Dance Commons^™

The Uses And Gratifications Of Dance Reality Television Shows, Heather M. Yuille

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Uses and Gratifications of Dance Reality Shows

Competition based dance reality shows are a sub-category under the reality television show genre. One way to add to the growing body of research about reality television shows is to study each sub-category individually in terms of uses and gratifications theory. Therefore this research looked into the reasons why people watch dance reality shows. Since dance is an art form that has deep historic roots, has experienced highs and lows in terms of public perception and has experienced a strong resurgence recently within the realm of reality television, it proves to be …

Dancing The Numinous: Sacred And Spiritual Techniques Of Contemporary American Belly Dancers, Jeana Jorgensen

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

In this paper, I explore how contemporary American practitioners of belly dance (as Middle Eastern dance and its many varieties are often called in the English-speaking world) conceptualize not only the spiritual dimensions of their dance, but also how the very notion of performance affects sacred and spiritual dance practices. Drawing on interviews with this community, I describe the techniques of sacred and spiritual belly dancers, how these dancers theorize performance, and how the conflicts inherent to patriarchal mind-body dualism are resolved in these practices. My purpose here is twofold: to document an emergent dance tradition and to analyze its …

Unpacking EugèNe Giraudet’S Library: Dance, Books, And International Relations In Fin-De-SièCle Paris, Dominique Bourassa

Library Staff Publications

Eugène Giraudet (1861-19?) was an exceptionally prolific and influential Parisian dance teacher, choreographer, author, and bibliophile. His library catalog, published in his 1900 Traité de la danse, Tome II, Grammaire de la danse et du bon ton, is more than a simple record of the books he owned. It also serves as a wish list and a directory of prominent dance personalities. As a whole, it presents an unparalleled conspectus of dance teaching, book collecting, business, and international networks radiating from a major metropolis—the historical urban center of the dance world—in the late-nineteenth century.

She Wears The Masks: Bluefacing In Nilaja Sun's Black And Blue And La Nubia Latina, Patricia Herrera

Theatre and Dance Faculty Publications

This article examines how Nilaja Sun explicitly employs the minstrelsy traditions of blackface to push the conceptual limits of racial identity, and expand the nodes of intersection within diasporic identities. The act of bluing up, as opposed to blacking up, is Sun's way of provoking her audience to think more expansively about the performance of racialized identity outside of black and Latino paradigms, and toward a more complicated and not-clearly discernible Afro-Latino hybrid subjectivity. Sun uses what I call bluefacing, a performance tactic that magnifies the constrictive and monolithic perceptions of blackness and Latinidad as a means of generating …

Living Culture Embodied: Constructing Meaning In The Contra Dance Community, Kathryn E. Young

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In light of both the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and the efforts of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage in producing the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, it has become clear that work with intangible cultural heritage in museums necessitates staff to carry out ethnographic fieldwork among heritage communities. In order to illustrate this methodology, an ethnographic study was conducted in the Denver contra dance community to better explore conceptions of value and meaning related to the community by its members. Further, the contra dance findings point to certain issues related to defining …

Women & Language: Essays On Gendered Communication Across Media, Melissa R. Ames

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

The present volume of essays examines women's communication as it has evolved historically across multiple mediums. Part I explores how women became "gossip girls" and the important role of gossip in the perception and practice of female communication. Essays in Part II cover the convergence of oral and written communication in women's literature. Gendered performance in such arenas as salsa dance, Dr. Phil and the Internet is examined in Part III, and essays in Part IV discuss women's communication in the technology-rich 21st century. This excerpt features the introduction and one essay from the co-editor.

Women & Language: Essays On Gendered Communication Across Media, Melissa R. Ames

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

The present volume of essays examines women's communication as it has evolved historically across multiple mediums. Part I explores how women became "gossip girls" and the important role of gossip in the perception and practice of female communication. Essays in Part II cover the convergence of oral and written communication in women's literature. Gendered performance in such arenas as salsa dance, Dr. Phil and the Internet is examined in Part III, and essays in Part IV discuss women's communication in the technology-rich 21st century. This excerpt features the introduction and one essay from the co-editor.

