Abstract In this article, the writer looks at the PhiladelphiaDance 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 PhiladelphiaDance 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."
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 PhiladelphiaTheater Company. The writer concludes that the PhiladelphiaTheater 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."
Abstract The paper relates that during the Renaissance period, dance acquired a great importance both as a social practice and as an emerging art in the form of ballet. The paper relates that this period is very important in the history of dance because it marked the beginning of women's participation in dancing activities. The paper notes that the choreography of the various types of dances reflected the main ethical principles of the Renaissance society and thus transformed dancing from a merely physical exercise to an artistic practice that was highly educative.
From the Paper "During the Renaissance period, dance acquired a great importance both as a social practice and as an emerging art, in the form of ballet. The main dance treatises that appeared during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries by music masters such as Guglielmo Ebreo of Pesaro, Thoinot Arbeau and Fabritio Caroso contained descriptions of the types of social dances and ballets with their respective choreographies, drawings, musical excerpts and dance tablatures. Such treatises like Ebreo of Pesaro's On the Practice or Art of Dancing or Arbeau's Orchesographie are not only guiding manuals for dancing, but also good documentary sources for the ethics, aesthetics and social etiquette specific to the sixteenth century."
Tags: choreography, ballet, social, etiquette, ethics, theaters, art
Abstract This paper discusses the role of ancient Greek drama in Greek society. The paper explains the stage styles, how actors performed and the main types of plays performed in ancient Greek theater. The author discusses tragedies, comedies and a special form of theater called "dithyramb," which was sung by a large chorus. The paper goes on to discuss the importance of the elements of prose, lyrics and dancing in the ancient Greek drama. The paper then goes on to discuss some of ancient Greece's foremost playwrights, as well as theories about the origins of drama.
From the Paper "The word 'Drama' as such has originated from the Greek words that mean 'to do', or 'to act'. When a story is acted out, it becomes a 'play', and this was the medium used by the ancient Greeks to act out their stories, which were either humorous and were about funny situations in their everyday lives, or they would be great tragedies, which would act out some important episode or period of their lives at the time. The speech and actions of the play would therefore, recreate human lives and its flow. It can be stated that ancient Greece was in fact the real birthplace of the future 'drama' of the Western world. In Greece, these plays or dramas were presented on stage twice a year, in honor of the God Dionysius, and there would be choruses made up of men who would be dressed up in goatskins, and who were meant to represent 'satyrs' or those mythical creatures who were partly goat, and partly man."
Abstract This paper looks at the Philadelphia Charter School as a model of a professional service organization. The writer discusses the history of charter schools in Philadelphia and looks specifically at two of the schools. Further, the writer shows that comparisons to professional services include educational philosophy to business model, with flexibility on some issues but focused clear invariable goals when it comes to others and student as client.
From the Paper "Charter schools are relatively new to the American education system, the majority of the having been created since the early 1990s to meet the needs of these failing school systems. A charter school has been defined as "'an independent public school of choice, freed from rules but accountable for results.'" These schools allow educators to combine the best worlds of public and private schools, and are especially beneficial in urban areas. This paper examines the history and functionality of the role of the charter school in Philadelphia, PA, and discusses the ways in which these organizations can be considered a professional service organizations by the students and community that surround them. Philadelphia began creating charter schools ... "
Abstract This paper examines Catherine Bowen's 1966 book "Miracle at Philadelphia", a well received text that looks at the 1787 American constitutional convention. Among other things, it examines in brief the factors that allowed for the constitutional establishment of a single executive as well as the establishment of a bicameral legislative system. It also looks at what the founding fathers meant by federalism and why they chose a republican form of government over a more purely democratic one.
From the Paper "The following paper will review Catherine Bowen's Miracle at Philadelphia. In particular, the paper will why the founding fathers created the constitution, the manner in which they did so and how they saw the people of the United States. In examining all of the above, the paper will review why America has a federal system and how our early leaders defined federalism; what function was/is served by the bi-cameral legislative system or single executive authority; what design lay behind creating a government with legislative, executive and judicial branches; why it is that America is a republic and not a democracy; why American leaders had cause to fear the original constitutional document; and, lastly, what the American constitution says about the nature of government and about the nature of human beings. "
The history and development of the architecture of the Roman theater building. An in-depth look at how the ancient Romans borrowed heavily from the Greek example, but improved upon it to create a building that was uniquely Roman.
Abstract The paper discusses in great detail the evolution of the Roman theater, beginning from the Greek wooden origins to the stone monuments that became iconic with Roman architecture during the Republic and the Empire. A brief history of theater is discussed in the beginning of the paper, with special attention given to the religious implications of how theaters were originally set up. The importance of the orchestra and "skene" are given historical background, dating back to early Dionysian worship. The layout of the early Greek theaters are discussed, with a complete layout included that describes the circular performance area, the seating arrangements, background adjustments and a rudimentary stage. The rest of the paper deals with how the Romans, eager to take the art of theater from being a religious practice to more of an entertainment value for the masses, incorporated their own unique designs to the Greek theater layout to create a more efficient and clearly Roman design. Heavy attention is give to Vitruvius and his work " De Architectura" which provides a step-by-step process in which Roman theaters were built. Improvements are discussed from eliminating the completely circular stage to a half-circle, as well as creating an official stage that persists in modern theatrical performances. The paper takes each part of the theater and discusses the area extensively in terms of what the Romans did to improve upon or change from the early Greek models.
