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Butoh, 2006.
The history behind the Butoh form of dance in Japan.
1,453 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 33.95
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Abstract
The paper examines Butoh (earth dance), an avant garde performance art that originated in Japan following World War II. The paper looks at the history behind the dance. The dance is a form of expression that is purely Japanese and allows the body to speak for itself, through unconscious improvised movement. Butoh is valuable as a training method not only for artists, but for individuals of other disciplines as well, for it frees the body of social constraints. Butoh is actually a hybrid form of art, incorporating elements of dance, mime, theatre, Noh, Kabuki, and even the Chinese arts of Chi kung and Tai chi. By the 1970s Butoh had caught the imagination of many younger artists and had begun to gain worldwide attention. Today it is performed by a number of groups and solo artists in metropolitan cities throughout the world, including Vancouver and Toronto.
From the Paper
"Butoh was founded by a rebellious modern dancer named Tatsumi Hijikata and his partner Kazuo Ohno (McLeod). It was first performed in 1959, and is a contemporary form of dance with little reference to either traditional Japanese dances or most Western forms of dance, however it does borrow elements from each (Hermon). Hijikata felt that the Japanese modern dance scene was simply an imitation of the Western mode, thus dissatisfied he sought to find a form of expression that was purely Japanese and also allowed the body to speak for itself, through unconscious improvised movement (McLeod). His first experiments were called Ankoku Butoh, or the Dance of Darkness, which basically referred to what was unknown to humans, including his surroundings and spiritually within (McLeod). Hijikata's dance attempted to touch upon the dormant genetic forces hidden within the "shrinking consciousness of modern man" (McLeod)."
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Philadelphia Dance Company, 2006.
This paper discusses the Philadelphia Dance Company, which is also known as Philadanco.
1,006 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 24.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the Philadelphia Dance Company, which was founded in 1970 by Joan Myers Brown and has become a leading American dance company since. The writer discusses the history of the Philadelphia Dance Company and examines the philosophy of the dance group. Further, the writer examines the techniques and teachings of this dance company. The inspiration of this dance troupe upon other companies is also mentioned. The writer concludes by explaining that the troupe has always promoted harmony and racial acceptance, but it has done so first by promoting the value of the dance and by bringing in the many different musical and ritualistic elements that make up the dance.
From the Paper
"The company was the pilot dance company to be part of the State of Pennsylvania, Comprehensive Education Training Act, arts training program and was one of the first companies to hire dancers on a 52 week salary as well as the first to own housing for the dancers and the first to own a debt-free facility. The company also founded the International Conference of Black Dance Companies and International Association of Blacks in Dance to address the special needs of the African American dance community.
In addition to the operation of the non-profit as a school, the organization sees its mission to present the highest quality professional dance performances and has been recognized as a mainstream modern dance company and not merely an African-American dance company."
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Philadelphia Dance Theater, 2006.
This paper examines the theaters and dance companies in Philadelphia.
1,015 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 24.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how the state of Philadelphia has more than thirty dynamic and successful dance companies and theaters. The paper describes these theaters that include modern ballet, jazz, tap dancing, modern dance forms, flamenco, African-American, Indian and other types of folk and ethnic dance forms. The paper also provides some background about the Dance Theatre of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Theater Company. The writer concludes that the Philadelphia Theater Company has throughout the years provided a veritable showcase for displaying the vicarious talents of many young dancers of the area and in some certain cases, siblings and their parents too.