Dancing Power: Examining Identity Through Native American Powwow, Kresta-Leigh Opperman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study considers how inter-tribal Indian identity formed though historic circumstances and how it is negotiated and maintained by contemporary Native Americans. Specifically, it considers identity formation and negotiation through the inter-tribal dance event, powwow. Further, it considers how and if men and women participate in this identity formation and negotiation differently. Finally, it considers how this identity is useful for urban Indian populations living outside of tribal lands and who, in some cases, have little involvement in more traditional, or tribal, settings.

Shake It: A Study Of Traditional Dance And Drumming In Tanzania With The African Traditional Dance Group, Megan Browning

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study was conducted from April 11th 2009 to May 1st 2009 about Tanzanian traditional dance and drumming focusing specifically on the African Traditional Dance Group, ATDG, a well-established group in Arusha, Tanzania. The study aimed to gain perspectives on the role of traditional dance and drumming in Tanzania and how it is changing today in the face of westernization and globalization, and additionally to learn more about the personal histories of the artists in ATDG. Methods included participant observation, in the form of dance and drumming lessons and participation in group rehearsals, a semi-structured key informant interview, and semi-structured …

Architects Of The Identity Of Dance: Gender Inequity In Achievement And Acknowledgment In Australian Contemporary Dance, Quindell Orton

Theses : Honours

Evidence suggests that males receive more opportunities, awards and dominate the dance scene in terms of artistic directorship of high visibility, large budget contemporary dance companies within Australia. This research investigates why and how males have come to be the architects of the identity of dance and the factors which may inhibit a counterpart female's likelihood of assuming the same role. Much of this paper deals with constructing hypotheses for how gender disparities in contemporary dance may have come about. In order to devise informed hypotheses, I have gathered data on government funding and national dance awards. In addition interviews …

The Relationship Between Working Memory Capacity And Movement Memory Of Dancers, Katrina Louise Muller-Townsend

Theses : Honours

Working memory capacity span tasks are suggested to predict complex cognitive behaviour across varied domains (Conway et al., 2005). However, it has been criticised that expert skills are highly situational and domain specific (Marteniuk, 1974). The current research aimed to investigate whether general memory span was related to movement span, and furthermore, whether this can predict dance learning. It was expected that memory for movement would be positively correlated with measures of working memory, due to the specific components of working memory, such as the capacity of the phonological loop. Furthermore, it was expected on the basis of previous research …

Energy And Symmetry In Language And Yoga, Sally Hess, Donna Jo Napoli

Linguistics Faculty Works

The structures of syllables and of yoga poses are compared. Syllables are tripartite, with sound segments rising in sonority (acoustic energy) to a peak, then falling. Likewise, asanas are tripartite, with symmetrical movements flanking the sustaining, vital energy peak. In both entities, then, symmetric structure flanks energy peaks. This organization is not a physical necessity, but a cognitive preference.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 83, No. 24, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news.

Roma In Vojvodina: Expressions Of Cultural Identity Through Performance, Jane Kaufman

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This paper begins to cover some of the ways Roma cultural identity is expressed through performance in Vojvodina. The way Roma music and dance is seen in Vojvodina is highly influenced by the “circus” image and very little scholarly writing on Roma folklore exists to challenge this image. Roma musicians in rap/hip-hop groups incorporate elements of Roma traditional music and Roma language into rap/hip-hop to confront this stereotype and in performance these influences can interact, challenging stereotypes and revealing current values and traditions.

Belly Dance As A Means Of Dance Therapy For Survivors Of Sexual Assault, Nadia De Leon

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

No abstract provided.

Whether It’S Coins, Fringe, Or Just Stuff That’S Sparkly': Aesthetics And Utility In A Tribal Fusion Belly Dance Troupe’S Costumes, Jeana Jorgensen

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

As both a scholar and a belly dancer, I believe that belly dance is recognizable on aesthetic grounds. In addition to the movements that belly dancers typically perform—muscle isolations, undulations, graceful hand motions and turns, and lots of hip work—belly dancers wear costumes that are visually identifiable as belly dance costumes. While this description may seem tautological, there are recognizable standards both in the public sphere and among dancers for what constitutes the belly dance image—or images, as belly dance is a diverse phenomenon that encompasses teaching, learning, performing, watching, socializing, and costuming.

