Review / Presentation: Renato, Luis, Gui, Ale

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1/16/2024 Introductions / Rethinking History

 

Lauren Tierney

1/16/24 Journal - History

At its simplest, history is linear, as one event will always fall before or after another in the constant stream of time. However, the study of history is much more complex than strictly focusing on the exact timing of various events.

In regards to viewing history as a cloud where each person may have a different subjective experience, I believe you must first understand two principles: 1) You must accept that you may never find a wholly objective depiction of history, and 2) you must be open to locating and dissecting stories of history written by various types of people to understand the entire picture.

In regards to viewing history as spiderweb, I think it is interesting to consider the vastness of human existence across the globe. Therefore, there are many events and eras occurring at the same time in different parts of the world. When deconstructing history, I think it is interesting to note striking similarities between aspects of different cultures that never had contact with one another. And as society advances, it is interesting to view how different cultures impact one another.

 

Jiya Arora 

1/16/24

 

History can be like a spiderweb, a rain cloud, or a line. I think what resonates most with me is a spiderweb, because there are so many important connections to be made throughout history. These connections can provide context, and context yields understanding.

The way history is perceived varies from person to person. But the way it is taught is from the perspective which is favored by power. I am grateful to live in a period of time where now we are starting to look beyond the linear, traditional recollection of history, and create a more full picture of what has led up until this moment.

 

 

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1/18/2024 Why History ? / World View

 

 

 

 Abby, Simonne, Bridget

 

  Why history?

 

 It is important to study history and dance history because it is essential for our growth and future growth. Once we know the past, we are able to learn from mistakes and shape our future. Additionally, dance represents emotions and stories of people and different cultures. It is important to understand different cultures and stories because it is what connects us all. If we don't try to understand other people, we will lose our communities and cultures. The expression of dance allows for us to understand people in a way we would never be able to if we just communicated through talking. Everyone is individual and comes from different backgrounds, but dancing is a way for us all to be connected.

 What is problematic about the study of dance history?

Dance and expression can be misinterpreted easily when it is only passed down through text, so it is very difficult to restructure and understand the past. It is impossible to completely know what was going on in all aspects of our history because not everything is recorded and even the things that are recorded are not full interpretations. We can only study dance history up to a certain point, but no one was actually alive for these dances at a certain point, so there is no accountability to show how real. If historians retell dance a certain way, if enough people believe it, then it becomes the truth, whether it is the real truth or not. Dance is all about representation of emotions, so it is impossible to express the emotions of people and cultures that are no longer around.

Individual Work

 How has dance affected my worldview?

Group 1

 

Jiya Arora

From the time I was 4, I have done an Indian classical style of dance called Kathak. Some aspects of it are religious and pertaining to Hinduism, others pertain to Islam, some have to do purely with the culture, or telling stories with lessons intertwined. We perform with musicians and recorded music. I feel firmly that it has shaped a large part of my personality and outlook on life today.

One thing that it is determined in my worldview is respect. I believe that elders deserve respect purely because they are older, and this is something very common in Eastern cultures. In dance class, we respected our guru, but also our older classmates. We understand, without having to say anything, that our elders have put time and effort into their skill, and now they help us develop into our own dancers. In this regard, I have also learned a lot about discipline. It takes focus and effort to become good at something.

Another thing it has impacted about my worldview is the idea that all people are synergistic with one another. We are all part of one collective. We all move as ONE cohesive unit, and we are all connected. I especially feel this way when thinking about my connection to dancing with live musicians. We both tap our feet to the most complicated mathematical rhythms you can think of, and still end up in sync with each other in regards to energy, volume, and speed… without having to say a single word to each other.

Kathak has also led me to appreciate both Hinduism and Islam, although I personally am Hindu. A very strong belief in my religion is that no matter if you’re a Christian, Jewish, any religion… all prayers go back to the same powerful being. For that reason, I am tolerant of all religions. While I am not sure of the idea of a “God”, I do think prayers play a role in our life, that our wishes do go somewhere.

 

 

Kayla Humphrey

Kayla-dance in my past

 

 

I’ve danced my whole life and it really changed how I looked at creativity and expression. When I was very young I didn’t really see or know how much dance can affect my mind. In high school when I was part of a group it really hit me when we would have to come up with weekly choreography and go performances how much it impacted me. When I became a TA for an advance dance course and got to college doing a dance minor I got more of a look into different types of dance fostering my creativity and molding my mind. Now my memory still isn’t the best which as a dancer has always affected me, but to cope with that I’ve always been really good at expression and improv especially improving based on whoever dance style I was told out of the blue. Having trained in lyrical and hip hop the effect of doing these types of movement activities really affected my world view. and In these ways it affected my learning style and continues to affect how I look at culture and how each culture and dance type affected dance movement. Now I see dance in more then just an expression I see how others can see it as a passion, and how dance effects peoples learning styles from my experience in teaching.

 

 

Leah Levin

How Dance Affected Me

 

I have been dancing since I was 3 years old and competed in lyrical, jazz, and hip hop styles since I was about ten. Dance really shaped me into who I am today. It was my sport growing up and kept me active, but more than that it gave me an outlet to express myself. In high school, my school dance team won the State Championship when I was a senior. I took part in choreographing the dance and leading the team and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I also was a choreographer for my high school dance club and got to create dances based on topics and stories that matter to me. It is an amazing outlet of expression to express who you are and what you care about. Also, because I have been dancing my whole life it showed me the importance of being on a team and gave me so many of my close friendships today.