From the Paper
"It is an interesting fact that the state of Philadelphia has more than thirty excellent and dynamic Dance Companies, and theaters as well, and some of the nations' oldest dance theaters are in existence in the state today. These theaters are based in Philadelphia, and they tour globally. For example, the Pennsylvania Ballet is today celebrating its fortieth year of existence, and the Group Motion Dance Company and the Philadelphia Dance Company are today preparing for their thirty fifth anniversaries. Although all these theaters and dance companies have been growing through a number of changes over the years, its artistic view point is as strong as it ever was. However, it must be noted that the newer and later hip hop dance companies are thriving in Philadelphia as well, and one reason for this is the nurturing type of nature of the Philadelphia Dance Community as such. (Group Motion Press Room, Kick up your Heels)
The Philadelphia Dance Theater includes modern ballet, jazz, tap dancing, modern dance forms, flamenco, African American, Indian, and other types of folk and ethnic dance forms. Philadanco, or the Philadelphia Dance Company, is already at the performing end of another ballet named the 'Horse's Mouth', and this is also reputed to be a first arte performance by Philadelphia's young artistes. This year's performance of the 'Nutcracker' by the Philadelphia Dance Theater, just like its previous ones, would allow families during the Holiday Season a few hours together to enjoy, uninterruptedly, the magical world created for them by the choreographers and the directors and the performers of the play. (Group Motion Press Room, Kick up your Heels) The Dance Theater of Pennsylvania today is more than twenty seven years old, and it still continues its traditional practice of staging beautiful and timeless ballet productions. The 2005 to 2006 season is under way today, and this is the season in which the Nutcracker is generally staged."
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Hip Hop Dance History, 2006.
The history of Hip hop dance and its effects on society.
4,296 words (approx. 17.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 77.95
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Abstract
The paper is an in-depth study of the history of hip hop dance, from before and after the 1970s, and its effects on society. It explores how this type of dance is unlike other dance forms and the elements that make it up. There are no fixed forms to dance, but only styles. The rest is up to the dancer. It is a style of dance for all society giving the freedom to all to dance according to their desires. The paper also shows how hip hop is very much an American product. The hip hop trend enables the path for several dancers, and at the same time it also fosters and promotes more suggestive dance moves. The paper provides clear indications of the effects on culture; some hip hop is racist in theme, while others are sexist. Many hip hop musicians concentrate on such issues like social inequity and the dangers of heroin use. The conclusion is that hip hop is more than just music. It is becoming the soul of pop culture as never before, and steadily moving from the street corners and music videos towards usage in the fitness centers, dance studios as well as television shows.
From the Paper
"Hip hop may be viewed as a culture and is often used to refer to commercial rap music, but hip-hop is not only music. It is loved by the American ghetto youth who claim that it is their method of self-expression and use hip hop to rise over their physical situations. The culture of hip hop has its roots based on truth, self-determination, courage and pride. This is the reason why it has grown to have its impact on almost every part of the world. (Hip-hop History) Some hip hop is racist in their themes, while others are sexist. At the same time, there are also many hip hop musicians who concentrate on such issues like social inequity and the dangers of heroin use. From its early days in the US, the music is being played in projects and some underground clubs, but, now it has achieved a profile that has led to include it in the 1992 presidential debates over Sister Soljah. In the 20th Century Fox movie, Bulworth, there is Warren Beatty playing a Senator who berates his opponents using rap. Hip hop, it would seem, has become a part of our lives. (Classified Hip-Hop or I wanna blow up like Marilyn Monroe's skirt) At the same time, hip hop is not only music. This form of dancing has become very popular and this is clear from the opinions of some experts. "There's a definite surge in the white neighborhood that wouldn't necessarily be exposed to hip-hop in their everyday life," says Keith Pinto, who is an MC and hip-hop dance teacher at the Dance Attack in Los Gatos, California. "They watch MTV, see other kids doing it and want to be a part of it. You can pretty much go to any dance studio in the Bay area and they'll have a hip-hop class." (Hip-hop dance fever)"
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Pilates as an Aid to Physical Rehabilitation, 2006.
A look at the history of Pilates and how Pilates is a great method of rehabilitation after knee and hip injuries or hip replacement.
