Dance theory
Encyclopedia
Dance theory
is a fairly new field closely related to music theory
and specifically musicality used to describe the nature and mechanics of dance. While musicality deals with finding a particular matching pair of dance and music that fit each other in various respects, dance theory is a broad term encompassing the origins
, styles, genre
, footwork
, artistic expression
, etc. of dance.
Dance theory deals with anatomical movements (such as foot-work, etc.), as well as partner interactions
, and their associations to each other and to music as art. It explores the communicative, physical, mental, emotional, and artistic aspects of dance as a medium of human expression and interaction. In doing so the various nuances between the dance genres and styles are analyzed with respect to their social settings and culture
s.
As dance is a ubiquitous element of culture, dance theory attempts to determine the instinctual nature of dance, and what makes various movements appear natural or forced.
Theory
The English word theory was derived from a technical term in Ancient Greek philosophy. The word theoria, , meant "a looking at, viewing, beholding", and referring to contemplation or speculation, as opposed to action...
is a fairly new field closely related to music theory
Music theory
Music theory is the study of how music works. It examines the language and notation of music. It seeks to identify patterns and structures in composers' techniques across or within genres, styles, or historical periods...
and specifically musicality used to describe the nature and mechanics of dance. While musicality deals with finding a particular matching pair of dance and music that fit each other in various respects, dance theory is a broad term encompassing the origins
Dance History
Dance History is a compilation album by hip-hop duo The Outhere Brothers, released in 2005.-Track listing:#"Don't Stop "#"Boom Boom Boom"#"La La La "#"Mami Te Quiero" #"Bring That Ass Over Here"#"Fuk U"...
, styles, genre
Genre
Genre , Greek: genos, γένος) is the term for any category of literature or other forms of art or culture, e.g. music, and in general, any type of discourse, whether written or spoken, audial or visual, based on some set of stylistic criteria. Genres are formed by conventions that change over time...
, footwork
Footwork
Footwork may refer to one of the following.*A technique of foot usage in various sports and arts:**Footwork **Footwork **Footwork *Juke house, a type of Chicago music*Footwork , a Formula 3000 team...
, artistic expression
Art
Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging items in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions, and intellect....
, etc. of dance.
Dance theory deals with anatomical movements (such as foot-work, etc.), as well as partner interactions
Connection (dance)
Connection is essential to all partner dancing and is the primary means to communicate synchronized dance movement between the lead and follow. It is especially important in Argentine Tango, Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Contra dance, Modern Jive and other styles of...
, and their associations to each other and to music as art. It explores the communicative, physical, mental, emotional, and artistic aspects of dance as a medium of human expression and interaction. In doing so the various nuances between the dance genres and styles are analyzed with respect to their social settings and culture
Culture
Culture is a term that has many different inter-related meanings. For example, in 1952, Alfred Kroeber and Clyde Kluckhohn compiled a list of 164 definitions of "culture" in Culture: A Critical Review of Concepts and Definitions...
s.
As dance is a ubiquitous element of culture, dance theory attempts to determine the instinctual nature of dance, and what makes various movements appear natural or forced.
See also
- Dance researchDance researchDance research is an umbrella term for studies of dance. It includes the following areas:*Dance history*Ethnochoreology*Dance theory*Dance science the scientific study of dance and dancers, as well as the practical application of scientific principles to dance, similar to sports science...
- Music theoryMusic theoryMusic theory is the study of how music works. It examines the language and notation of music. It seeks to identify patterns and structures in composers' techniques across or within genres, styles, or historical periods...
- Musicality (dance)Musicality (dance)Musicality is a noun that means sensitivity to, knowledge of, or talent for music. The word also refers to the quality or state of being musical A musical person has the ability to perceive differences in pitch, rhythm and harmonies...