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Javanese Dance Rituals, 2004.
An analysis of Javanese dance rituals.
1,239 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper examines and compares the erotic court dances of the 14th century Javanese culture and today's local folk-dancers, ronggeng. The paper explains that, in addition to expressing the age-old dichotomy between the masculine and feminine principles, Javanese dance is also useful in preserving what the Javanese believed would be lost through colonialism, their culture. The paper claims that the first schools of classical Javanese dance were founded out of a desire to retain and maintain the true Javanese culture, with its Hindu and Buddhist elements.
From the Paper
"Two sons of a Javanese sultan, both of whom were nationalists, founded a dance school, Kridha Beksa Wirama, in 1918. Moro notes that the school was "groundbreaking" as it was the first effort to make court dance democratic, and less 'feudal.' Its first students were the youth affiliates of Budi Utomo, the first nationalist organization in the region. However, because members in these somewhat avant garde groups were primarily aristocrats, the elite continued to have a hold over the arts. Still, graduates of that school went on to teach in the Taman Siswa schools, a system dating to 1922 that " linked education and experimental pedagogy to the goals of Indonesian nationalism" (Moro, 2004)."
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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, $ 26.95
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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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Cleansing Rituals in Islam and Zoroastrian, 2001.
This paper describes how cleanliness and purity are very important in both Muslim and Zoroastrian cleansing rituals and it shows water has considered a vital part of theses cleansing rituals.
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 2 sources, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper describes how cleanliness and purity are very important in both Muslim and Zoroastrian cleansing rituals and it shows water has considered a vital part of theses cleansing rituals.
From the paper:
"Islam takes cleanliness and purification very seriously. An article by Dr. Abdul karim, Naik states, ??Cleanliness is half of faith? - This terse statement by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) underlines the importance of purity and purification in the Islamic tradition (Shariah). A state of purity is a precondition for worship (?ubudiyah). Every act of worship is an encounter with God, and the purification ritual is a form of preparation for this event. In fact, the purification ritual in Islam is one of numerous means by which sins and infractions are forgiven.? He also states that purification rituals of the body culminate in spiritual purity as acts of worship, and that both the discipline of the ritual acts and their aesthetic dimensions contribute to the deepening of the purification process at the spiritual level and prepare for the journey that finally leads to closeness to Allah."
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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, $ 113.95
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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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Modern Dance, 2004.
An overview of the history of modern dance.
1,117 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how European and American theatrical dance had always centered on ballet until the early 20th century, when it became fashionable in dance circles to rebel against the strictures of tradition. It looks at how modern dance, which resembles modern art and music in that it is experimental and iconoclastic, developed primarily in the United States and Germany. It discusses how, in the beginning, modern dance was often misunderstood by audiences and how, by the 1950s, modern dance was firmly established in the dance world. It also shows how modern dance is said to be based on the four principles of substance, dynamism, metakinesis, and form, and how, due to the creative efforts of the modern dance pioneers, dancers today use a broader range of techniques, styles, and source materials than ever before.
From the Paper
"The first American dancers to break from classical ballet were Isadora Duncan, Loie Fuller, and Ruth St. Denis (Modern pp). Although their styles differed, their unconventional approaches opened the door to a new era in dance history, namely the American modern dance movement of the 1920?s (Modern pp). Those involved in this movement based their works on personal experience, using their bodies as instruments to express emotions such as passion, fear, grief or joy (Modern pp). The dancer created form as an outgrowth of his or her own communicative impulses, rather than adhering to the set form and limited range of gestures of ballet (Modern pp)."
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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, $ 35.95
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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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Zu?i and Navajo Spiritual Practices in Hillerman's Dance Hall of the Dead, 2002.
Joe Leaphorn, Navajo detective learns more about Zu?i religious traditions and compares what he learns with his own beliefs, rituals, and practices.
3,430 words (approx. 13.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 97.95
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Abstract
This essay presents a comparison of Zu?i and Navajo religious rituals, burial practices, and beliefs in an afterlife as revealed in Tony Hillerman's novel, Dance Hall of the Dead. While investigating the murder of twelve year old Zu?i, Ernesto Cata, who was scheduled to perform an important role in the Zu?i Shalako festival, "the most holy period of the Zu?i year," Joe Leaphorn must analyze various facets of Zu?i religion including gods, Kachinas, rituals, beliefs and dances. He naturally compares these concepts with his own Navajo beliefs. Numerous scholarly sources are utilized to illuminate the comparisons.
