Dance History

Question 1

What is dance?

Answer 1

Dance is an art form consisting of selected sequences of human movement displayed with the use of the body. It is idealistic and has symbolic value which allows one to connect with the art form. Dance includes feelings and aesthetics and is a language in which we use to express emotion that can be explained through movement as an expression of human emotion.

Question 2

What is history?

Answer 2

History is the study of the past and how things have changed over time. It is the closest evidence of past records including dates, time and people.

Question 3

Explain the power of movement in dance and it’s interpretation?

Answer 3

-dance is communication with others
-dance is intuitive
-dance is ceremonial
-dance is ritual (movement is sacred and concrete)

Question 4

What are the benefits of dance?

Answer 4

-Enriches us with knowledge
-Brings dramatic improvements in motivation
-Personal improvement
-Dance helps stress
-Brings a community of people together
-Keeps us healthy
-Improves coordination such as posture, flexibility, strength, balance and motor fitness
-Promotes better social skills
-Can be therapeutic for health issues
-Helps you become creative

Question 5

Where can dance be identified from?

Answer 5

Dance can be identified from hunting, childbirth, burial, communal gathering. These are all examples to help identify where dance came from.

Question 6

Where can dance be trailed back to?

Answer 6

The art form trails 9000 years back in India, during the prehistoric times. There was a primornial sound, the sound of creations, which was the tone of the universe. The first mention of movement was found in India and another area they were cave paintings preserved inside caves and on Egyptian tombs. They would presume that for us to learn and figure out.

Question 7

Explain the pre and post understanding of the Natyashastra.

Answer 7

The oldest form of dance is Indian classical dance and the oldest book of dance movements and evolution, was written in 200 BCE - the natyashastra. Although most answers were not documented beforehand, historians began documenting after this book was written.

Question 8

Explain cultural anthropology.

Answer 8

This is the study of humans and their culture which includes social structures, languages, law and values, religion, art and technology. It is one aspect of history that has studied throughout the world. It entails their evolution, origins, history, how they behaved and adapt, communicate and socialise with each other.

Question 9

Explain ethnology.

Answer 9

This is the study of cultural life of a community. In this type of study, and ethnologist lives in the community for several years to record the everyday life of the people. It is a comparative and analytical study of cultures.

Question 10

Explain musicology.

Answer 10

This is the study of the peoples music in relation to culture and the social. They examine music as a social process in order to understand not only what music means but what it means to the practitioners.

Question 11

How and when did dancing begin to evolve?

Answer 11

In the third millennium BC what is the period when dancing began to evolve. The Egyptians use prehistoric music to mimic events such as the rising and setting of the Sun as well as the moving stars .

Question 12

Explain the role of culture in dance.

Answer 12

Culture is a term that refers to a large set of mostly intangible aspects of social life. Culture consist of the values, beliefs, systems of language, communication and practices that people share income on which can be used to define them as a collective. Culture also includes the material objects that are coming to that group or society.

Question 13

Identify the meaning of tangible vs intangible.

Answer 13

Tangible refers to the things which we can touch such as pottery, accessories, food, weapons, fashion and utensils. While intangible refers to the things we can identify by appearance such as speech, thoughts and mannerisms.

Question 14

Explain culture.

Answer 14

This is the collective set of beliefs, values and practices shared by a group.

Question 15

Explain traditions.

Answer 15

These are specific practices or ceremonies passed down through generations.

Question 16

Explain customs.

Answer 16

These are every day behaviours or habits that are typical within a culture.

Question 17

Why is culture important to dance?

Answer 17

Culture is important to dance since it is our way to tell other people what are the things they need to know about us, also it is the way that people develop respect knowledge and also give importance to the choreography.

Question 18

How is dance related to culture?

Answer 18

Dance as an artistic expression; dance styles are related to culture in which they develop and change over time and correspondence to a changing society.

Question 19

How did cultural dance begin?

Answer 19

Cultural dance began at the start of the 18th century when it was taken in portrait during the renaissance period. Dance was taken out and turned into performance during this period.

Question 20

Explain the concept of the Shastra Nritya.