 Group 2

  Luis Gouvea Vieira

Dance really affected my worldview. Growing up in Brazil I learned at a young age of the history and how to dance Capoeira. Capoeira is a dance/fight used by the slaves in Brazil. It was supposed to be a fight but they had to pretend it was not a fight so they would make it look like a dance. That really helped me see the world in a different way. Another super popular dance style in Brazil is Samba. And especially in Carnival where they have the huge performances. Samba and the carnival parades are extremely influenced by the social scenario and by the world around us and that really teaches you different world views and the sambas from different times teaches you different things.

    Michael Farnen

I have not been exposed to much dance throughout my life, but I have experienced some dance at a young age through my Italian upbringing and family background. In my family's Italian culture (primarily my grandparents) they used upbeat music and dance to express joy, happiness and celebration. As a result, this qualities have stuck with me from a young age.

Krystelle Emogene

From the 16 years I have been structurally dancing, how it has changed my worldview is seeing the beauty in different cultures. There's a stigma about dance where it's just tall, skinny, white women in pointe shoes with buns, leotards, and tutus. I do not look like that and the areas and the people I have danced in/witch have all looked like me and came in all shapes, heights, and sizes. The older I have become the more I learned how even in the United States each state has its dances. I feel like dance has shaped my worldview in a way where I am open-minded and appreciative of how unique everyone is.

 

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1/23/2024 First Humans: Dexterous Fingers 

 

I. Notes on Homonins

 

 Individual

 

Bridget Craig

Why learn evolution for dance

It is important to learn about human evolution when learning about the world history of dance because when consider how dance is the movement of the body, the development of the human body's is important to consider. The ability to move easily is because of the way our body has evolved over a long period of time, and things like fingers and feet development and movement allows us to easily make moves. Also, brain development in humans can allow for creativity and problem solving, and increased intelligence probably led to the ability for the concept of dance and bodily movement to sound to become possible.

 

 

Jolie Montlick

Evolution Importance

The importance of knowing human evolution when it comes to dance is that we need to understand the conditions of being able to dance. First of all, if you aren't able to stand on two feet, then you can't dance. Humans had to become upright and their feet had to be transformed into what they are today. For example, we learned about the homo Erectus who had human-like traits such as long legs and dexterous fingers. Our species, homo sapiens, which were highly adaptable, emerged in Africa about 200,000 years ago.

 

Jiya Arora 

 

 

Why is it important for us to know our evolutionary history?
- The various adaptations we have acquired since evolutionary splitting off from chimpanzees dictate so much of our physicality today. 

- It wasn’t until bipedalism evolved that we’d be able to walk (and also thus dance)
- It wasn’t until homo habilis began to use tools that future homo species would be able to cook
- It wasn’t until homo neanderthalis/ homo sapiens / denisovans / etc learned to cook that we would have the brain complexity that we do, as well as starting to settle down
- It wasn’t until we settled down that we’d be able to form communities
- Once those communities are formed, they would finally be able to develop their own customs, which includes rituals
- Rituals are one of the places where we most commonly saw dance at the beginning of human history
- Rituals are still seen today and dictate so much of our culture.

 

Anna Maria Davis

1. The characteristics that attribute to the Homo Erectus would include large brains, dexterous fingers, and long legs. In addition, for Homo Habilis it allowed or new tools to adapt to the new environment. For Homo Sapiens they were highly adaptable and able to fill near every geographic niche. 

2. Bipedality is an important trait because of the development/changes in skull, spine, and a shift towards human like traits like bipedal locomotion. 

3. It is significant that early humans built shelters because the burials and early shelters included the performance of dance rituals. Included large brains, dexterous fingers, and long keys being key attributes needed to develop dancing bodies.

 

 

Hailey Scarantino

Question 1

What characteristics attributed to the Homo habilis, Homo erectus and Homo sapiens influenced our species' ability to dance?

One characteristic that influences our ability to dance is the idea of having a bug brain. This allows people to have more intellectual thoughts and learn further knowledge. Another trait that helps people to dance is having Dexterous fingers. Finger movement is important in dance. It helps to create a sequence of hand/fingers gestures to illustrate the dexterity of the Homo Erectus. Also having long legs and flat feet help allow people to dance. Also the evolution of feet, having feet that do not grip things, helps people to dance.

Question 2
Why is bipedality an important trait for dance development in the paleolithic?

Bipedalism is important because it helps individuals move easier. Like discussed earlier, having longer legs helps people to elongate. Bipedalism also allows individuals to get from place to place much easier, which encourages exploration in the world and in the world of dance. It also helps to develop different styles of dance, since these humans now have more ability to dance with the use of their legs.

Question 3

Why is it significant that these early humans built shelters, buried their dead and created the first objects of art?

It is important that these early humans made these first discoveries so that people today can trace back the early developments of people back then. It allows future generations to improve these Strategies.

 

 

Hayden Leff

The characteristics that attributed to our species ability to dance starts with the development of their brains and the ability to stand up right. It is important to understand the characteristics that contributed to this evolution because every stage of evolution brought our species closer to the ability to dance.

 

Simone Dodge

Evolution and the History of Dance

Homo-Sapiens have evolved to have dextrous fingers, big brains, and long legs, which are characteristics that Homo erectus also had. These traits, as well as Homo sapiens' highly adaptible nature and fine motor skills, have impacted the species' ability to dance. Thus, we have evolved in a way that has expanded our movements and made them more advanced over time. This has impacted our species on many levels, but in the context of dance, it has allowed us to move our bodies in different ways and connect with each other through movement.