The Influence Of Genetics And The Environment On Human Personalities, Relationships And Experiences, Patrice Smith

Theses : Honours

It's no mystery that our genetic make-up plays an integral part in the outcome of our lives, but to what extent exactly are our personalities, relationships and experiences pre-determined by this genetic code? There are two forces that contribute to the outcome of these aspects of our lives. Genetics and Environment. The significance of the environment, i.e., our upbringing, lifestyle and the world around us is often emphasized by psychologists as the more dominant force, however our genes are just as, if not more, influential on our lives. My choreographic process is directly in relation to the group of artists …

Time Wounds All Heels: Duncan, Ballet, And Bataille, Joanne Pearson

Reconstruction: Studies in Contemporary Culture

[First paragraph]

Any study of the birth of modern dance draws upon the work of Isadora Duncan and for too long her dance has been placed in opposition to ballet. Even today the contemporary Duncan dancer reifies the image of Duncan as natural, harmonious, unique and rounded [1]. This opposition of free dance versus ballet presents a two-dimensional portrait of past representations of femininity. I aim to re-think Duncan's disdain for the pointe shoe and her belief that barefoot dancing would encourage a liberated movement that would in turn free woman from her disgraceful position in dance and …

Handbook On Eating Disorders For Dance Teachers: A Guide To Understanding Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa And Promoting Proper Nutrition In Young Female Dancers, Jennifer Tena Krogman

Theses Digitization Project

This project discusses the problem of eating disorders in dancers. The development of eating disorders can be attributed to sociocultural development, and psychological factors. Dance places an emphasis on thinness, and the pressure to obtain ideal standards of thinness appear to be particularly salient in the development of eating disorders in dancers.

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 76, No. 52, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. Articles in this issue:

• Moore, Brian. Another Meningitis Case Found on Campus
• Dawes, Jennifer. Boy Riding Bicycle Hit on Normal – Christopher Siegrist
• Walsh, Erica. Student Government Association Election Produces Low Voter Turnout
• Hall, Rex. Alcohol to be Served in Luxury Suites – Diddle Arena
• Training Needed to Avoid Rolling – Vans
• Grady, Brian. Editorial Cartoon – Rolling Vans
• NCAA Stepping on Mid-Major Schools
• Hiles, Tom. Naming Revenue Needed
• Murphy, Sean. Policing the Police
• Corbin, Brett. Concrete Canoe Team Rows to Sixth Regional Win
• Hoang, Mai. Dance Company Debuts …

Ua19/16/5 On-Campus Halftime Program, Wku Athletic Media Relations

WKU Administration Documents

On-Campus Halftime Program featuring Mary Small co-director of the Topperettes dance team interviewed by Todd Gibbs.

Ua68/17/1 Newsletter, Wku Theatre & Dance

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by WKU Theatre & Dance regarding activities and upcoming events. This issue includes information regarding homecoming, dinner theatre, Theatre 100 renovation and updates on students and alumni.

Ua12/2/2 Talisman: Image In The Making, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

1989 Talisman yearbook.

• Image in the Making
• Student Life
• Black, Samuel. Do the Party a Favor – Ronald Reagan
• Carmack, Jody. One In a Million – Kentucky Lottery
• Adams, Jeanie. It’s An Uphill Battle – Cary White, Handicapped Persons
• Devaney, Mike & Jody Carmack. Coming to America – Mike Devaney, International Students, Soccer
• Hadley, Kim. Higher Education – Churches, Religion
• Black, Samuel. Better Late Than Never – Greg Frasier, Cycling
• Burton, Marsha. Geared for Speed – Lynn Ellison, Drag Racing
• Hadley, Kim. The Church Service – Concerts
• Black, Sam. Making Moo-La – Spring Female Sale, Cattle, Kentucky Charolais Association
• Image …

Ua12/2/2 Talisman: A Season Of Hope Part 1, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