From the Paper
Tony Hillerman's long time protagonist Joe Leaphorn is himself a Navajo tribesman. In the novel, Dance Hall of the Dead, Leaphorn, a Navajo policeman, investigates the murder of a young Zu?i. In the process of his investigation, Leaphorn offers a comparison of his own Navajo religion with that of the Zu?i. In an Author's Note at the beginning of the novel, Hillerman states that the "setting is genuine." He confirms that the Village of Zu?i and Ramah Navajo reservation exist in reality side by side and states that his depiction of these two cultures is accurate to the best of his ability, though the characters are fictional. Hillerman further states: "The view the reader receives of the Shalako religion is as it might be seen by a Navajo with an interest in ethnology. It does not pretend to be more than that." What Hillerman is saying is that no one, outside an initiated practitioner in a Native American religion can really comprehend the true significance of it's beliefs and rituals. Modesty aside, however, Hillerman in this novel makes an excellent beginning in differentiating between spiritual beliefs of Zu?i and Navajo. Thus the thesis of this essay is that in Tony Hillerman's novel, Dance Hall of the Dead, Zu?i religion can be seen to be extensively different from the religion of the Navajo's in the two tribes' rituals, burial practices, and beliefs in an afterlife. Outside sources will be used to confirm and expand the understanding of these varied spiritual practices.
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Spiritual Rituals and Stress Relief, 2006.
A research proposal for an analysis of spiritual rituals and their effectiveness in relieving stress.
2,772 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 82.95
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Abstract
The research proposal gives an insight on whether prayer and spiritual rituals can help in relieving stress. The paper gives an overview of the subject and proposes the following research: To examine the relationship between religious rituals, like meditation and prayer, and stress. To analyze the effectiveness of such rituals in alleviating stress.
To examine the reasons for any positive effects of these rituals in providing stress relief. To discover whether practicing spiritual rituals assists in the prevention of stress, and in conclusion, to explore the medical perspective on the issue, to see if spiritual rituals do indeed prevent stress.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Rationale
Research Questions
Significance of Study
Research Plan
References
From the Paper
"They seek for help from a Supreme Being and they somehow know that He will help them. Either one should accept the existence of this Supreme Being helping them directly, as the basis of spirituality or religiousness requires a person to blindly believe in and have faith in this Supreme Being, or that there is some relation between this extreme faith and conviction and the subsequent positive effects it brings out in an individual. In the counseling field it was only till recently that attention was given to spirituality as being one of the important components in counselor training programs and counseling relationships (Ingersoll, p.5)."
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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, $ 35.95
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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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Dance, 1972.
This paper discusses dance as a form of non-verbal communication, its role in early primitive cultures and argues that modern dance is a source of new channels of communication.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 7 sources, $ 63.95
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From the Paper
"Dance, as a means of fulfilling the goal of nonverbal communication in today's society, along with other art forms is falling far short of its incredible potential. Most art today is separated from any real involvement with modern humanity by invisible, yet real and definite barriers. To see dance in its most successful form of nonverbal communication we must examine its role in early primitive cultures. The relationship of extant primitivism will serve as reemphasis for striking cultural differences.
Since development from an early shamanistic culture our technological society has evolved obvious changes in our perception and communication of ourselves in relationship to our universe.
Although early dance experiences were led by the shaman or .... "
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The Effects and Importance of Rituals, 2001.
This paper examines the role that rituals play in society.
2,380 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 7 sources, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at rituals and how they structure society. The author discusses how rituals effect communication mediums between people as well as how they impact cooperation and understanding. The author examines different types of rituals in different cultures.
From the paper:
"Regardless of who we are, or where we live, rituals form a basic part of our lives. We participate in them ourselves, we see them being performed by others, we notice them in the actions of animals. Rituals are physical actions that mean something to us: we do them because they serve a purpose and help us achieve what we need to in order to move on to the next step in our daily lives."
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The Skill and History of Dance, 2004.
Explores the historical significance of dance in human development and culture.
1,329 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the social, artistic, and religious aspects of dance throughout history and how these forms of dance have been a part of human society since prehistoric times. The paper also looks at the health benefits derived from dancing and how dance has been used to tell stories, to record history, and as a form of therapy.
From the Paper
"The skill of dance today is often thought to be reserved for the participants of higher arts such as ballet or for young participants in hip-hop and rave dances. However, dance is an integral part of the history and culture of all humans, and remains alive in many forms within people of all walks of life. ?It is the wedding of movement to music. It spans culture from soaring ballet leaps to the simple swaying at the school prom,? (Burke) and every kind of human movements, from walking to breathing, are elements that make up dancing. However, dance actually ?goes beyond the functional purposes of the movements used in work or athletics in order to express emotions, moods, or ideas; tell a story; serve religious, political, economic, or social needs; or simply be an experience that is pleasurable, exciting, or aesthetically valuable.? (Art) Dance is an important and beneficial art in which to participate and to support because of its rich cultural history and diversity, spiritual significance, and health benefits."
