The Dancer / The Labyrinth Dance

 

I

Introduction

 

According to Kassing (2007), from its origins dance served as a medium for magic and religion through rituals and ceremonies. For early societies, a ritual was a series of acts established through tradition. Ceremonies, on the other hand, signify or celebrate an important event.Ceremonies are performed by enacting strictly prescribed rituals.


II

Learning Objectives

 

  • Understand the outer and inner aspects of dance in non-literate societies during prehistory.
  • Explain the importance of dance ornaments
  • Gain an awareness of the role of the mind's eye in the development of art
  • Discuss the role of the shaman in these early societies
  • Articulate what cave art suggest in reference to dance 
  • Experience the labyrinth


III

Main Lesson


1


The Dancer

Take a look at the diagram on page 29 of Kassing (2007)

 

Source: Kassing, Gayle (2007). History of Dance: 

An Interactive Arts Approach. Human Kinetics

 

Question 1

Which are the outer and inner aspects of the dance in non-literate or prehistoric societies?



2

 

LINK 

Evolution of Art in the Hominid Lineage

Pag. 429 - 430 

Question 2

Why individuals creating and wearing adornments presumably out-reproduced those who did not? 

Question 3

Why is the development of the mind's eye important for the evolution of art?

 ----------------

 

  3


 

Question 3

What does cave art suggest in reference to dance? 

---- 


4

 

Source: Kassing, Gayle (2007). History of Dance: 

                                    An Interactive Arts Approach. Human Kinetics

Dancers and Personalities (Page 20) 

 Question 4

What was the role of the shaman?



5

Reading

 

Read this excerpt on page 35 of Kassing's.

"Labyrinth dances suggest mystery or secret societies and often were associated with initiations." 


Question 5

Why would you say the Labyrinth dance suggest mystery?

 

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IV

A Note to Remember

 Prehistoric dance was very basic. It used everyday movements. It served as an important means of communication. Since nearly everyone in early communities danced, the movements were simple. Dance unified people as they celebrated family and community life events. As a medium  to express and communicate critical information, dance was integral to survival, hunting, war and healing. 

 

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V

 Case Study

Anna Halprin



Anna Halprin (born Hannah Dorothy Schuman; July 13, 1920 – May 24, 2021) was an American choreographer and dancer. She helped redefine dance in postwar America and pioneer the experimental art form known as postmodern dance and referred to herself as a breaker of the rules of modern dance. In the 1950s, she established the San Francisco Dancers' Workshop to give artists like her a place to practice their art. 

 

Exploring the capabilities of her own body, she created a systematic way of moving using kinesthetic awareness. With her husband, landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, she developed the RSVP cycles, a creative methodology that includes the idea of scores and can be applied broadly across all disciplines. Many of her creations have been scores, including Myths in the 1960s which gave a score to the audience, making them performers as well, and a highly participatory Planetary Dance (1987). Influenced by her own battle with cancer and her healing journey, Halprin became known for her work with the terminally ill patients as well as creative movement work in nature. 


In 1978, together with her daughter Daria Halprin, she founded the Tamalpa Institute, based in Marin County, California, which offers training in Life/Art process, their creative methodology. Halprin has written books including: Movement Rituals, Moving Toward Life: Five Decades of Transformational Dance and Dance as a Healing Art. A documentary film about her life and art, Breath Made Visible directed by Ruedi Gerber, premiered in 2010.

 

Circle the Mountain



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VI


 Activities

 

1

Link: How to Draw a Labyrinth

See the link above and choose the labyrinth model you like best. 

Draw your own labyrinth on a piece of paper.

 

2

 

  • Observe an animal
  • Incorporate some of the movements.
  • Trace your labyrinth on the floor.
  • Use the labyrinth you drew as a pathway for your dance
  • Reach the center of your labyrinth 
  • Decide on the intention of your dance
  • Become a symbolic shaman 
  • Create your dance.


3


Work in teams. Use the chairs in the room to create the group's  own labyrinth. Choose who will play the Minotaur; who sits in the middle? Organize the passage of each member through the labyrinth, making a stop in the center where the Minotaur and the student exchange a symbolic gesture, to then continue to exit.

Following Anna Halprin's premise that a dance ritual is a dance with a purpose, they choose what to walk for prior entering the labyrinth.


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VII


Student's Work 

 

I. Individual
 
Hailey Scarantino 
Dance Questions of the Day

Question 1: Which are the outer and inner aspects of the dance in non-literate or prehistoric societies? 

Based on the diagrams, the outer aspects of the dance in relation to the environment include the general way of moving, specific way of moving, and symbolic content from the environment with movement and costumes. The outer aspects of the dance in relation to society include the event (ritual), rites of passage (individual) like birth, puberty, marriage and death, rites of passage (group) like war and catastrophe, and rights of passage that are seasonal. The inner aspects of the dancer are transformation, unification, and simulation (with group or society). 

Question 2: Why individuals creating and wearing adornments presumably out-reproduced those who did not?  

