History and Development of Dance Styles

Introduction

Dance has been defined as one of the ways through which the society expresses its religious beliefs and cultural traditions. Currently, the dances advance with the changes in time and cultural beliefs. Chakravorty (2000) defines dance as the movement of the body, music, and rhythm. Currently, it is used as a form of social interaction, expression, and performance. At other times, it is used to portray a given story or idea. Besides, the types of dances have increased progressively. This paper will contrast the classical and the folk music which mainly differs on their origin. Ideally, classical dance is considered to be a form of art while the folk dance is said to be a traditional form of art. Mainly, folk dance is associated with the western origins (Deagon, 2008, p. 276). Mostly, dance is used to communicate a given message; thus the two types of dance communicate different information. The key difference between the two is associated with the fact that folk dance is associated with a basic form of dance that is used by a group of people by reasons like harvest while classical is used as a form of entertainment or enlightenment.

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The Use of Line, Form, Repetition, and Rhythm in Each Piece

Classical dance is defined by the precision and grace of movements and formal gestures which create a regular form of rhythm. Ideally, the dance involves a regular form of gesture, pose, and steps. The dance has commonly been associated with the traditional Indian dances which include Bharata Natyam and Kathak (Deagon, 2008, p. 277). These dances are performed at the temples where there are many rituals and traditions. This form of dance is associated with various forms of art which are traced back to the Natya and Hindu musical theatre dance moves. Also, the dance was performed at the royal courts as a compliment to the music that was played to the king. One of the most important gestures that come with this dance is that which include the hand gestures which are made by the artists (Shay, 1999, p. 29). The shorthand sign was used to show some kind of objects, emotions, nature, and concepts. One of the integral parts that define this type of dance is the facial expressions which form the best part of the sessions.

Folk

Folk dance is defined as one of the types of dances which involve s no governing body. At times, folk dance is used to define the historical accounts and experiences in the European history and culture. Some of the terms commonly associated with the dance include ethical and traditional dances (Shay, 1999, p. 29). The latter is commonly associated with ceremonial dances which are performed during social functions and in most cases there is no professional training offered.

Purposes

These dances are mainly performed at public stages which are set for stage performances. Folk tradition changes with time and is greatly influenced by the innovation in the dance. The main emphasis of this form of dance is influenced by the cultural roots of dance. Commonly, these dances are referred to as religious dances because of the purpose attached to them. The rhythm of the dance does not involve the spontaneous movement of the muscles and poses (Shay, 1999, p. 29). From the dance, there have been many modern dances for instance Ballroom dance and English country dance.

From its definition, folk dance is associated with simple group performance which is associated with specific reasons like harvest. Conversely, the classical dance is associated with precision and grace of movement and formal gestures which dictate the poses and steps. This type of dance was highly formalized and planned for performance (Chakravorty, 2000). The society that is defined by the two forms of dances is mainly determined by the intended purpose of the dance. As for the folk dance, the society defined is that of the common people. Conversely, the classical dance is mainly targeted to the high society circles.

Description of the Inspiration for the Work Regarding Story, Theme, and Image

Folk dances are about the power and energy enthusiasm while the classical dances are about composure and grace. Dancers in folk dances are defined by the traditional that include the un-professional dances (Deagon, 2008, p. 277). On the other hand, classical dances involve professional and trained dancers.

Description of What the Movements of Both Styles Communicate to You Regarding Mood

In both dances, there are recreational reasons and enjoyments which are symbolized by the movements and poses. The storyline for the dances also conforms to the subject of enjoyment and fulfillment (Chakravorty, 2000). The societies described the dancers create a sense of amusement which attracts the target audience.

What Influences Each Dancer, or the Choreographer, in the Performance of Each Style or Creation of a New Dance Performance?

In the classical dances, the moves are associated with an aura of spirituality. This defines the sentiments that are described in the folk dances. Mainly, the influences of each dance are based on the recreational purposes and reasons. The main influences in the folk dances are the divine intervention that comes with the spiritual seasons like harvesting (Chakravorty, 2000). They are mainly performed for purposes of divine bliss. Broadly, the differences between these two types of dance are the fact that one is less formal and requires no dressing while the other is formal and includes the use of attires while dancing.

References

Chakravorty, P. (2000). From Interculturalism to Historicism: Reflections on Classical Indian Dance. Dance Research Journal, 32(2), 108. doi:10.2307/1477983

Deagon, A. (2008). Folk Dance and Ethnic Identity. Dance Chronicle, 31(2), 275-278. doi:10.1080/01472520802118509

Shay, A. (1999). Parallel Traditions: State Folk Dance Ensembles and Folk Dance in "The Field". Dance Research Journal, 31(1), 29. doi:10.2307/1478309