From the Paper "Ancient Rome's concept of art and architecture was heavily influenced by the cultures that the Romans had conquered, but were in no way identical copies of the art that existed in those subjugated areas. The Romans excelled at taking artistic ideas from other civilizations and molding them into a form that could undoubtedly be identified as uniquely Roman. This technique can easily be seen in practice when one examines the Roman theater building. Roman theaters can be found throughout the area that used to be the Roman Empire, with remnants of theaters all over Europe and the Mediterranean. These theaters have details and building techniques that are exclusive to Roman designs, but when they are viewed in comparison with ancient Greek theaters, one can clearly see where the Romans received their inspiration."
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)"
Abstract This paper examines historically social dancing in the 20th century, also called couple dancing. The paper describes the five different types: Modern Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, and Quickstep, all of which are presently danced the world over both socially as well as in dance sport competitions.
From the Paper "Social dancing was derived from the concept of dancing by a couple, usually a man and a lady, in a closed hand. Coming from the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, these dances gained popularity from the standard ballroom dances with diverse rhythms, tempos, and aesthetics. Although all these aspects changed with the change in the social attitudes, the one thing, which remained common through out the history of dancing, is that of the couple dance or the social dances. (Evans 2001)"
Abstract This paper examines and analyzes Hispanic American theater and drama in the United States today. Prominent theater groups and artists are discussed, and the paper concludes with a discussion of the history and future of Hispanic American Theater.
Abstract The paper discusses the construction of Shakespeare's Globe Theater and its modern reconstruction. The paper explains how, in addition to the theater providing hours of drama, seeing a play at the Globe Theater was a social event where everyone gathered to be entertained. The paper shows how the Globe Theater is a rich part of the world's social, literary and dramatic history.
From the Paper "Of the literary and dramatic icons in the English-speaking world, none is so revered, so respected, and so well known as William Shakespeare. Producing 38 plays and 154 sonnets, The Bard is memorialized through both his drama and poetry, which continues to be read and discussed with fervor in classrooms today. Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon has become the site of many a writer and dramatist's pilgrimage. In fact, the tiny house was once outfitted with windows where famous writers scratched their names, leaving their legacy with Shakespeare as he had left his legacy with them. Visitors to the birthplace today can still see some of the scrawled names on the window panes, which are now located behind protective glass--Charles Dickens and Ralph Waldo Emerson to name just two (Shakespeare Aloud)."
Abstract This paper explains that many dance traditions have originated in India and Indonesia, such as the Bharata Natyam from South India, which had an important historical and cultural influence on the history of India. The author points out that important elements of Hinduism, particularly the figure Nataraja, a form of Shiva, are expressed in Bharata Natyam. The paper relates that this dance, as well as many other religious dances, demonstrate the integral relationship between religious dances and the religious themes that inspire them.
From the Paper "Many dance traditions have originated in India and Indonesia, such as the Bharata Natyam from South India, which had an important historical and cultural influence on the history of India. Important elements of Hinduism, particularly the figure Nataraja, a form of Shiva, are expressed in Bharata Natyam. This dance, as well as many other religious dances, demonstrates the integral relationship between religious dances and the religious themes that inspire them. In terms of specific details of Bharata Natyam, it emerged in southern India and developed over the centuries as a living tradition as generation after generation handed it down from parents to children, and gained ascendancy when the Devadasi system emerged in India."
Abstract This paper is about dance movement therapy as a form of expressive art therapies. The paper focuses on how dance therapy is about the release of emotional trauma or beliefs as well as feelings that have been suppressed, through appropriate movement. There is a brief history of development of dance therapy as well as a personal story about how fears can limit the ability to dance.
From the Paper "The expressive arts offer a multitude of opportunities for the human spirit to achieve balance, freedom, relief and potentially self-actualization. While great emphasis in class has been placed on the spirit of the human condition and spirit of the soul, after a brief discussion about the spirit, this paper will focus on what movement and dance therapy are about, the use of dance therapy as a way of unleashing burdensome emotions and psychological pathology in combinations of the arts and solely using dance and movement as the expressive medium. This paper will also include comments on the generally fear and shame based reasons why individuals might initially shy away from dance and movement therapy."
Abstract This paper takes a look at Islam's view on dance and music. According to the paper, although there are many groups within Islam that profess that music and dancing are forbidden, it is clear that the Qu'ran itself does not explicitly prohibit these activities. The paper goes on to say that several avenues of worship within Islam have developed into the practice of reaching God through dance or music. The paper focuses specifically on the Quwalli and the Mevelevi Order, also known as The Whirling Dervishes.
From the Paper "More intentionally musical is the Sufic tradition of the Quwalli. Quwali means "word," and can be thought of as the physical and auditory manifestation of the divine voice. As with the Quri, the Quwallis use their voice as a tool of worship, but they move into the world of interpretation and individual expression of the words themselves. They can be likened to the Gospel singers of the Western world in this respect, though this may be a misleading comparison since the Sufi practice, from which the Quwalli find their beginnings and roots, is far more steeped in history and tradition and could be considered a more "serious" endeavor. Quwallis use the music of their voices to worship foremost, and to communicate and encourage their listeners to worship with them is a secondary concern."
Abstract This paper discusses the film "Dances With Wolves" in relation to man's inhumanity to man, culture, our attitudes towards other cultures, and the media's portrayal of other cultures through the medium of film.
From the paper:
"The film ?Dances With Wolves? (Costner) looks in detail at the way strangers get to know each other. It is seen from the point of view of John Dunbar, a lieutenant fighting during the American Civil War. We meet the wounded hero in a field hospital just as he is about to have his leg amputated. However, when the doctors leave, he decides to rejoin his regiment, and invites death by riding his horse in a suicidal charge at the enemy lines."