Individuals creating and wearing adornments presumably out-reproduced those who did not because individuals in ancient societies likely conferred reproductive advantages, contributing to the out-reproduction of those who embraced such practices. Jewelry or body decorations, could have served as signals of various qualities that are desirable in a mate, such as creativity, resourcefulness, or social status. Individuals who showed these qualities through their adornments might have been perceived as more attractive or better mates, leading to increased mating opportunities and, subsequently, higher reproductive success.  

Question 3: Why is the development of the mind's eye important for the evolution of art? 

The development of the mind's eye is important for the development of art because it allows early humans to visualize the final product of tool construction when starting with a block of unworked material (such as rock), or allowing hunters to visualize location of prey even when they have disappeared from their view. 

Question 3: What does cave art suggest in reference to dance?  

Cave art suggests views into the ancient human experience. It offers potential insights into the role of dance in prehistoric societies. Some elements of cave art suggest a connection to movement and ritualistic activities. Figures captured in dynamic or exaggerated poses may imply dance-like motions, and scenes featuring humans and animals engaged in activities hint at narrative sequences that could involve rhythmic movements. Symbols and patterns found in cave art, such as spirals or circles, may also be linked to dance or ceremonial practices. 

 Question 4: What was the role of the shaman? 

The shaman has magical powers, and was a physician, religious leader and lead dancer. when a priest appeared during the Neolithic period, shamans emerged as community's highest-ranking priest-physicians-leaders. As spiritual leaders, they kept the community safe, prosperous and healthy. 

Question 5: Why would you say the Labyrinth dance suggest mystery? 

The Labyrinth dance suggests mystery through its intricate movements, which mirrors the complex pathways of the mythical labyrinth itself. The dancers use unpredictable moves as well as intricate patterns and twisting choreography. The dance form often includes subtle gestures, veiled movements, and symbolic interactions, that makes the audience interpret the true meaning and essence. 

 

 II.   Labyrinth Dance

Dance with Chairs

 

Dance with Mind's Eye



Make Up


Jolie Montlick
1/25

  • What are the outer and inner aspects of the dance in non-literate or prehistoric societies?
    • Externally, dance involves the overall and specific movements of the performers, along with how attire and gestures symbolically depict aspects of their environment. This pertains to various occasions such as rituals, personal milestones (birth, adolescence, marriage, death), collective transitions (disasters, conflicts), and seasonal ceremonies. Internally, dance encompasses metamorphosis, cohesion, and emulation within the community or society.
  • Why individuals creating and wearing adornments presumably out-reproduced those who did not? 
    • In ancient civilizations, individuals who crafted and adorned themselves likely enjoyed reproductive benefits, resulting in their prevalence compared to those who didn't. Adornments such as body art or ornaments may have indicated favorable qualities like creativity, adaptability, or societal status. Demonstrating these qualities through adornments enhanced an individual's appeal or perceived superiority, thus raising their chances of finding mates and achieving reproductive success.
  • Why is the development of the mind’s eye important for the evolution of art?
    • The development of mental imagery plays a pivotal role in the realm of art as it empowers early humans to envision the end result while manipulating raw materials or to picture the whereabouts of prey during hunts. This ability to mentally visualize facilitated the crafting of tools and the portrayal of scenes, thereby nurturing the progression of artistic expression.
  • What does cave art suggest in reference to dance? 
    • Cave art provides insights into the ancient human existence and offers clues about the role of dance in prehistoric communities. Some elements of cave art potentially imply a connection between ceremonial practices and physical movement. The energetic postures of depicted figures and scenes illustrating rhythmic motions or symbolic engagements with animals suggest the presence of dance-like rituals or ceremonial performances portrayed in the artwork.
  • What was the role of the shaman?
    • In ancient societies, the shaman fulfilled various roles as a principal dancer, healer, religious authority, and wielder of mystical powers. They held the highest positions as priestly healers and leaders until the emergence of priests in the Neolithic period. Shamans were indispensable figures in safeguarding the community's well-being, security, and vitality as spiritual guides.
  • Why would you say the Labyrinth dance suggest mystery?
    • The intricate motions of the Labyrinth dance, mirroring the convoluted pathways of the mythical labyrinth, evoke a profound sense of mystery. With its intricate patterns, intricate choreography, and unpredictable movements, the dance invites the audience to discern its deeper significance. Delicate gestures, subtle shifts, and symbolic exchanges all add to the enigmatic nature of the Labyrinth dance.

 

Nick Marino 1/25

In non-literate or prehistoric societies, dance served outer functions like social cohesion and communication, while also fulfilling inner needs such as spiritual connection and emotional expression.

Adornments signaled status and attractiveness, likely boosting mating success, driving their widespread use.

The mind's eye's development is crucial for art evolution as it enables imaginative representation, fostering artistic expression.

Cave art suggests that dance played a significant role in prehistoric societies, possibly as part of rituals or cultural expressions.