Answer 20

Indian classical dance, otherwise known as Shastriya Nritya, is it to him for various performance arts rooted and religious Hindu musical theatre styles, whose theory and practice can be traced to the Sanskrit text Natyashastra. These dancers are traditionally regional, all of them including music and re-citation in local language or Sanskrit, and they represent a unity of core ideas and a diversity of styles, costumes and expression.

Question 21

What are the 8 types of Indian Classical dance?

Answer 21

-Bharatanatyam
-Kathak
-Kuchipudi
-Odissi
-Kathakali
-Sattriya
-Manipuri
-Mohiniyattam

Question 22

Explain Bharatnatyam.

Answer 22

This is one of the most popular classical Indian dancers, especially in southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This dance is almost 200 years old and it’s a sacred dance.

Instruments Used In Bharatantyam are Mridangam, Violin, Veena, Flute and Talam (Cymbals).

Some Famous Dancers of The Style Are Rukmini Devi, Alarmel Valli and Anita Rattan.

Question 23

Explain Kathak.

Answer 23

This is one of the most important classical dancers of India and the only one from North India . It is said to be derived from the word katha, meaning “the art of storytelling.”

nstruments Used In Kathak are Pakhawaj, Tabla, Harmonium, Sarangi and Talam (Cymbals).

Some Famous Dancers of The Style Are Sitara Devi, Shovana Narayan and Manisha Gulyani.

Question 24

Explain Kathakali.

Answer 24

This is the classical dance form of Kerala. The word Kathakali literally means “Story-Play”.

Instruments Used In Kathakali are Chenda, Maddalam, Cymbals and Elathalam.

Some Famous Dancers of The Style Are Ramankutty Nair and Kumaran Nair.

Question 25

Explain Manipuri.

Answer 25

This is indigenous to Manipur, the north eastern states of India. The dance style is inextricably woven into the life pattern of the people; it is a form, mostly ritualistic and draws heavily from the rich culture of the state.

nstruments Used In Manipuri are Pung and Cymbals.

Some Famous Dancers of The Style Are Guru Singh and Darshana Jhaveri.

Question 25

Explain Kuchipudi.

Answer 25

This is one of the classical dance forms of South India, it derives its name from the Kuchipudi village of Andra Pradesh.

Instruments Used In Kuchipudi are Mridangam, Violin, Veena, Flute and Talam (Cymbals).

Some Famous Dancers of The Style Are Raja and Rahha Reddy and Yamini Reddy.

Question 26

Explain Mohiniattyam.

Answer 26

This is a classical dance form of Kerala in South India. Dance of the encantress.

Instruments Used In Manipuri are Chenda, Maddalam, Cymbals and Elathalam.

Some Famous Dancers of The Style Are Gopika Varma and Smitha Rajan.

Question 27

Explain Odissi.

Answer 27

This is a famous dance style from the Orissa state. It is sensual and focuses on the dance forms.

Instruments Used In Manipuri are Pakwaj, Tabla, Harmonium, Flute and Cymbals.

Some Famous Dancers of The Style Are Deba Das and Gangadhar Pradhan.

Question 28

Explain Sattriya.

Answer 28

poweful medium of vaishnava faith in Assam.

Instruments Used In Manipuri are Violin, Cymbals and Khol (Drum).

Some Famous Dancers of The Style Are Jatin Goswami and Anita Sharma.

Question 29

Explain Devadasi.

Answer 29

In the early 1900’s; teachers were emerged and called “Devadasi” because they would live among themselves in a community. Choreographers travelled to India since they were curious about the different art forms.

Question 30

Explain the hand gestures in Indian Classical dance.

Answer 30

36 hand gestures in classical dance but only 26 are used in Kathak dance. Hand gestures were carved in the temples; they were kept and started there. Kathak moved from place to place as it didn’t stay only in the temples - it went from community to community and developed.

Question 31

What are the 9 emotions and their English translation?

Answer 31

-Shringara (Love and Beauty) …
-Hasya (Laughter and Joy) …
-Karuna (Compassion and Sorrow) …
-Raudra (Anger and Fury) …
-Veera (Courage and Heroism) …
-Bhayanaka (Fear and Anxiety) …
-Bibhatsa (Disgust and Aversion) …
-Adbhuta (Wonder and Amazement)

Question 32

Explain the history and influence of Indian dance.