 Mia Roselli 

The evolution and depiction of the Homonins is very important to dance. this is because if it weren't for them and the evolution of humankind, dance would not exist. Each variant of the hominins get us closer to what we are today.

 Gui Ferla

The ability to stand up, to cook and therefore settle down and create communities. A bigger brain was also key to develop the ability to dance. 

Lauren Tierney

Understanding the adaptation and development of Homo sapiens is important to the study of dance because it explains how and why our bodies are able to move in specific ways. Many forms of dance are performed on two feet or even require balancing on one leg which would be difficult for a person if they required four limbs for walking. Additionally, some forms of dance require heavily on facial expressions or minute hand gestures to convey meaning. Therefore, it is necessary for humans to be able to perform these actions with great detail due to the dexterity of our limbs. However, some dance forms utilize the floor and many four-limbed techniques or balancing on two hands which is more similar to how humans, or homonins, would have moved years ago. In this way, humans are able to get in touch with their ancestral roots and find ways to move that are unfamiliar to us in every day life but are possible due to our evolution.

 Josh Roit

It’s important to study the evolution of the humankind. each stage of evolution was a milestone for us. I thought it was cool how Homo Erectus enabled people to stand. This impacts dance because each stage in human evolution also evolves how people are able to move their bodies.

 

Abby Shultz

It is important to understand our evolution to understand how dance developed and the importance of dance. When our first ancestors were able to walk upright, it allowed for the capability of dance movement. Before that, we were unable to physically dance. When our ancestors the Homo Habilis developed tools, they were able to adapt to new environments, allowing for settlement and community building. Along with the development of cooking allowing community building, dance emerged from rituals. Different rituals in communities often involved dance as an expression of self and belief. The Homo sapiens we have evolved into today are able to perform complex dances.

 Kayla Humphrey

 

It is important to know revolution when learning about dance because to know where certain dances came from or groups of cultures came from it’s important to know about how humans came to be. With the development the type of feet needed to start movement ups right there. And then the larger brain fostered more creative thinking and more adaptability.

 

 

Renato Franchi

 

It's good that we know how humans evolve throughout history. Each part of the evolution made us the people that we are today. What helped us become Homo Erectus is the ability to stand up, have bigger brains, develop fingers, cooking, etc. 

 

Leah Levin

It is important to understand the origin of the human body and human movement to understand where dance came from and how our bodies are able to move the way they are. We were not always able to move like this so we need to appreciate all the different ways our bodies can move. Our legs are the most important part of our body to be able to stand, walk, and dance so this makes sense that this was the first motion to develop. 

Emi Haderer

 

•  - important to know about evolution because it shows how humans have been able to stand up and change their bodies 
• - homonins: started to stand up 
• - homo habilis: 3 mill years ago
• - homo erectus: first hominin to migrate out of africa: long legs,dexterous fingers, large brains 
• brain growth: advanced 800k years ago, showing evolution in cooking
• - Homo Sapiens: emerged 200k years ago, highly adaptable. 
• - adapting to new environments is crucial because if you don't adapt you die

Nydia Kyriakopoulos

Through evolution, humans began to stand up and consequently had their bodies changed. This is the reason we can use our bodies to express our selves and move. 

Carlota Sagarduy

Evolution is important for dance because we would not be able to dance without it. Knowing this allows us to understand how dance came about and how it changed as we evolved. This is very important when learning the history of dance in order to learn how dance started. For example by knowing when we began to stand and jump, we know that we began to dance around this time.

Jason Fiske

 

It is important to watch this video in the context of learning the history of dance because we learn about the evolution of certain body parts and actions: Human's grew longer limbs, stood upright/erect, better ability to adapt to environmental and social situations.

 

 

Natalia Hoadley

Knowing the evolution of humans is definitely important and necessary to begin understanding the evolution of dance and how it came to be. We dance a certain way. For example, we are able to stand up, walk, jump, and produce certain movements that if we had not evolved a certain way, we would not be able to do those movements and dance this type of way. Therefore, understanding the way we evolved as individuals is essential and significant in our understanding of dance and movements. 

Alyssa Plasencia

It is important to know this because over the years evolution has changed the way human bodies have been able to move/stand up straight. This allowed for an evolution of movement as well. Over the years, this allowed humans to move in new ways which led to the birth of dance.

Nick Marino

It is important to know the development of humans throughout history because each stage of evolution shaped how humans are today, and the actions that we are able to complete. Each stage shaped who we are and how we are able to dance. 

 

Groups

 Anna Maria Davis, Michael Farnen, Malia Freedhand, Hailey Scarantino

The origins of dance has a complex history that includes evolvement over time. There have been 3 findings that can attribute to the development of dance history. These include molecular, lineage, and skeletal comparison. There is a heavy focus on primates such as modern chimpanzee and gorillas sharing a "common ancestor with humans." This portrays how we can track the history of dance back to primates.

 

Simonne, Autumn, Abby, Bridget

When considering the origins of dance, it is important to note differences between ape and human behavior overtime. The evolution of dance was not random but instead, a complex behavior that developed in tandem to species evolution. We can refer to the movements of apes as "dancelike" behaviors and the movements of humans as actual "dance" behavior. The transition of behavior from dance-like to dance can be attributed to not only physical changes within the species but also advances in cognitive and cultural complexities and capabilities. Ultimately, it is important to recognize that dance was not randomly invented but actually has had many purposes throughout history (mating, energy release, communication, play, culture, etc).

