Dance Commons^™

Make 'Em Laugh: Examining The Role Of Humor In Dance, Jordan Jones

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

As a dancer, choreographer, and naturally sarcastic person, humor has always been a tool that I recognize and appreciate. I was specifically drawn to the role of humor in dance choreography and performance when I was responsible for creating my own dance works, and I realized the complexity behind making even the simplest joke in dance. This thesis explores humor, from its biological and psychological origins in our brains, to an evaluation of what constitutes “humor” (in past and present American society), to a discussion on how to create humor within dance using the traditionally defined elements of choreography. Contained …

Ua68/1/2 Potter College Of Arts & Letters Dean, Assistant Deans, Committees Events, Wku Archives

WKU Archives Collection Inventories

Records created by the Potter College of Arts & Letters Dean's Office regarding events, performances, series, conferences, and lectures sponsored or produced by Potter College for faculty, staff, students and general public.

Includes records related to the Cultural Enhancement Committee, Fine Arts Festival, Faculty Lecture Series, Visual & Performing Arts and Kentucky Heritage Project.

[Sabbatical Report], Clifton Brown

Sabbatical Reports

My sabbatical research took place in Seville, Spain studying the art of Flamenco dancing. Flamenco is a Spanish folk dance filled with vigorous and passionate movements that has a unique tradition.

Rhythm Of My Sole, Jessica Williams

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Tap dancing was one of the first dance forms created here in America. It is a perfect representation of the mosaic that is America because tap dancing is the fusion of dances brought to this country by slaves and immigrants. This fusion has been passed down from generation to generation and evolves every day. When it was created, it was used in celebrations; later it was used in musicals and variety shows to entertain; now it stands on its own in concert setting and conveys stories, shows emotions, and still entertains.

I have created four tap dances; each is different …

The Production Of Choreography Influenced By Works Of George Balanchine, Tiffany Guy

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

One of the most renowned Ballet Masters in the history of dance is George Balanchine. By studying his works and feedback from his dancers, my goal is to gain enough information to develop a two to three minute choreographed work of my own, incorporating the influence of Balanchine’s style and design. In my research, I will be examining his history and the interviews of Balanchine-influenced dancers, reflecting on personal experiences, and dissecting his choreography and elements of my own work in creating my final choreography. Within my piece, I will be manipulating various uses of rhythms, implementing Balanchine-style movements, and …

Ua68/17/1 Potter College Of Arts & Letters Theatre & Dance Publications, Wku Archives

WKU Archives Collection Inventories

Publications created by the department of Theatre & Dance including theatrical posters and programs, a newsletter, brochures, and more.

Cates, Steve Dixon, B. 1940 (Fa 526), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 526. Correspondence, programs, newsletters, and other materials collected by Steven Dixon Cates relating to Sarah Gertrude Knott and the National Folk Festival Association. Included is his correspondence about his involvement with a variety of folk festivals and program materials from several National Folk Festivals.

Forum Theatre Empowering Students To Speak, Act, And Know, Kaitlen M. Osburn

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

During the political turmoil of 1960s Brazil, theatre artist Augusto Boal created a new form of theatre to fight back against the oppressive government. Theatre of the Oppressed has now spread to almost every country in the world and has empowered many spect-actors (Boal‘s term for audience-turned-actors) to resist oppression. Boal‘s seminal text Theatre of the Oppressed opened the door to future expansions of Theatre of the Oppressed that combine drama therapy and politics with an already powerful arsenal of techniques. Combining this innovative methodology with education, I facilitated two Forum Theatre workshops at Warren Central High School and Warren …

The Changes In Irish Dance Since Riverdance, Angelika Masero

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

During the past 15 years, traditional Irish step dance experienced dramatic changes. As a traditional dance form, Irish step dance lends itself to and is dependent upon innovation and change; it is a living and flexible art form, and thus, change is expected and necessary to keep it novel, fresh and progressive. However, its “traditional” signature is now a focus of debate as its “modern” signature gets explored and as traditional Irish dance scholars study the impact touring Irish dance shows have caused. The seven-minute interval act Riverdance during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest ignited the debate. Moreover, the rate …

Martin, Meredith (Fa 454), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid for Folklife Archives Project 454. Transcripts of four telephone interviews conducted with dance educator and choreographer Forrest W. Coggan by Meredith Martin, a graduate student in Western Kentucky University's Folk Studies Department.

Interviews With Forrest Winston Coggan (Fa 454), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Oral Histories

Transcripts of four interviews (Click on "Additional Files" below) with Forrest Winston Coggan, dance educator and choreographer. The telephone interviews were conducted in 2006-2007 by Meredith Martin, a graduate student in Western Kentucky University's Folk Studies Department.

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.

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.

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. …

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 …

Ua3/9/4 Scrapbook Viii, Part 1, Wku President's Office - Downing

WKU Administration Documents

Scrapbook regarding WKU administration, history, faculty, staff and students for period August 1976 through August 1977 compiled by the president's office.

Ua68/9/1 Antony & Cleopatra, David Gibson, Wku Music, Iota Mu

Student Organizations

Program for David Gibson's student production of Antony & Cleopatra. The production was commissioned by the Iota Mu chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.

Ua68/1/2/2 Fine Arts Festival, Wku Potter College Of Arts & Letters

WKU Administration Documents

WKU Fine Arts Festival brochure listing events for the 1975-76 school year. Includes information about Eugene Fodor, the New Shakespeare Company, the Multigravitational Experiment Group, Emlyn Williams, the Prague Madrigal Antigua, the Pittsburgh Symphony Chamber Orchestra, the City Center Acting Company and Garrick Ohlsson. It also gives a list of exhibitions, films and theatrical productions to be presented through the year.

Ua68/1/2/2 Fine Arts Festival, Wku Potter College Of Arts & Letters

WKU Administration Documents

Scrapbook documenting the first WKU Fine Arts Festival which commemorating the opening of the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center. Includes clippings and event programs.

Ua37/23 Whas Broadcast No. 20, Whas, Western Kentucky University, Earl Moore

WKU Administration Documents

Script for weekly WKU broadcast on WHAS radio. This show included Earl Moore, Gordon Wilson and demonstrations of folk songs.

Ua1b1 11th All Star Concert Series, Western Kentucky University

WKU Administration Documents

Advertisement for the 11th all star concert series hosted by WKU in 1929-1930. Features singers, musicians and lecturers:

• Estelle Gray-Llevinne
• United States Army Band
• Berger-Steindel-Aster Trio
• Gloria Randolph
• Smallman a Capella Choir
• Ratan Devi
• Chandra Dharma Sena Gooneratne
• Henri Scott
• Charles Boggs
• Melvena Passmore
• Festival Opera Company
• Howard Carman
• William Phillips
• Rhys Morgan