Answer 32

The beauty of traditional Indian dance forms is unmatchable. India is home to some of the most beautiful and distinct classical dances that are renowned worldwide. India is a nation with a diverse and rich culture. Many traditional dances and artistic disciplines are practised here. Indian classical dance styles are well-known throughout the world. Indian culture is largely influenced by dance and music. The distinctiveness of classical dances is a result of their varied facial expressions, gorgeous costumes, dramatic makeup, and rhythms of traditional music.

Question 33

Explain the uprising of new age artists.

Answer 33

Anna Pavlova, a European dancer visited India for classical temple dancing in the 20th century. She was originally a ballerina who was influenced by Indian dance and eventually found Uday Shankar.

Question 34

Explain who is Uday Shankar.

Answer 34

Uday Shankar, originally a painter, turned to dance after meeting ballerina Anna Pavlova while choreographing a ballet honoring Indian soldiers during World War I. Despite his mentor Rothenstein’s disappointment, Shankar joined Pavlova’s ballet company, where he gained essential insights into stagecraft and was inspired to explore his Indian heritage in his work.

In the late 1920s, Shankar traveled across India with Swiss sculptor Alice Boner to study various dance forms and art. He fused elements from different traditions, mastering gestures and emotions from the Natya Shastra, and founded the Uday Shankar Company. His innovative approach featured diverse Indian instruments and included his brother, Ravi Shankar, who later became a famous sitarist.

Question 35

What is Hip-Hop?

Answer 35

Hip Hop is an art form that “includes rapping rap music, graffiti writing, particular dance styles (including break dancing), specific attire, and a specialized language and vocabulary)

Question 36

Explain old school vs. new school.

Answer 36

The styles that developed in the later years are now known as the New School. The older ones involve break dances and funk styles. The period between 1970 to 1985 marked the old school era of hip-hop.

Question 37

When was the golden era of hip-hop?

Answer 37

The period between 1985 to 1993 was believed to be the golden age of hip-hop.

Question 38

What are some different forms of hip-hop dance?

Answer 38

Some of the different forms of hip-hop dance include Harlem shake, snap dance, gangsta walking.

Question 39

What are 4 historic elements of hip-hop?

Answer 39

The four historic elements of Hip-Hop are MCing, also known as rapping, DJing, graffiti, an art that has derived inspiration from the urban culture and break dancing, which is also called b-boying.

Question 40

Explain Dj Kool and his impact.

Answer 40

In the early 1970s, Kool DJ Herc, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, began hosting dance parties in his Bronx apartment. To extend instrumental breaks in funk and soul records, he developed a technique called the “Merry-Go-Round,” later known as breakbeat deejaying, by playing two copies of the same record on dual turntables. This innovation helped spawn a new culture, and as the crowds grew, parties moved from homes to outdoor spaces, attracting large groups of teenagers.

Question 41

What makes hip-hop different?

Answer 41

What distinguishes hip-hop from other forms of dance is that it is often “freestyle” (improvisational) in nature and hip-hop dance crews often engage in freestyle
dance competitions—colloquially referred to as “battles”. Crews, freestyling, and battles are identifiers of this style.

Question 42

Explain hip-hop culture.

Answer 42

Hip-hop is slightly different. For the most part it’s very much still read as ‘black culture’ – even synonymous with black culture (which can be problematically essentialist). Hip-hop culture is a global culture – we use, enjoy, implement, and
borrow from the culture in music, fashion and elsewhere.

Question 43

What is the difference between hop-hop and rap?

Answer 43

Rap is a musical genre of American origin characterized by the use of vocal rhymes. Hip hop is a culture that includes various artistic expressions such as graffiti, dance, rhymes (rap), and music. Rap is included in a much larger cultural expression called hip hop.

Question 44

What is contemporary dance?

Answer 44

Contemporary dance is a style of interpretive dance that embraces innovation, blending techniques from various genres, including classical ballet, jazz, modern dance, and lyrical dance.

Question 45

What is the purpose on contemporary dance?

Answer 45

The style thrives to conduct the body and mind to movement. It focuses on the freedom of movement in a way which is very fluid and maximises expression.

Question 46

Explain the start of contemporary dance and the reason for it’s creation.

