Assignment #6

1. Describe the baroque period of dance.

Baroque dance is a theatrical and social style of dancing that European upper classes did.  It was popular between the years 1650-1760.  It was a precursor of classical ballet.  It was established and developed in France at the court by Louis XIV. 

2. Discuss why people dance?

People dance for a variety of different reasons.  One reason why people dance is because it is a form of self-expression.  People are able to express their emotions through dance and also relieve stress. Many people use dance as a way of escaping for a short period of time.  It allows people to engulf themselves in the movement and forget about everything going on in their lives and in the world.  For that moment they are free.    People also use dance as a form of communication.  Dancers are able to tell a story though their movements and also evoke certain emotions on the viewers.  Another reason people dance is because it is a part of their culture.  Many cultures have dances that they do on special occasions and gatherings.  Some even use dance to connect with their God.  Dance is also a way of making music come alive. 

3. Describe one non western dance art form.

Salsa is a syncretic dance form.  It originated in Cuba in the 1920's.  Salsa is generally a partner dance but there is also a form where you dance solo that is called suelta.  There is also a version where multiple couples exchange partners throughout the dance.  This is known as Rueda de Casino.  Salsa is well known throughout Latin America as well as the United States, Japan, Israel, Western and Eastern Europe.  It is becoming a global phenomenon.