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Dance, 2007.
An analysis of jazz, ballet and studio dancing, as well as the requirements for professional dancing.
1,809 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses various mediums of dance. It looks at jazz, ballet and studio dancing and discusses the discipline, rhythm and music used in each form of dance. The paper also discusses professional dancing and describes the training that is necessary, salaries that dancers can expect and the challenges of professional dancing life, such as expenses and injuries.
Table of Contents:
Jazz
Ballet
Studio Dancers And Dance Teams
Professional Dancers
From the Paper
"The average salary that a dancer earns is $21,000. That means 50% of all dancers earned less, down to $14,570 and 50% earned more, up to $34,660. Dancers on tour earn additional allowances for room and board and overtime. Dancing is considered a part time job and is irregular. Supplementing income may be made by working as guest artists with other dance companies, teaching dance or taking a part-time job in unrelated fields. The dancer signs a contract to work. Union contracts govern those who perform in public, such as major opera ballet, classical ballet or modern dance corps. These belong to the AFL-CIO and those who appear on live or videotaped TV programs belong to the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Those in films and on TV belong to the Screen Actors Guild and those in musicals are members of Actors' Equity Association. Through the unions minimum salaries, hours, benefits and other conditions are specified before the dancer signs the contract (Munger 5)."
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Natalie Safir?s ?Matisse?s Dance?, 2004.
This paper discusses Natalie Safir?s poem based on the Impressionist masterpiece, Matisse?s "The Dance", which depicts a ring of five naked women dancing on a mound of fertile green grass.
1,615 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that this poem serves as an extended caption or a lyrical description of ?The Dance,? not as a feminist or psychoanalytic, symbolic interpretation of that painting in spite of those elements contained within the poem. The author points out that Safir?s description of the movement and momentum in the painting corresponds directly to Matisse?s images of the women, whose spiral dance brings the painting to life.The paper stresses that Safir?s diction parallels Matisse?s painting in its simplicity; a tone of simultaneous joy and anxiety is apparent in both the painting and the poem that describes it.
From the Paper
"The ?spirals of glee? that Safir perceives refers to the circular energy created by the spiral dance. While a spiral dance has feminist and pagan implications, this description is not arbitrary. Matisse?s ?Dance? is no tango but a female-centered ritualistic circular dance. It may or may not be fertility-related; Matisse?s women are painted with such little detail that indeed several of them may be pregnant. In a similarly subtle fashion, Safir suggests pregnancy in her poem. One of the women?s torsos is a ?green-burning torch,? indicating the potential life within. The poet?s reference to ?ripeness? also hints at possible pregnancy: ?grass mounds curve ripely.? However, these poetic elements are literal renderings of Matisse?s own symbolism. Safir directly refers to the ?grass mounds? that ?curve ripely beneath.? Her description of the grass, while it is innuendo for female sexuality and pregnancy, is actually just that: a description of the grass. Even the line ?Breasts swell and multiply? is a formal interpretation of Matisse?s painting. The artist does depict breasts, and the women?s bodies are deliberately ambiguous as far as whether they are pregnant or not."
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"Dance Hall of the Dead", 2002.
A review of Tony Hillerman's book "Dance Hall of the Dead" with an emphasis on Zuni and Navajo spiritual practices.
3,380 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 96.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Tony Hillerman's book "Dance Hall of the Dead"about a Navajo policeman who investigates the murder of a young Zuni. It discusses how no one, outside an initiated practitioner in a Native American religion can really comprehend the true significance of its beliefs and rituals and how Hillerman in this novel makes an excellent beginning in differentiating between spiritual beliefs of Zuni and Navajo. It shows how the Zuni religion can be seen to be extensively different from the religion of the Navajo's in the two tribes' rituals, burial practices and beliefs in an afterlife. It uses outside sources to confirm and expand on the understanding of these varied spiritual practices.
From the Paper
"For the Navajo, spirituality permeates all areas of life and is rooted in nature. Daily life proceeds upon Mother Earth and under Father Sky. There is no word for religion in the Navajo language, not because there is no religion, but because religion is not separate from life. There is nothing but religion, otherwise known as life among the Dineh, or the People. Rituals, prayers, legends and songs, are scarcely ever out of their minds. The Navajo create sand paintings and hold sings such as the Enemy Way, the Blessing Way, the Flint Way and the Mountain Top Way to cure illness and to help them surmount the problems of life on earth (Waters 248-249). From the Navajo point of view, as Frank Waters puts it, ?religion is the way of life? (Waters 396)."
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