 Nick, Jason & Jacky

Who Buried the Dead by Paige Madison. The article discussed the idea that burial rituals allow scientists to track the emergence of more complex thoughts that previously were thought to be unique to humans. The piece delves into the fact, through discoveries over the years, that maybe previous species had more complex brains and that things such as burials were not necessarily just practiced by direct ancestors of modern humans. 

 

 

Emi, Jolie, Alyssa, Nydia, Nat, Carlota, Ale

Article name: Who First Buried the Dead?"

Author: Paige Madison

Explores Homo Naledi discovery in a South African cave for our understanding of human evolution and behavior, particularly regarding mortuary rituals. It talked about a chamber that was discovered, which was actually a graveyard. The recovered bones of Homo Naledi, which showed small brain, and a mix of modern and more traditional features. This challenges the timeline and traditional thinking about  how a group of apes developed into creatures that could think abstractively, which is what we call human- like symbolic thought and behavior, a key aspect of human uniqueness. This chamber carried the importance of thinking symbolically through death, showing how humans think uniquely. It discusses the evolving view of human uniqueness in the context of broader evolutionary processes, suggesting that human behavior, including abstract thinking and complex symbolic actions. This perspective could lead to a more complete understanding of human nature and our place in the natural world. Mortuary rituals are a key example of symbolic thoughts, showing that treatment of the dead represents a whole web of ideas All in all, this chamber shows that humans use symbols to communicate and convey these abstract thoughts and ideas. 

Jiya Arora

 

Group Discussion- Origins of Dance

 

“The Origins of Dance: The Perspective of Primate Evolution” (Francis, 1991) first touches on how current historians specializing in the arts and dance approach the origins of dance methodically. Questions like “where to start” are popular, and most begin with cave art from 35,000 years ago. However, there are still many questions. Many also ask the question “why humans dance”.

The article discusses how to answer this question, we must look at the most primitive forms of dancing done by apes (including but also preceding us), such as a “spinning top” move done during play. It has also been observed that apes will sometimes intentionally move rhythmically, in patterns, without verbal input. A reason for this might include the therapeutic release of energy. That is to say, dance was instinctually done for a biological and psychological reason. Other reasons could be to scare off intruders. Yet another could be to attract a mate, to play, and social connection… all before our ancestors could even speak.

The findings most important are those from molecular evidence, lineage, and skeletal composition.

Reference:

Sandra T. Francis, Dance Chronicle, 1991, Vol. 14, No. 2/3 (1991), pp. 203-220

 

 

 

Josh, Arden, Mia, Renato, Luis, Felipe, Gui

 

This article talks about how homo-sapiens cared for human remains and where bodies were buried. This was discovered through evidence found in an ancient burial in Africa. A child was carefully arranged in an excavated pit. This shows that humans had care for their loved ones even during ancient times. This is one thing that differs from other species. The burial shows that the effort was intentional and done for a specific reason, with thought and effort.

 

 

Leah, Sydney, Shoshana, Abby, Hayden

This article talked about how in Kenya, they discovered a burial where from the remnants, they were able to see that the body was buried very delicately and gentle. There was even a pillow under the child's head. This showed how early humans nurtured each other and really cared for one another even after people passed away. It is super rare that we are able to understand a snapshot in time from that long ago so this was very special.

 

 Dexterous Hands Dance

Hand Movement Routine

Hailey S, Anna Maria, Mike, Natalie

 

I love You Dance

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1/25/2024 The Labyrinth

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

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1/30/2024 Paleolithic Period: A Ritual Dance

I. Main Characteristics of the Paleolithic

 

Abigail, Bridget, Simonne, Autumn, Gabrielle, Kirsten

The main aspects of the Paleolithic time period are nomadic behavior, prayer, fire, stone tools, and cave art.

 

Hayden, Renato, Gui, Luis, Sydney, Shoshana, Maddy, Ale

The paleolithic environment was defined as using chipped stones tools and totally dependent on the environment for food - women were gatherers and men were hunters. 

 

 Anna Maria, Hailey, Mike, Natalie, Carlotta, Ellie

 The important aspects of the Paleolithic time period were the use of basic stone tools, built fires, the dependence on their environment for food, were nomadic, put their thoughts into cave paintings, and started to believe in the after life.

 

Josh, Arden, Mia, Abby

The important aspect of the paleolithic environment and what makes it distinguished is:

• - Use of stone tools
• - Men Hunt for food (animals, used spears/stone tipped objects)
• - Women gathered food from the land (berries/ vegetation)

 

Jiya, Haley, Kayla, Krystelle, Lauren, Laralyn

 

5 important paleolithic facts:

• - Fire, learned to make it themselves
• - Using stone tools to collect and hunt
• - Signs of spirituality (worshiping sun and rain)
• - Art (cave paintings) made of natural resources… still exist today
• - Nomadic, traveled in groups of 20-30, needed to find food

 

Damien, Nick & Jason

Fire because it allowed them to not only stay warm in the winter but eat tastier food and give them light. The fight or flight was caused by the thrifty gene and that forced them to make their hunts successful. They were in groups of 20-30. It was the first evidence of spiritual beliefs in humans with their burial rituals.