Answer 46

Contemporary was not a style that existed in the mind. Ballet was very structured and, to this day, it still is; therefore, it became very boring and by the late 1800s, it died. The style contemporary was created off of Ballet as dancers wanted to be more communicative and creative; to tell a story and have the opportunity to explore. This technique allows dancers to explore emotions for the natural energy, exploration, fluidity and creativity as performers and choreographers.

Question 47

What does the contemporary dance style manipulate?

Answer 47

emotion
shapes
space
time
gravity
breathe

Question 48

Who is Martha Graham?

Answer 48

(1894-1991)
Martha Graham was a pioneering American modern dancer and choreographer, renowned for revolutionizing dance in the 20th century. She developed a unique movement language based on the principles of contraction and release, emphasizing the emotional power of the human body. Graham’s innovative style broke away from traditional ballet, focusing on expressive, often intense, storytelling through dance. Her influential career spanned over seven decades, during which she choreographed over 180 works and established the Martha Graham Dance Company, leaving a lasting impact on the world of modern dance.

Question 49

Who is Merce Cunningham?

Answer 49

1919-2009); considered the most influential choreographer of the 20th century, technique looks a bit like ballet—with the same turned out position of the legs, quick footwork, and strong spine—but also differs in many ways.

Question 50

Who is Ruth St Denis?

Answer 50

(1879-1968); Prompted by a belief that dance should be spiritual instead of simply entertaining or technically skillful.

Question 51

Who is Charles Weidman?

Answer 51

(1901-1975); major innovator of American modern dance, noted for the abstract, rhythmic pantomime he developed and employed in his comic and satiric works.

Question 52

Who is Akram Khan?

Answer 52

(1974-Present); a global icon for his use of collaboration, ensemble production, and especially his unique mix of Kathak and contemporary movement

Question 53

What is Jazz dance?

Answer 53

Jazz dance is a social dance style that emerged at the turn of the 20th century when African American dancers began blending traditional African steps with European styles of movement.

Question 54

Explain the origination of Jazz dance.

Answer 54

Jazz dance originated in New Orleans from the inspirations of enslaved African people. Jazz dance combined the rhythmic music and movements of traditional African dance with some European influences. It begain travelling in the 1800s and gained popularity in the 1900s where is was used in music theatre.

Question 55

What are some traditional Jazz dance steps?

Answer 55

Traditional jazz dance steps, such as the Flick Kick, Cakewalk, Sugar, and Charleston, are rooted in historical jazz styles and often reused in modern dance. The Flick Kick involves sharply extending and retracting the leg after lifting the knee, creating a flicking motion. The Cakewalk is a leaping flick kick done with alternating legs, often with a slight backward torso lean. The Sugar step uses pivoting weight shifts between the feet while the hips sway, all while staying on the balls of the feet. The Charleston combines a forward step with a flick kick, followed by a step back and toe touch behind, with variations like the 1920s flapper version or the 1940s Lindy hop adaptation. These steps showcase how traditional jazz techniques evolve into contemporary dance.

Question 56

Explain the evolution of Jazz.

Answer 56

Jazz began with “New Orleans jazz,” characterized by collective improvisation, featuring musicians like Buddy Bolden and Jelly Roll Morton. By the 1920s, big band music rose, emphasizing written arrangements with fewer solos, as seen in the works of Duke Ellington and Count Basie. The 1930s introduced Swing, a structured, danceable style that grew during the Great Depression. In the 1940s, bebop emerged with complex harmonies and fast tempos, while the 1950s saw the rise of cool jazz and hard bop. Jazz continued evolving through fusion in the 1970s, blending rock, funk, and electronic elements, and later styles incorporated influences from hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music into the 2000s and beyond.

Question 57

Name 2 contributors of Jazz dance and explain.

Answer 57

1. Katherine Dunham – Integrated Caribbean rhythms into jazz dance choreography.
2. Jack Cole – Father of theatrical jazz, influenced Broadway and Hollywood.
3. Bob Fosse – Iconic jazz style with sensual, angular movements.

Question 58

Name 2 significant moments in Jazz history and explain.

Answer 58

1. Harlem Renaissance – Charleston and Lindy Hop became social dance phenomena.
2. Golden Age of Hollywood – Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly popularized jazz dance.
3. Dance Companies Rise – Alvin Ailey blended jazz with modern and African dance.
4. MTV Era – Jazz dance gained prominence through music videos and pop.