Folk Dance Flashcards
Folk dance
A national dance relating to large groups of people according to common customs
Origin of folk dance
in the ritual of superstition of early man. Social custom and recreational events rather than religion
Function of folk dance
to conserve the national quality of the community and values BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS (no longer spirits)
Purpose of folk dance
pleasure and entertainment for participants and spectators
Characteristics of folk dance
steps can change from generation to generation (unlike ceremonial), music, costumes, culture background combined w/ rhythms, moods, and patterns. Emphasis is on group creativity (not individual)
Movement characteristics of folk dance
simple and basic (everyone can do it). Running, walking, hopping, skipping, stamping, moving sideways. (ex: polka, grapevine, dosido, clapping)
Dance in Spain
- oldest existing European Dance Art as well as connection between eastern and western dance
- common characteristics: proud carriage of the head, torso, and arms
3 general styles
jota, Fandango, Bolero, Flamenco (styles vary according to region)
jota
style of Spanish dance. Joyful dance and partnering
Fandango
style of Spanish dance. Courtship dance, steps and movements set with posses, gestures and “attitude”. Never more than 3 steps. Couples never touch (sexy)
Bolero
style of Spanish dance. 19C. Schooled dancing with a mix of ballet. For performance
Flamenco
style of Spanish dance. Originated by the gypsies. An expression of pride and resisting oppression (Spanish Inquisition of 1478). Gypsies. Structured improvisation. Sister art is the bullfight
The Spanish Inquisition of 1478
forced Jews, Hindi, and Muslims living in north Spain to either convert to Catholicism or flee. Those who refused went to south of Spain, Andalusia, and lived in caves (gypsies)
Andalusia
Where those who didn’t want to convert to Catholicism fled (gypsies). Crossroads of several major Eastern and Western cultures (Katak, Manipuri, and Bharatanatyam)
Characteristics of Flamenco
Originally a solo dance. Introspection, expresses tragedy and joy. Proud stance, slightly arched back. Balance between song, guitar, and dance (requires communication). Guitarist has to be able to accompany dancer w/o previous rehearsal. Structured improvisation
Flamenco instructor
never teaches students an entire dance, only individual elements. Dancer builds own personal dance (structured improvisation)
Baile jondo
serious introspective form of flamenco dance
Baile chico
more light-hearted form of flamenco
Duende
solo dancer working in full range in his improv and creation can release the “duende”. Sparks spontaneous inspiration breathing life into the dance art. Unleash suffering and joy
zapateado
drumming sound made with the heel, soul and toe of the shoe
pitos
finger snapping
palmas
hand clapping
Castanets
clicked together by dancer’s hands
Pele
goddess of the volcano
Laka
goddess of the hula
Illegal Annexation of Islands 1893
illegal takeover by US (Pres. McKinley) whlie Hawaii had their monarch. Stopped Hawaii’s rituals and dances. Only Hula remained. Apologized 200 yrs later
Hula
only dance that remained after the annexation (went “underground”). Avenue which culture has remained and continues to function
“Great Spirit”
the business of living. Not referring to religion. “Great Spirit” put us on this land to work the land and work with nature
Buffalo
white settlers killed off to starve out Native Americans and create reservations. No more buffalo = no more hunt = no more dancing for the hunt
Reservations
created by white settlers for Native Americans. Destroyed Native American culture, tradition, and dance
Ghost Dance
done by Native Americans in hopes to bring buffalo back (honored buffalo). Massacre of Sitting Bull was because of Ghost Dance
Grass Dance
started later. Native American nation dances combined and created Grass Dance. Stomps, looks like flattening grass. Began the Powwow. Rekindled Pan-Indianism
Powwow
was to rekindle Indian spirit. Intertribal (Pan-Indianism). Ceremonial, honor, social, friendship, circle, competition dances. Anyone can go. Regalia is worn. Calm face, emotional restraint, contained movements, reflect cultural values of strength & bravery. Vigorous, not frenzied. Choreographed or improvised
Regalia
authentic, symbolic apparel. Not costume (would mean being something you’re not). Worn in Powwows
Drums
essential in Powwow. Dance done to beat. Usually more drummers than dancers. Considered living spirit, nature, Mother Earth. Treat drum as living being. Only men can play
Eagle feathers
only warriors can wear. High-esteemed
Heartbeat
essence of American Indian dance. Keep dance alive