 

Alyssa P, Nat Hoadley, Carlota Sag, Nydia Kyr, Emilia Had, Jolie Mon

Important aspects of the paleolithic are:

• - Longest period ever in history and the first
• - Means "old stone"
• - Humans lived in tribes of 20-30 people
• - Fire discovered after a lightning strike
• - First evidence of humans showing spiritual beliefs
• - Expressed themselves through art with stones, blood, and water

 

 II. Paleolithic Shamanic Dance

 

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2/1/2024 Neolithic Period

 

I. The Levant: The Natufian Culture

Emi Haderer, Nat Hoadley, Nydia Kyriakopoulos, Carlota Sagarduy, Alyssa Plasencia, Jolie Montlick

The Neolithic shift to settled communities (such as the Natufians in the Levant) likely influenced dance by giving rise to more structured and symbolic forms. Dance might have been part of rituals, celebrations, or events tied to the agricultural lifestyle, reflecting the connection between the community and the land.

Kayla Humphrey. Krystelle Emogene, Laralyn Jackson, Lauren Tierney, Haley Dexter

The Natufians invested a less alcoholic beer by fermenting wheat in the ground and the domesticated animals and they started planting things and developing housing, because they started to stay in the same place and trade with other villages. They had a surplus of food and would store it. Whatever they could produce is what they ate, and reproduction is more prevalent. transitioning from a Nomadic lifestyle. This lifestyle could connect community and show how their life style and dance or rituals would be connected to their new lifestyle.

 

II. Neolithic Ritual Dance

 

 

Jason Fiske, Jason Hicks, Hailey , Ana Maria, Nick

 

 

 

Josh Arden Renato Luis Gui Sydney Leah Abby Ale

 

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 2/6/2024 Copper Age: Ritual Practices 

 

 

Here Comes the Sun

 

 

 

 

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 2/8/2024 Copper Age: Regional Cults and Rituals 

 

Class/ Fall 2024

 

Spring 2024

Previous Semester

 

Josh Roit

 

The Bronze Age was a pivotal period in human history characterized by the widespread use of bronze tools and artifacts. this era had many advancements: including metallurgy, trade, and societal complexity. The importance of the Bronze Age is underscored by its transformative impact on technology, warfare, and cultural exchange. I think there was an interplay between technological progress and spiritual ideologies that made the Bronze Age significant. These ideas and advancements laid the groundwork for future civilizations

 

Lauren Tierney

I found it important to recognize the value of nature in ancient cultures. In this case, the Sun became a symbol to represent their God. While other natural features may differ across the geography of the world, the Sun would always remain the same for all people to see. Therefore, it is important to understand the importance of the Sun in many different cultures as well as to recognize any similarities and differences between them and how isolation or trade may affect those metaphors.

 

 

Abigail Shultz

The most important thing I learned today was that while all of these ages were happening, they were happening at different times in different locations. Even though the Bronze Age started somewhere in central Asia, it did not occur everywhere at that time. The Bronze Age showed the introduction of the first metal alloy, bronze, as welll as wheat and barley. Additionally, it is important to understand that the Yaman culture is theorized to be the origin of the Indo-European languages. The Yamans are still found in DNA today, specifically in Finland and northern European people.

 

Jiya Arora

The mention of the Yamnaya migration highlights the role of migration in shaping human history. The Yamnaya, a highly mobile steppe culture, migrated as pastoral nomads, influencing regions with their practices, including dairy farming. This movement emphasizes the dynamic nature of cultures and the impact of migrations on societies. Regarding dance forms, the examples provided, such as the Lezginka, a folk dance originating in the Caucasus, showcase the transmission of cultural elements across regions. The movement of people often carries with it unique forms of expression, like dance, reflecting the diversity and interconnectivity of human cultures as they traverse geographical boundaries. This cultural exchange through migration contributes to the rich variety of dance traditions observed in various parts of the world.

 

 

 

 

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2/15/2024 Bronze Age

Bridget Craig

What I learned today

Today during class we looked into the Bronze Age and influences of proto-indo-European languages, and how languages have impacts on culture. The Bronze Age is shown to have originated in Central Asia and then spread apart a lot through languages, and then was present in Europe in what we know more of today. The Nordic culture was very influential. The languages are able to show a lineage of the Asian to then European influence especially with the origin of words and how those influenced culture.

 

 

 

Jason Fiske

One of the biggest take away from today's class is how the change of survival instincts and techniques throughout ages/era can be illustrated through different dance movements and styles.

 

 

 

 

Hailey Scarantino

During today's class, we learned about the Bronze age. This time period was characterized by bronze and urban civilization. Some of the key developments of the Bronze Age include the emergence of urban civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley.  We learned about how the sun cult is a central theme of the "dancer". The dancer is waiting for the sun to rise at a certain time so the days are longer and lighter. The Bronze Age had detailed accounts of political structures, with the emergence of early forms of monarchy and bureaucracy. Also, religion played a central role in these societies, and they showed this with their belief systems

 

 

 

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2/20/2024 Review & Mid Term Quiz

 

14. What have you learned from the reenactments of prehistoric dances done in class in terms of methodology, choreography and performance.

 Abigail Shultz

I have learned that every move during a ritual or dance has a purpose. It is also fun and collaborative to perform these dances. It allows us to feel connected to the people around us.

 Nydia Kyriakopoulos

Prehistoric dance reenactments in class teach us about methodology, choreography, and performance, emphasizing community collaboration and creative energy similar to ancient societies.

