle class in the 19th century led to the proliferation of dance halls and ballroom dancing
• Technological advancements have influenced the way dance is created, performed, and consumed
  • The invention of film and video allowed for the recording and widespread distribution of dance performances
  • Social media platforms enable dancers to share their work and connect with global audiences
• Changing social norms and attitudes towards the body have shaped the evolution of dance
  • The sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s led to more explicit and provocative dance styles
• Migration and diaspora have contributed to the spread and fusion of dance styles across cultures
  • The transatlantic slave trade brought African dance influences to the Americas, giving rise to dances like the samba and rumba
• Urbanization has led to the emergence of street dance cultures, often associated with youth and marginalized communities
  • Hip-hop dance originated in the Bronx, New York City, as a response to socioeconomic challenges and a means of self-expression

Dance as Social Commentary

• Dance can be used as a powerful tool for social and political commentary, addressing issues such as inequality, discrimination, and oppression
• Choreographers often use dance to challenge societal norms and expectations, particularly regarding gender roles and sexuality
  • Vaslav Nijinsky's "Afternoon of a Faun" (1912) challenged traditional notions of masculinity in ballet
• Dance can raise awareness about social injustices and advocate for change
  • "Revelations" (1960) by Alvin Ailey explores the African American experience, from slavery to freedom
• Protest dances have been used to express resistance and solidarity in the face of political oppression
  • The "Toyi-toyi" dance was used during anti-apartheid demonstrations in South Africa
• Dance can provide a platform for marginalized communities to assert their identity and reclaim their narratives
  • "Tongues Untied" (1989) by Marlon Riggs uses dance to explore the experiences of gay Black men
• Collaborative dance projects can foster dialogue and understanding between different communities
  • "The Misery Ladders" (2018) by Meredith Monk brings together dancers from diverse backgrounds to address social and environmental issues

Notable Figures and Movements

• Isadora Duncan (1877-1927) is considered the pioneer of modern dance, rejecting the strict rules of ballet in favor of natural, expressive movement
• Martha Graham (1894-1991) developed a new dance vocabulary based on contraction and release, and created works that explored the human psyche
• Merce Cunningham (1919-2009) revolutionized modern dance by incorporating chance procedures and collaborating with avant-garde artists
• Alvin Ailey (1931-1989) founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which became a leading force in promoting African American dance and culture
• Pina Bausch (1940-2009) pioneered the genre of Tanztheater (dance theater), blending dance, drama, and visual arts to explore human emotions and relationships
• Judson Dance Theater (1962-1964) was a collective of artists who challenged traditional notions of dance, incorporating everyday movements and unconventional spaces
• Ballets Russes (1909-1929) was a groundbreaking ballet company that collaborated with leading artists and composers, pushing the boundaries of the art form
• Hip-hop dance originated in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York City, as part of the broader hip-hop culture that included music, graffiti, and fashion

Impact on Modern Society

• Dance continues to evolve and adapt to changing social, cultural, and technological landscapes
• The rise of reality television dance competitions, such as "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing with the Stars," has popularized dance and created new opportunities for dancers
• Social media platforms, like Instagram and TikTok, have become powerful tools for dancers to showcase their work, gain followers, and build careers
  • Viral dance challenges and trends have emerged, engaging users worldwide
• Dance therapy is increasingly recognized as a effective form of mental health treatment, helping individuals express emotions, reduce stress, and improve well-being
• Dance education is valued for its ability to foster creativity, discipline, and teamwork in students
  • Many schools now offer dance programs alongside traditional academic subjects
• Dance continues to play a role in social and political activism, with choreographers and performers using their art to address contemporary issues
  • "The Dying Swan" (2020) by Misty Copeland and Calvin Royal III addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dance community
• Fusion dance styles continue to emerge, reflecting the increasing globalization and cultural exchange in modern society
  • Bollywood dance, which blends Indian classical and folk dances with Western styles, has gained international popularity