The Origins of Modern Dance an Example of the Topic History Essays by

The Origins of Modern Dance by Expert A+ Prof | 26 Dec 2016 Introduction essay Need essay sample on "The Origins of Modern Dance" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed The world witnessed the beginning of revolution in dance in early 20th century where ironclad traditions of classical and ballet techniques were done away with to pave way for innovative and new styles of dance and movement. To this accord, the modern dance would alter the way dance, through movement could express deep feelings and moods and entirely influence tendencies in choreography on international level. This revolution saw choreographers and dancers move away from the code structured ballet style to trends of creative self-expression. The classical and ballet dances were argued to be vulgar, limiting in expression of emotions and imperialistic in nature (Shine 2009). Most modern dancers have become focused more relaxed, free dance style with use of emotions and moods to design their own steps, and drew aspirations from the African and Oriental dances. The incorporation of the variety of body movements and other dance styles saw the birth of modern dance, where most pupils discovered the potential of dance as a vehicle for social change. Among the pioneers of modern dance are Charles Weidman, Doris Humphrey, Martha Graham and Lester Horton who studied in the Denishawn School in Los Angeles. They began developing their own techniques and methodologies for creating and teaching modern dance in New York and California in U.S. In Europe, Francois Delsarte, Mary Wigman, Rudolf von Laban and Emile Jaques-Dalcroze taught movement and expression which led to emergence of European modern and Expressionist dance, which spread beyond Europe (Aloff 2006). Lester Hortons interest in modern dance Lester Horton is among the influential choreographers credited for pioneering the modern dance techniques. After attending the Denishawn School in Los Angeles, he moved to California in 1928 and formed his own company. Lester Horton developed training methods that are accounted to the expanded ballets range of motions and movements and have contributed to the dancers strength, flexibility, coordination and agility in dance movements with freedom. These movements are very vital warm up for graceful dance and help develop pace, reduce muscle fatigue and pivotal for relaxed artistic expression. His approach incorporated perse techniques from the modern Jazz and Native American dances. Horton had passion for dance and was committed to revolutionalizing dance and for this reason he devoted his time and resources in setting up dance schools for teaching interested pupils in the art of dance. Among his pupils are Alvin Ailey, Bella Lewitzky and Carmen de Lavallade, who have been successful in the dance and film industry (Kassing 2007). Through his pupils his technique has been codified, altered, passed on, cherished, and embellished for its innovativeness and the aptitude to shape a fully capable mechanism of movement without leaving the dancer with a discernable style. According to Dinerman (2006), his legacy thrives in the modern dance, fully bodied, construct of spirit, genius and creativity which has set standards and formed an inspiration to some of the most articulate dancers of the twentieth century. Hortons famous works which are well known by the name choreodramas are The beloved, Salome, and Tierra Y Libertad. He will forever live in the hearts of modern dancers for his exceptional skill he bestowed on them. Modern dance influence in the 20th century The twentieth century was of enormous progress for arts and especially dances. Modern dance usually refers to the twentieth century concert dance. The modern dance being new and exciting was received enthusiastically by the youth but the mainstream arts community did not lack criticism to it but later they would fall to its alluring techniques and ease in improvisation. Like other modern arts it came with greater awakening of the consciousness in the society for its role as a means of expression (Aloff 2006). The ballet and classical dances were inadequate in expressing the modern world view which had dramatically changed after the Second World War. The dancers therefore wanted to express changes more holistic and spiritually through the modern dance that was not restrictive coded structure like the ballet. Radical dancers have embraced modern dance as potential agent of change through which they have been able to raise the masses consciousness by dramatizing the ethnic, socio-economic and political issues affecting the society (Chambers 2006). The modern dance has illuminated the concert dance and the musical theatre in the twentieth century. Not only has it seen the increase of theatre goers but also brought fortunes to the dancers in their lives. The film industry has also be quick to incorporate dance in their scripts, bringing new light in the screens which has been a bold move from also the classical movies where everything was supposed to be done via strict rules. With the rise of perse incorporation in the modern dance the film industry has also been keen not to remain rigid and from the influence of the modern dance it has incorporated songs, dance and actions bringing out a more refurbished screen images worth watching again and again. Through modern dance the people have been able to philosophically interpret the world and see it in new perspectives. By incorporating other peoples cultural persity in dance, the dancers have successfully helped the people in a society appreciate one another promoting peace and harmony (Kassing 2007). Dance classes I have attended Dance classes can be fun but requires efforts and commitment as they can be strenuous practices. I have been attending the dance classes for over two months. It has been challenging for me because I am a gentleman aged twenty-four weighing two hundred and fifty pounds and I guess you can image how I am. Although it has been hard considering my body posture, I have tried through zeal and zest and our choreographer has been quite encouraging to our troupe. Our parents tried to shut down the classes but the choreographer made them see the benefits that come with dance classes. Before I had problems facing or conversing with members of the opposite sex but believe me, I have shed off those fears. Dance is about facing and holding your dance partner without fear and your steps tells her where to go which means you should be in charge. The classes have contributed to the raising confidence in me such that I feel free standing close to a lady and conversing freely concerning the dance lessons and our mistakes. I hope I will also feel free talking about any topic! The dance moves have made me gain strength and control in delicate moves without falling which makes me proud of myself, for Ive also lost eight pounds of my weight. Moreover, learning something new has been a plus to my ego as I can show other people something they do not know. On the other hand it has not come that easy. I have been a subject of discussion as not many ladies want to dance with me. It is also disheartening when other people make fun of my body figure which I can do nothing about it. It really hurts! I have been paired with this lady who nobody wants to dance with because she is not that cute. Im starting to like her for she has a kind heart too. Altogether I have learnt to ignore my critics because they only aim to break my heart which Im prepared not to let them succeed. My advice to those of my caliber; heed not to your critics because youll never do something for yourself and spent time looking back to what they criticized. List of references Aloff, M (2006), Dance anecdotes: Stories from the worlds of ballet, Broadway, the ballroom, and the modern dance, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Chambers, C (2006), Continuum companion to twentieth century theatre, Continuum Intl Pub Group. Dinerman, D (2006), Horton Summit, Retrieved June 17, 2009. Kassing, G (2007), History of dance: an interactive arts approach, Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Shine, V (2009), the origins of modern dance, Retrieved June 17, 2009