 

Nicholas Marino

 

I have learned about where modern dance comes from and how dance has evolved over time 

 

 

 

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10/22/2024 Iron Age: Dokwasa / The Last Iron Master

 Passing Down Tradition and Reliance on Ancestors 

 

 Lauren Tierney 

 

The Iron Age marks the transitional period from prehistory to protohistory. This period is characterized by the use of iron by humans. The use of iron allowed for the creation of more robust tools which could be used for the domestication of plants and animals occurring in sedentary communities. While this iron could be collected from broken-down vehicles or other pre-made sources, some communities have mastered the ability to smelt and weld their own metal sources from the surrounding nature. One such master, Dokwaza, will be discussed in this essay.

 

First a distinction must be made in regard to the physical creation of the furnace and the iron welds, themselves. On the first day, the base of the furnace is created. Underneath, a shaft is dug to allow for airflow. The base is structured with dry stone walling and dobb, a combination of clay and tough straw. As the walls are built, Dokwaza alternates between stone and dobb for stability. On the second day, the shaft height is measured and is continuously built upon until it reaches appropriate height. A stone lintel base is added for the later shield and charged hole. On the third day, the furnace shaft receives a coating of dobb as it reaches its final height. On the fourth day, the pottery for the bellows and sheepskin bags are prepared. During this time, Dokwaza builds the shield and decorates with a dog belt. The bellows are plastered and their nozzles are sealed. A 2-day waiting period follows to allow for drying. Then, pottery tubes with heat-resistant dobb are placed to direct air. The walls are plastered again for security then another 2-day waiting period ensues. In preparation, iron ore is pulled from the streambeds, and sand is washed away. On the tenth day, final preparations are made, and the smelt begins and iron and charcoal are added to the furnace. Finally, after an entire day of tending to the furnace, the iron is retrieved from the sealed furnace. Then, the iron product is prepared in a clay crucible and covered in clay to prevent oxidation during firing and welding.

 

Despite the intense need for science within the combustion and creation of purified iron, there is a major focus on religion within the ceremony. Creation of the furnace is initiated with a prayer and burial of a charm beneath the shaft. The community gathers to drink beer and to call upon their ancestors for guidance. Upon the aforementioned addition of the shield, spikes are added to represent strength, potency, and achievement. Dokwaza then adds a bust of his father upon the shield as a testament to ancestry and decorates the bust with a crown of grass stems and eyes of hard quartz. Before the smelt is begun, the furnace is rubbed down with a mixture of magical plants, and the community prays to their god. Dokwaza further prays over the pottery bowl that will collect the iron. As the smelt begins, a warrior dance ensues, using the bellows as a musical instrument, marking the first time that music is allowed near the smelt. Finally, a cock is sacrificed to the ancestors and god for their guidance and aid with the smelt.

Alongside the strong ties to religion, the smelt process also requires the assistance of an entire community. While Dokwaza is the iron master and make act, in a sense, as a shaman, directing this smelt process, he also calls upon family and neighbors. During creation of the shaft and furnace, the children are sent to collect and prepare the dobb mixture used for fortification. Potters in the town prepare the crucibles and bellows for later incorporation into the smelt process. A neighbor creates the sheepskin cone. Dokwaza’s sons assist him as he builds up the shaft in height. Other children and neighbors venture into nature to, first, find iron ore from the streambeds and paths, and to, second, collect charcoal from the trees. Throughout the entire period, the community remains in close proximity. The children are able to learn by watching and assisting when able. The neighbors and family are able to participate in the prayers, dances, and rituals associated with calling upon the ancestors and god.

 

     In conclusion, the process of iron welding, mastered by Dokwaza, is an intricate blend of science, religion, and community. As a STEM major, I have a great appreciation for the delicate and futile nature of performing chemical reactions. I found it interesting that, despite not understanding the complexities of the reactions taking place, Dokwaza was able to perform the iron welding to a high degree of specificity and perfection. This highlights the importance of passing down tradition and reliance on ancestors as a means of continued survival. Furthermore, this indicates the ability of the people to remain self-sufficient and to establish methods of retrieving or creating necessary resources.

 

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2/29/2023 Afro-Diasporic Retention: Comparsa

 

 

13

 

 

10/10/2023 Ancient Egypt

Group / Luis, Renato, Guilherme, Alessandra

While Isis and Hathor share some attributes and were sometimes assimilated in ancient Egyptian worship, they are distinct goddesses. Hathor is associated with pleasure, dance, and the arts, while Isis's mythology focuses on love, loyalty, death, resurrection, and transformation. Over time, Isis became a prominent deity, absorbing traits from various goddesses, and she, along with Osiris, became widely worshiped in ancient Egypt. Temples dedicated to Isis, such as the one at Philae, served as significant religious centers for Egyptians and Nubians in the first millennium BCE.

 

Group / Abby, Bridget, Autumn

From a dance history point of view, Hathor was important because she was a Goddess worshiped specifically for dance. It allowed a space of worship in the Egyptian culture for dance and the arts, which made it important to the culture. She also allowed men and women to be priests to her, so it made a dancing and arts equal for men and women in their society. Ballet dancing specifically was sacred to Hathor. This importance of ballet in art culture can be see in today's society. Additionally, dancing to celebrate life at a funeral can been seen thoughout history, including in Hathor's worship.

 

 

14

 

3/7/2024 Ancient Intersections: The Yemenites

 

 

The Yemenites

Answers:

Jolie Montlick 

The Exodus was a part of the Bible where the Jewish people, enslaved by the Egyptians, were enslaved until Moses demanded they be freed. The video shows one of the reasons behind their freedom which was the plagues. It shows how the plague, which was sent by God through frogs, forced the pharaoh to free the slaves. This was seen through the seal they found at the archeology sites and then they found alphabetical writing in the caves that further proved that the Hebrews were enslaved. Later, they looked for the Santorini volcano and where it took place to trace back the timeline. This was able to prove the presence of the Israelites in Egypt. 