2,870 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 10 sources, MLA, £ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the history of Pilates, an exercise that was developed at the turn of the 20th century. Pilates has become a very popular form of exercise, especially in knee and hip injury rehabilitation or for sufferers of repetitive strain injuries, and for anyone wanting to prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
Contents:
Principles of Pilates
Cruciate Ligament
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Miniscal Damage
Knee Replacement
Hip Replacement
Pilates Mat work Exercises
Exercises Using the Swiss Ball
Case Studies
From the Paper
"This is not "mindless exercise" but rather requires someone--in the case of rehabilitation, the therapist--to put some thought into the proper exercises and the proper order of exercises to accomplish the rehabilitation sought. Importantly, Pilates recognizes, in several of its principles, the fact that the torso ultimately controls actions of the extremities; therefore, the Pilates concentration on torso control and improvement cannot help but improve the use and function of muscles of the hip and knee in rehabilitation.
In addition, while most people think of hard, fast movements as being needed for building strength, Pilates movements are slow and methodical but through them, Robinson and Thomson note, strength is regained (2002, Positive Health Web site), a prime intention in almost any rehabilitation program."
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Ancient Greek Theater, 2006.
A paper on ancient Greek drama, the Greek theater and ancient Greek playwrights.
2,413 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 9 sources, MLA, £ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the role of ancient Greek drama in Greek society. The paper explains the stage styles, how actors performed and the main types of plays performed in ancient Greek theater. The author discusses tragedies, comedies and a special form of theater called "dithyramb," which was sung by a large chorus. The paper goes on to discuss the importance of the elements of prose, lyrics and dancing in the ancient Greek drama. The paper then goes on to discuss some of ancient Greece's foremost playwrights, as well as theories about the origins of drama.
From the Paper
"The word 'Drama' as such has originated from the Greek words that mean 'to do', or 'to act'. When a story is acted out, it becomes a 'play', and this was the medium used by the ancient Greeks to act out their stories, which were either humorous and were about funny situations in their everyday lives, or they would be great tragedies, which would act out some important episode or period of their lives at the time. The speech and actions of the play would therefore, recreate human lives and its flow. It can be stated that ancient Greece was in fact the real birthplace of the future 'drama' of the Western world. In Greece, these plays or dramas were presented on stage twice a year, in honor of the God Dionysius, and there would be choruses made up of men who would be dressed up in goatskins, and who were meant to represent 'satyrs' or those mythical creatures who were partly goat, and partly man."
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National Ballet of China, 2006.
This article looks at the history of the National Ballet of China. The paper also discusses the history of the Chinese dance form.
1,318 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 7 sources, APA, £ 30.95
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Abstract
The writer looks at the National Ballet of China and its history. This article also studies the form and history of dance in China. The writer describes how the objective of the National Ballet of China is to introduce to the Chinese audiences Western classical ballets and contemporary ballet works. The National Ballet also aims to explore the unique and possible fusion of classical ballet and the Chinese culture. The author explains that in 1957, the classic "Swan Lake," was performed on stage and signaled the formal entry of the ballet form into the country. The paper glances at recently produced successes and at how the company experiments with different modern styles.
From the Paper
"One of the world's top 10 ballet companies, the National Ballet of China was founded on December 31,1959 (CCTV 2005, Orange County 2005) and has, in the past four decades, consisted of generations of striving and gifted artists. The dance company has turned out outstanding artistic achievements in Western and Chinese classical and contemporary ballet. It had rough and tough times too as when it was under-funded and its members became over-aged. Its only reward was art itself and its artists continued to devote themselves to their career to become the pioneer in China's unique ballet style."
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Butoh Dance, 2006.
An overview of this modern form of Japanese dance.
1,902 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 14 sources, MLA, £ 41.95
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Abstract
Butoh is a Japanese art form that emerged in 1959 as a response to western oppression. Western political dominance had a serious impact on the aesthetic sense of dancer Tatsumi Hijikata, who developed a new form of dance that comprises strange body movements, gestures and jerks. This paper provides an overview of the history and make-up of Butoh and shows how it is also accepted as a form of movement therapy.