1983 Talisman yearbook pp. 1-193

• A Season of Hope Wright, Sharon. Multi-faceted Beauty
• Sandman, Ellen. Music of the Highlands – Skip Cleavinger, Bagpipes
• Cornett, Susanna. Fashion Forum
• Cornett, Susanna. Tradition & Trends Are Seen in Faculty Dress
• Grace, Lee. An Attitude of Awareness – Alcohol
• Sawyer, Janet. Double Dilemma – Twins
• Sandman, Ellen. Chance to Charm – Miss Western, Miss Black Western
• Thomas, Laura. Aerobicise
• Campbell, Marsha. Topper Trivia (1)
• Burchett, Lorri. Added Dimension – Concerts, Entertainment
• Lyly, Linda. Fine Arts – Entertainment
• Lyly, Linda. Theater
• Lyly, Linda. Childish Direction – Children’s Theatre
• Sandman, Ellen. Classic Reunion – Homecoming
• Cornett, …

A Sourcebook For The Interpretation Of Traditional Dance By Outdoor Museums & Historic Sites, Jan Alm

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Folklife scholars often produce work which is valuable to outdoor museums and historic sites. Folklife scholars deal with functional, contextual, emic, and interdisciplinary studies--all approaches which produce valuable interpretive data for museums and sites. This thesis is an example of folklife work designed for use in the museum field.

Outdoor museums and historic sites are increasingly involved with the interpretation of social and emotional life. Because it is a social and emotional event, dance can be a valuable part of this interpretation.

Sites and museums developing programs of traditional dance interpretation may find it helpful to follow several steps: 1.) …

They'd Have The Biggest Time You Ever Saw: Square Dances As Settings For Community Social Interaction In Trigg County, Kentucky Ca. 1920-1979, Elizabeth Harzoff

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study focuses upon dance events, those occasions which have as their purpose the convening of persons to square dance or play party games which resemble square dances. Four different forms of these events were identified in Trigg County, Kentucky: neighborhood dances, play-parties, picnics and barbecues and public dances. I have described them from a historical perspective, examining the social interactions that occurred during the events.

The major portion of the information presented was gathered through interviews with current and past residents of this county. The descriptions span the years from the turn of the twentieth century to the 1970s. …

An Experimental Model Using Dance Training As Therapy For Women Over Thirty Five, Thelma J. Lofquist

Dissertations and Theses

The intent of this study was to use an experimental model to investigate the use of dance training for improving the self-esteem of women over the age of 35.

Sixteen women over the age of 35 were taught jazz dance over a 10 week period. A pre and post test of the Tennessee Self Concept Scale was used on both a dance group and a no dance group. It was hypothesized there would be positive changes in three of the 10 scores in the TSCS for the dance group, but not for the no dance group. The scores predicted to …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald Magazine, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

College Heights Herald Magazine, articles in this issue:

• Stevens, Vickie. The Beat Goes on - Disco
• Stinnett, Chuck. Rugby! It Takes Leather Balls
• Buckles, Donna. Bringing in the Leaves – Marijuana

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 52, No. 59, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Frederick, Elise. Dero Downing Still Seriously Objects to Tuition Waiver for Murray State University
• Poet William Matthews to Speak Tomorrow
• Galloway, Amy. Air-Conditioning Failure Alters Campus Activities
• Frederick, Elise. Enriching: Workshoppers’ Talent Developed Through Study – Dance
• Ward, Lesa. Blue Sphere Whirls, Floats Quivers with Inner Energy – Charles Forrester
• Harned, Ginny. Music Department Buys Harpsichord
• Padgett, Don. Dr. Carlton Jackson Outstanding in Research
• Hancock, Mary Beth. Dr. William McMahon Gets Citation for Teaching
• Reeves, Robin. Renovation of College Inn to Begin Next Month
• WKU …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 52, No. 57, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Halicks, Richard. Regents to Decide Transfer Requests of Administrators
• Kuhl, Greg. Dero Downing Questions Murray State University Tuition Break
• Mami, Alfina. Artists Find Sculpture Models in Mirrors
• 3 Dormitories to Stay Open
• Minton, Don. Arson Investigator Begins Probe of Fraternity Fire – Sigma Alpha Epsilon
• Ribar, Richard. Jimmy Buffet Serves Crowd Down-Home Cookin’
• Broadcast Advisory Council to Discuss Broadcasting Plans
• Tuition Break for Murray May Cost Western
• Wildman, Judy. Without Venom or Visor, Editor Survives (Even Enjoys) Term
• Vogt, Christy. Associated Student Government Rewarding Challenge …