Renato Franchi

Most people link the word "exodus" with the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The Bible claims that Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt after God intervened on their behalf. An important chapter in Jewish history, this event is remembered every year at the Passover celebration. 

Simone Dodge

The video discussed how the 10 Biblical Plagues and the Exodus that occurred in Egypt could be explained scientifically. There is archeological evidence that shows that Israelites were slaves in Egypt. In the video, the archeologists find a seal from Joseph, as well as writings in a cave that show cries for help from God. Next, the video goes into details about the 10 Plagues. This was focused around a massive volcano eruption in Santorini that matches the timeframe of when the Israelites were in Egypt. This eruption was many times stronger than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The impacts of this volcano were felt in Egypt and can explain the Plagues. The eruption triggered an earthquake that led to gas leaks that made the Nile turn red like blood (the first Plague). The gas in the Nile killed all of the fish, but frogs were able to escape and infested Egypt (the second Plague). Next, the death in the Nile attracted lice and flies (the next two Plagues). This led to disease and death among livestock (Plague 5). The next Plague was boils, which can be explained by the gases coming from the Nile. A similar gas leak from 1986 in Cameroon caused a similar outbreak. The seventh Plague was hail of ice and fire. This is documented not only in the Bible but also in ancient Egyptian texts. The hail can be explained again from the Volcano and its eruption, as ash, fire, and ice were released through the eruption. The eighth Plague was swarms of locusts, which again would have come from the eruption. The last two Plagues were darkness (ash cloud from the volcano) and death of first-born boys within the Egyptian families (carbon dioxide poisoning from the Nile- also documented in 1986).

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3/19/2024 Ptolemic Processions

 

Procession Elements

The procession described bellow has been extracted from the accounts provided by Christian theologian and philosopher Clement of Alexandria. Many elements may be used to make a procession more significant than just "people walking in the same direction":

 

• A special mode of transport, such as a ceremonial barge, elephant howdah, horse-drawn carriage, or a palanquin carried on the shoulders of others. Cleopatra's arrival to seduce Mark Antony on a perfumed barge has taken on legendary proportion.
  
• Criers may march before the procession, yelling to clear the way for it. 
• Order of precedence: even without showy display, a group of people walking forward may be said to form a procession if their order and placement clearly visualize a hierarchy or symbiotic relationship. For instance, one's nearness to the king or others of high rank had important political connotations when the royal family walked to or from the palace.  
• Bearers of banners, fans, icons, treasure, or other eye-catching items, or leading exotic animals. This was a very important part of Roman triumphs, as booty gave the Roman populace visual proof of the warrior's success. Scent, provided by flower bearers or censers of incense. 
• Skilled performers, such as acrobats or dancers. 
• Special costumes: traditionally, the costumes of acolytes, footmen, ceremonial guards, or slaves help show off the wealth of the person staging a procession.  
• Special lighting: candlelight vigils for the deceased or to show political solidarity often include a candlelit procession.  
• The dispensing of gifts, at one time often food or money. 

 

 Response to the Triumph, the procession used by winning armies illustrated through a scene from the movie "Nanjing! Nanjing!," also released as "City of Life and Death"directed by Lu Chuan in 2009.

Leah Levin

The dance in the video was very intense. It seemed like a ritual where they all come together to honor something. They were very in sync and it was very simple so everyone can keep up.

 

Alyssa Plasencia

The Japanese dance is a ritualistic dance to honor the fallen soldiers. It shows that as a community in unity, they still have immense strength despite their losses.

Mia Roselli

 The dance is honoring the death of their fallen soldiers. The Japanese way of honoring them by wearing the soldiers ashes while performing their ritual. A triumphant march started by the Romans. 

 Presentation / Sport Dance

 

16

 

 3/21/2024 Ancient Greece: The Athenian Chorus

 

Jason Hicks 

 

 

Theatre as a community center is interesting because it’s a unique way to bring people together. Similar to religion and sports, theatre allows everyone to be immersed in a similar experience and connect with each other

 

Jason Fink

Theater as a community center is a great way to bring people together and allow them to express themselves together in a social gathering.

 

Carlota Sagarduy

Another type of dance for storytelling is ballet. I think the evolution of this dance shows a lot of emotion and how human performances have evolved. I think a dance that would go well with this is lyrical dance. 

 

Presentation / Kathak

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3/26/2024 Ancient Rome: Pantomime

 

 

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3/28/2024 Classic Period: Mesoamerica, India, China

 

Tang Dynasty

 

 

Vedic Period

 Classic Mayan

 

Presentation: Salsa / No video :(

 

 

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4/2/2024 Middle Ages 

 

Leah Levin, Renato, Luis Felipe, Shoshana Ronen, Ale, Hayden, Sydney, Gui, Abby, Mia, Arden

In europe they had four level of fuedalism - king, nobles, knights, and peasants. The kings owned a lot of land. In Japan the top level was the shogun who was the military leader. The emperor actually had less political power than the military. 

Lauren, Haley, Kayla, Laralyn, Krystelle, Jiya

European dance was much faster with more jumps and exciting music. There were also a lot partner work between males and females. These dances were used for courtship. Japanese dance was slower and with longer songs. The dances we watched had only males or only females. The Japanese outfits and makeup was much more extravagant. They appeared as if they were trying to portray something with their attire.