From the Paper
"Artaud rejected the views, beliefs and values of the theatre of his time. He was not interested in projecting reality and sanity as they were accepted by the mainstream theatre-goers. For him, artistic skills represented the ability to fully embrace the unknown, the untried and the unseen. Artaud did not view insanity as a problem. Everything that treaded on the dangerous was found exciting as it opened a new medium of expression and challenged the classical traditions of Japanese theatre."
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Exotic Dancing, 2005.
This paper discusses the profession of stripteases also called inter alia strippers or, the expression chosen by those in the profession, exotic dancers.
2,005 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 9 sources, MLA, £ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that exotic dancers can be well-paid working as house dancers and feature dancers, who have an independent name as a starlet and move from town to town, providing "feature appearances". The author points out that male strippers dancing in front of female audiences, have become widespread; male and female strippers perform for gay and lesbian spectators respectively and both sexes perform together in pan-sexual contexts. The paper stresses that exotic dancing training has more to it than learning to dance in a sexy manner; the trainee needs to learn how to go into the greater fathoms within oneself, locate their own hidden beauty and grace and mingle it into a sensual movement.
Table of Contents
What the Career is
What Training is Necessary and how is it Essential to the Field of Dance
The Insights of Persons who have Chosen this as a Career
From the Paper
"Essence, another local dancer who is a graphic designer with Pima, replied that the negative typecast concern her. 'They're simple, they're sluts'. However, things do not unroll in that fashion; simply it is about girls who are at ease with their bodies. According to Essence regarding the striper's current earnings that there is nothing called as average income, you end up either winning or losing. While at school, she would not truly talk about what her performances were until the topic came through, which she states that never happened very frequently. She stated that her advisor had full knowledge regarding it. In the education environment, it crops up as a discussion in some type of women's studies class; these matters do not crop up."
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Dance Therapy, 2005.
An overview of this therapy which uses dance as a means of treatment.
738 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 18.95
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Abstract
Dance therapy is the use of choreographed or improvised movement as a way of treating social, emotional, cognitive, and physical problems. This paper examines the benefits of dance theory to the patient and how the treatment works.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
The Realm of Dance Therapy
The Solutions that Dance Therapy Provides
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper
"The state of the different components of our body can affect and influence how we emotionally and physically feel (Wholehealthmd Online). This is usually connected to the tensions and patterns of muscles (Wholehealthmd Online). Since movement is a form of relaxing our body, especially our muscles, the effect of movements found in dance can help in treating our body."
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Frankie Manning, 2006.
A study of Frankie Manning, the father of the Lindy Hop swing dance.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper studies swing dancing, focusing on Frankie Manning, the father of the Lindy Hop. As the paper explains, Manning created some of the Lindy Hop's most famous moves and continues to teach it today, at the ripe old age of 90. The paper demonstrates how Manning is one of the most important swing dancers ever, detailing his influence on the genre. The paper points to Manning's role in the widespread resurgence of swing dance and swing dancing popularity today. The paper also discusses Manning's continued influence through choreographing films, Broadway shows, and television shows.
From the Paper
"The jazzy, rhythmic beat of swing music just urged people to dance, and so, a new dance form began, called "swing dance" that went along with the big band beat and rhythm. One of the first popular swing dances was the "Lindy Hop," first danced at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem in the early 1930. Legend has it that the dance was named after Charles Lindberg and his famous solo crossing of the Atlantic in 1929. After he successfully landed in Paris, newspapers across the country reported that "Lindy Hops the Atlantic" ("Happy Feet" and Editors). In Harlem at the Savoy, the most popular swing dance was simply called the "hop." However, after Lindberg's success, "a reporter, looking at the crazy antics of the dancers at the Savoy, asked what the name of the dance was. 'It's the Lindy Hop!', came the reply. And thus the first real swing dance was born" ("Happy Feet"). The story is as plausible as any about the dance's origins. This Lindy Hop eventually evolved into a conglomerate of swing dance and jitterbug that is generally known simply as 'swing.'"
