How Dance Reflects Culture - 1224 Words

How Dance Reflects Culture. Dance occupies an important place or rather is seen as an important factor in the social structure of all human cultures throughout history. Dance tells us something about the way people think, what they feel and who they are. Dance is commonly defined as a form of human expression through body movement. But dance simply cannot be reduced merely to just movement. There are a number of theoretical definitions of dance either classifying it as a conscious way of rhythmic movements of the body in a defined bounded space or a specific art movement, based on the expressive moves of the human body. However, these theoretical definitions of dance usually overlook many symbolic aspects of dance. It is an essential part of a culture. Dance can be done for many reasons, for example, dance is used to protest oppression, provide some form of therapy, a preservation of culture or simply just for pleasure. Just like music, some cultures do not have a name or word to describe dance but, the same action is performed. The primary tool of dance is the human body. The body is not designed to be rigid. The body comes first, there is no distinction between body and mind. Dance is a form or nonverbal communication, the ambiguous nature of it give it a great about of power. The body is not just a template where culture is painted on; it is an active role in the creation of cultural meaning. Whatever happens inside or around the community will affect their cultureShow MoreRelatedSignificance Of The Human Experience1306 Words   |  6 Pagesover how to represent the human experience and not simply â€Å"bodies† have emerged within our world and society. However, a possible solution to such questions can be found through the study of dance and dance ethnography. Even though ethnographic research often uses music and visuals to demonstrate human experience, the filming of dance can be used as a more vivid and valuable way to highlight the diversity of human behavior. Even though there is still debate over visual representation and how to accuratelyRead MoreOvercoming Obstacles : A Close Look At Daniel Canogar s Video Instillation Essay1345 Words   |  6 Pagessymbolically demonstrates the overcoming of life’s obstacles, while engaging spectators as participants (Nuit Blanche Toronto, 2016). Furthermore, this installation is a form of ethnic dance that demonstrates universality in the struggles individuals face within a community. On the day of October 1, 2016, a few dance friends and I attended Nuit Blanche and our first stop was Asalto Toronto. 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However, dance also operates in a figurative sense, Mia, dances with the idea of reinventionRead MoreA Study On Evolution Of Dance1399 Words   |  6 PagesHonors- Final Paper Dr. O’Leary Evolution Of Dance â€Å"People dance because dance can change things. One move can bring people together. One move can make you believe like there’s something more. One move can set a whole generation free.†- Adam Sevani Over the generations, the style and interpretation of dance has changed tremendously. Dance is greatly influenced by societal or cultural issues or advancement. Choreographers express their feelings through dance just as a painter would express his/her feelingsRead MoreChorographic Fusion between Contemporary Dance and Indigenous Movement in Bangarra Dance Theatre839 Words   |  4 PagesChorographic Fusion between Contemporary Dance and Indigenous Movement in Bangarra Dance Theatre Stephen Page has been the Artistic director of Bangarra Dance Theatre since 1991. During this time he has choreographed many works, including his two major pieces Ochres and Fish. Ochres was first performed in Sydney in 1995 playing an essential part in traditional life and it explored the significance of ochres. Fish is also about the earth and the power of the elements, Fish focused on the waters ofRead MoreEthnic Diversity : The Melting Pot1054 Words   |  5 Pagestheir own cultures and traditions to a blossoming new country. America has become known as the â€Å"Melting Pot†, this metaphor though is giving way to new emerging names such as, â€Å"Salad Bowl†, and â€Å"Mosaic†. Different cultures mixed together, similar to those of ingredients, each having individual characteristics. Ethnic diversity is rampant throughout today’s society, involving diverse individuals who share a common and distinctive culture, religion, and language. Many may not no tice how these variousRead MoreCultural Importance Of Hula Dance1580 Words   |  7 PagesPART A Hawaii, also known as the â€Å"Aloha State† is located North of the Pacific Ocean and is known for its beautiful views, lush environment, and most of all, for its traditional dance, the Hula dance. The misconception that I have, along with many other people, is that this dance mainly involves moving your arms and hips from side to side in a peaceful manner. To me, hula dancing is being performed during a luau with instrumental calming music and the dancers are swaying to the beat. In other formsRead MoreThe Subculture Of Sports : A Little Girl990 Words   |  4 Pageseighteen years old with about fourteen years of experience in the dance world, I have learned and developed the norms, values and practices of the culture, and the conflicting theory within it. Subcultures are â€Å"A set of distinctive values, norms, and practices within a larger culture.† (Brym and Lie 2012: 47). Dance in this case is placed under the subculture of sports; sports in many ways obtain special kinds of standards within the culture. Sports value the need for strength and courage to be the best;