Jason, Nick, Jason, Jolie

Medieval dance in Europe involved nonstop movements for hours and days. There was often no control or restrictions. There was so much movement with jumps and upbeat music. Japanese music was not as upbeat. They seemed to dress up more for their dances

 

 

Presentation: Line Dance

 

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4/4/2024 Early Modern Period: The Renaissance

 

The Canary Dance

The Canary dance was a Renaissance dance inspired in an indigenous dance and song of the Canary Islands that became popular all over Europe in the late 16th and early 17th century.

The dance, which is most often choreographed for a single couple, has been characterized as "a fiery wooing dance" with either Canary origins or at least a Canary flavor from its "rapid heel-and-toe stamps" and distinctive music (Suton, p.50). It was also called frogs legs, because it was an energetic dance that featured jumps, stamping of the feet and violent movement, accompanied by music with syncopated rhythms (Thomas, 1980).

While there are choreographic works for the canario as a stand-alone dance in the dancing manuals of Fabritio Caroso, Cesare Negri, and Thoinot Arbeau (1967), it most frequently appears as a section of a larger dance or suite of dances (Suito, 50-52). Several Baroque composers (notably J.S. Bach) used the distinctive rhythm of the canary in a few pieces, such as the gigue of the French Suite in C Minor, and it also appears in one of the Goldber Variations (Variation 7).

 In Spanish America, the canary could have influenced all the zapateo dances known in the area as part of a process of creolization of European culture.

 Zapateo

 Caringa

 

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 Presentation: Alyssa, Tatiana, Sarah, Seamus 

 

Graham Modern Dance

Fundamental principles in Graham technique include contraction and release, opposition, shift of weight and spirals. 

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 Presentation:Tori, Sophia, Erin, Lana

The Waltz

The Waltz originated in Austria and Germany in the 13th century as a folk dance, performed by people of the lower classes. It is a smooth dance that travels around the floor; it has rise and fall action, ¾ time and shoulders are moving smoothly parallel with the floor. The original Waltz was devised from rolling folk dance. It was created for folk dancers, not court. The waltz introduced free form positions of dances that sparked revolt and scandals from traditional lovers of ballroom dancing.

 

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4/9/2024 Baroque & Rococo / Minuet & Contradanza

 

Laure T.

One invention during the Renaissance was the printing press. Not only did this allow for the quick and widespread dissemination of word, it also allowed for an easier manner of preserving documents. Art was also very popular during this period and later became supported by the wealthy Medici family. Da Vinci was a famous artist who used great detail to form liveliness within his compositions. In terms of royalty, one commonly known monarch was King Henry VIII. He came to be known due to his 6 wives. Because a patriarchal system was in place, Henry’s only goal was to produce a son to become the heir to the throne. Because of this, he divorced and killed many of his wives until he found one that was able to conceive a son.

 

Gui 

 

During the Renaissance, the printing press allowed for an enourmous amount of literature to be printed. Further, King Henry the Eight was a rapist that was trying to find an hei

 

 

Contradanza

 

Class Fall 2023

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4/11/2024  Anthology

 

Presentation: Bachata

 

 

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4/16/2024 Ballet

Nydia, Carlota, Navya, Natalia

 

Summary

early ballet: started in italian courts, mixing music and dance and poetry for environment 

baroque ballet: French courts used ballet in formal settings with set moves

romantic ballet: costumes developed (tutus)... storytelling

modern: experimental ballet, new styles and ideas... more contemporary 

Josh Roit renato luis ale gui

 

Summary 

 

 

Ballet has evolved significantly over the centuries. Initially a courtly entertainment in the Renaissance era, it has transitioned into a highly technical and expressive art form. Changes include shifts in choreography, music, costumes, and the role of dancers, reflecting cultural, social, and artistic trends throughout history. There were also changes in the feet posture started more strict in form more statue like to a more relaxed form.

Presentation: Hip Hop

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4/18/2024  Modern, Post-Modern & Contemporary

jiya arora

 

Question 2: Martha Graham's technique focuses on contraction and release for emotional depth. Doris Humphrey's fall and recovery explore weight dynamics. Katherine Dunham blends African and Caribbean elements for fluid storytelling. Lester Horton emphasizes strength and alignment. These techniques offer dancers diverse avenues for creativity and expression in modern dance.

 

 

Mia Roselli

modern

These videos all varied in techniques and time frame. From the originator of modern dance to now post modern dance, it comes from the same foundation but varied greatly. Having done modern dance, everything looked very familiar to me and the overall teachings. Having done modern at the Joffrey Ballet School, these videos were refreshing to watch and super interesting. Considering I have a background in modern. The movements across videos vary and are similar in a multitude of ways. 

Hailey Scarantino

 

 

Modern dance has many different components and styles. Their are various unique attributes of modern dance that are influenced by impactful historical figures. One of the main techniques is by Martha Graham knows as the Graham’s technique. This move emphasizes contraction and release movements, as well as a lot of emotional expression. Another famous technique is know as the Lester Horton's Horton technique, that is known for having and carrying strength, and flexibility. Another famous technique by José Limón's Limón technique focuses on breathing and fluidity to emphasize harmony and serenity. Lastly, Merce Cunningham's eponymous technique demonstrates the ideas of freedom and breaking boundaries. These techniques are very impactful for modern dance today and dancers that follow this style of dance.

 

Presentation : Pom Dance