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The History of Hula Dance, 2006.
This paper explores the history of the Hula dance and describes how the Hula maiden, with hips swaying in the breeze, has become a legendary symbol of Hawaii.
752 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 18.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper details the history of the Hula dance and its significance as a ritual of religion, celebration, mourning and communication. This brief, yet concise paper, examines how, in ancient times, dancers were selected for hula training in childhood, spending their formative years under the care of a hula master, separated from the outside world and dedicated to the goddess Laka, patron of the hula. Hawaii's history of births, deaths, loves and battles were expressed in the Hula dance. The writer also details the accompanying music and melodic poetry, to which the dancer's swayed, which include the double-gourd drum, called ipu heke.
From the Paper
"The history of births, deaths, loves, and battles of the people were preserved in chants and dance. Since Hawaii's history was recorded as dance, "hula dancers were expected to remember and repeat every dance step perfectly and under punishment of death," for "to change the dance was to change history." Hula was the written word for ancient Hawaiians, told through the movements of the dancers' feet, hands, and body movements. Through dance, stories were told, genealogies were kept, and beliefs were shared and imposed, thus to change the steps would be to change the message."
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The Lion Dance, 2005.
This paper describes the Chinese Lion Dance.
2,080 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, £ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Lion Dancing is a unique art form from China traditionally thought to bring happiness, good luck, prosperity and longevity. The author points out that the Lion Dance is performed during celebrations such as the Chinese New Year and the August Moon Festival and at grand openings of restaurants, martial arts school and other businesses. The paper relates that it might have originated during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) when, according to legend, the emperor dreamt he was attacked by demons but was saved by a mysterious creature, a lion.
Table of Contents:
Lion Dancing and Revolution
Elements of Lion Dancing
Lion Dancing Routines
Choi Chiang "Get the Green"
From the Paper
"Lion dancing has long been associated with kung fu, an association that dates back to the Ching dynasty, when revolutionary martial artists used the dance as a secret means of communication. Under the guise of celebration, revolutionary martial artists traveled from village to village performing the lion dance. As part of the routine the dancing lion woould eat lettuce which often contained money and information hidden within its leaves. In revolutionary days, the dancer holding the lion's head would cry out choi ching ("get the Ching") to signal that he was a fellow revolutionary and could receive secret messages. Of course, any Ching informers present would know the dancer's intention upon hearing the battlecry. Since ching was very close in sound to chiang (meaning green, as in lettuce and money), the lion dancer's password became choi chiang or "get the green.""
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Isadora Duncan?s "My Life", 2005.
This paper discusses modern dancer Isadora Duncan's autobiography "My Life".
1,390 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 0 sources, £ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Isadora Duncan's book "My Life" and her life in relationship to 'Section I' of Walt Whitman's poem "Song of the Open Road", which Duncan professes to be her favorite poem, probably because it reveals Duncan's specific philosophies of freedom and dance. The author points out that, in her life as a mother, a lover and a wife and her work as a dancer, who developed modern dance, Duncan broke away from conventional views seeking freedom from social and professional taboos and constraints.
The paper stresses that nature is Duncan's source of technique and dance content in which she expresses unbound freedom through her use of arms and upper body movements combined with simple steps, a style which Duncan intended to be the divine expression through the body of the human spirit.
From the Paper
"The fourth stanza in "Open Road" moves on to a depiction of nature, as well as acceptance. The sufficiency that he finds in nature feeds the poet's freedom. Isadora Duncan finds in the freedom of nature the freedom of her inner expression. She was born at the seaside: "...I have noticed that all the great events of my life have taken place by the sea. My first idea of movement, of the dance, certainly came from the rhythm of the waves." Thus the freedom and movement that make up the radical free-form dance style that was Duncan's invention, are profoundly inspired by the sea. Again, the restriction placed upon her by the public school is sharply juxtaposed by the afternoons when she danced and played next to the sea. Duncan is also much influenced by the stars and astrology."
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