Question.3517 - After reading chapter 3 and viewing the related videos, please find and post 3 photos of of the "ideal dancer" in different dance forms across the world/throughout history. Explain your 3 photo choices: what dance form or time period is each photo from? Try to find photos from reputable resources (not stock photos from Google). With a little bit of research, what did you learn about the role of the body in each? Is the body objectified, is the body sacred, is the body sexualized, is the body an instrument of power? Please explain. This means not only what does the body look like, but what is the role of the body in each dance form.
Answer Below:
Japanese Bukagu is a performative, group dance, that has been historically done during religious events in imperial courts. Bugaku is known for its deliberate slow motions and precisions at a high degree. It is usually performed by male dancers who are properly trained in the dance. This dance form is extremely reserved and is meant for the eyes of the upper class. It is important for the dancer to have close ties to Buddhist and Shinto rites since the dance is stylized and has symmetrical movements that keep the concepts of balance, harmony, and order. Bukagu's presentation and form were heavily influenced by the arrival of Chinese and Korean performing arts, back in the 7th century. This was marked as a historical event. The detailed costumes and masks that were worn throughout the dance add to its ritualistic aura, which is performed on important occasions. A discipline of dance with strong roots in the culture of Southern India and traditions of Hinduism, Bharata Natyam is both meditative and expressive. This dance form is usually performed alone but it can be done in groups as well. It is also open to all genders. Looking back at historical records, we can see that Bharata Natyam was performed by a group of women called "Devdasis" in temples. What makes the dance distinctive is its deft footwork, expressive movements known as mudras, and various facial expressions that convey stories and a range of emotions. These portrayals are mostly inspired by Hindu epics and religious themes. Bharata Natyam is an artistic way of portraying emotions as well as a religious gift since it embodies the virtues of discipline, devotion, and spirituality. Bharata Natyam still adheres to its original roots even if it has changed throughout the ages, particularly at the time of colonization of India, where it was resurrected as a form of classical art. Bugaku and Bharata Natyam are different from each other in several ways. They have distinctive goals, styles, and cultural contexts as they are closely related to each other's religious traditions and historical significance. Bharata Natyam's emotive storytelling and rapid footwork contrast dramatically with Bugaku's slow movements and exclusivity. Both dance forms act as cultural guardians by preserving historical customs and values via their performances. Historical changes were evident and heavily influenced these dance forms despite their differences: Bharata Natyam was impacted by colonial suppression and its eventual resuscitation, whereas on the other hand was influenced by the entry of Western arts. Both dances were restricted to the upper strata of society but eventually became inclusive while retaining their their spiritual and ceremonial essence. Reference McLaine, G. (2022). Dance: An Immersive Experience. Great River Learning.More Articles From Fine Arts
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