The shaman was a spiritual leader and healer in traditional societies, facilitating communication with the spiritual realm and guiding rituals.

The Labyrinth dance suggests mystery due to its intricate movements mirroring the complexity of life's journey.

 

 

 
Alyssa Plasencia
1/25

Which are the outer and inner aspects of the dance in non-literate or prehistoric societies?

The general and particular ways that the dancers move, as well as the way that costumes and movement combine to represent symbolic elements from the surroundings, are the external aspects of the dance as they relate to the surroundings, according to the diagrams. The external dimensions of dance in relation to society comprise the event (ritual), individual rites of passage (birth, puberty, marriage, and death), group rites of passage (catastrophe and war), and seasonal rights of passage. Transformation, unification, and simulation (with group or society) are the inner aspects of the dancer.

Why individuals creating and wearing adornments presumably out-reproduced those who did not? 

Because individuals in ancient societies likely conferred reproductive advantages, those who created and wore adornments presumably outnumbered those who did not, leading to the out-reproduction of those who embraced such practices.Body art or jewelry may have functioned as indicators of a variety of traits that make a partner desirable, like ingenuity, resourcefulness, or social standing. People who displayed these traits through their jewelry may have been thought to be more desirable or superior partners, which would have increased the likelihood of mating and, in turn, increased the success of reproduction.

Why is the development of the mind's eye important for the evolution of art?

The evolution of the mind's eye is crucial to the creation of art because it enables prehistoric humans to envision the finished tool when working with an unprocessed block of material (like rock), or it enables hunters to see the location of prey even after it has vanished from view.

What does cave art suggest in reference to dance? 

Views into the ancient human experience are suggested by cave art. It may provide light on how dance functioned in prehistoric societies. There may be a link between ritualistic activities and movement in certain aspects of cave art. Exaggerated or dynamic poses of figures may suggest dance-like movements, and scenes with people and animals participating in activities may allude to narrative scenes with rhythmic movements. Spirals and circles, among other symbols and patterns seen in cave paintings, may also be connected to dance or ceremonial activities.

What was the role of the shaman?

The shaman was a lead dancer, a doctor, and a religious figure. He also possessed magical abilities. The highest ranking priest-physicians-leaders in the community were shamans until the arrival of a priest during the Neolithic era. They maintained the community's prosperity, safety, and health as spiritual leaders.

Why would you say the Labyrinth dance suggest mystery?

The Labyrinth dance's elaborate movements, which mimic the intricate passageways of the legendary labyrinth itself, imply mystery. The dancers employ complex patterns, twisting choreography, and unexpected moves. The audience is often left to interpret the true meaning and essence of the dance form through the use of subtle gestures, veiled movements, and symbolic interactions.

 

 

 
Mia Roselli
the labyrinth dance

  1. Outer and Inner Aspects of Dance in Non-Literate or Prehistoric Societies: The external dimensions of dance encompass the general and particular movements of the dancers, as well as how costumes and movements symbolically represent elements from their surroundings. This relates to events like rituals, individual rites of passage (birth, puberty, marriage, death), group rites of passage (catastrophes, wars), and seasonal rights of passage. Internally, dance involves transformation, unification, and simulation with the group or society.

  2. Why Individuals Creating and Wearing Adornments Out-Reproduced Those Who Did Not: In ancient societies, individuals who created and wore adornments likely had reproductive advantages, leading to their outnumbering of those who did not. Adornments like body art or jewelry could signal desirable traits such as ingenuity, resourcefulness, or social standing. Displaying these traits through adornments made individuals more attractive or superior partners, increasing the likelihood of mating and reproductive success.

  3. Importance of Developing the Mind's Eye for the Evolution of Art: The evolution of the mind's eye is crucial for art because it enables prehistoric humans to visualize the finished product when working with raw materials or to imagine the location of prey when hunting. This mental visualization facilitated the creation of tools and the depiction of scenes, contributing to the development of art.

  4. Implications of Cave Art in Reference to Dance: Cave art offers glimpses into the ancient human experience and suggests how dance functioned in prehistoric societies. Certain aspects of cave art may indicate a link between ritualistic activities and movement. Dynamic poses of figures and scenes depicting rhythmic movements or narrative interactions with animals hint at dance-like activities or ceremonial rituals depicted in the art.

  5. Role of the Shaman: The shaman in prehistoric societies served as a lead dancer, healer, religious figure, and possessor of magical abilities. They were the highest-ranking priest-physician-leaders until the arrival of priests during the Neolithic era. Shamans played a crucial role in maintaining the community's prosperity, safety, and health as spiritual leaders.

  6. Why the Labyrinth Dance Suggests Mystery: The elaborate movements of the Labyrinth dance, mimicking the intricate passageways of the legendary labyrinth, evoke a sense of mystery. Through complex patterns, twisting choreography, and unexpected movements, the dance leaves the audience to interpret its true meaning. Subtle gestures, veiled movements, and symbolic interactions contribute to the enigmatic essence of the Labyrinth dance.



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