Supreme Court essays

Supreme Court essays The Supreme Court ruled on June 14, 2004, to keep the phrase, under God, intact in the Pledge of Allegiance. While the eight participating justices had dissenting opinions, all unanimously ruled against the case Matthew Newdow had presented to the court many months ago. The court stated that Newdow did not have a legitimate standing and therefore cannot challenge the Pledge in the high court. This decision, as a result, leaves the original pledge unaltered. Throughout the course of American history, there has always been a power struggle between the government and its people. This conflict is the focus of much debate and it is the basis for our democracy. The aforementioned court ruling created many implications and dilemmas concerning the democratic ideal. The first amendment and the notion about the separation of church and state were both focal points of the heated dispute. Since both are fundamental liberties, they are linked directly with democracy. The national court decision obstructs the advancement of democracy in America because these liberties are violated. The first amendment clearly states the basic freedoms an American citizen has and the freedoms of religion and speech are emphasized in the constitution. Newdow has justifiable cause to present his case to the U.S Supreme Court, the highest court of the land. He personally believed that his undeniable rights as an American citizen were being infringed upon. As a father and an atheist, Newdow strongly advocated the separation of church and state idea and wanted it enforced in his daughters elementary school through the pledge. He was a strong supporter of the first amendment and didnt want the Pledge mandatory to listen to. The decision made by the court really slows down the ideal toward the perfect democracy. Although they left the case open for further prosecution, the high court has greatly stunted the progression...

Spelling Tips Doubling Consonants when Adding a Suffix

Spelling Tips Doubling Consonants when Adding a Suffix Spelling Tips: Doubling Consonants when Adding a Suffix The â€Å"doubling up† rule (also known as the â€Å"1:1:1 rule†) is one of the few rules in English spelling that is correct most of the time. Given how confusing English can be, we find this reliability oddly comforting. Let’s look at how it works. What is the â€Å"Doubling Up† Rule? The â€Å"doubling up† rule states that, when adding a vowel suffix (e.g., â€Å"-ing† or â€Å"-ed†) to a single syllable word that ends with one vowel followed by one consonant, we should double the final consonant. For instance, â€Å"dig† gains an extra â€Å"g† when changed to â€Å"digging.† Additional examples include: Base Word (Single Consonant) With Vowel Suffix (Double Consonant) Star Starring, Starred, Starry Run Running, Runner Big Biggest, Bigger As you can see with â€Å"starry† (i.e., lit by stars) above, â€Å"y† is sometimes treated as a vowel when using this rule. Other words like this include â€Å"sunny,† â€Å"blurry† and â€Å"furry.† The Exceptions The only universal spelling rule in English is that there’s actually no universal spelling rule in English. As such, we need to mention a few exceptions: words that end in â€Å"w,† â€Å"x† or â€Å"y.† These letters aren’t usually doubled in English, so single syllable words that end in a vowel plus â€Å"w,† â€Å"x† or â€Å"y† don’t require doubling the final letter when adding a vowel suffix: Base Word (Single Consonant) With Vowel Suffix (Double Consonant) Play Playing, Player, Played Snow Snowing, Snowiest, Snowed Box Boxing, Boxer, Boxed Multi-Syllable Words Things get a bit trickier with words that are more than one syllable long. Some still require doubling the final consonant when adding a vowel suffix, such as: Base Word (Single Consonant) With Vowel Suffix (Double Consonant) Begin Beginning, Beginner Regret Regretting, Regretted Control Controlling, Controlled, Controller These are generally words where the final syllable is stressed. When the final syllable of a multis include: Base Word (Single Consonant) With Vowel Suffix (Single Consonant) Open Opening, Opened Listen Listening, Listened, Listener Happen Happening, Happened In some cases, whether to double the final consonant depends on the suffix added. â€Å"Prefer,† for example, gains an extra â€Å"r† in â€Å"preferred† or â€Å"preferring.† This is because, in both, the final syllable is stressed. However, no doubling is required in â€Å"preference,† since the final syllable here is unstressed. There are also some words that end in an â€Å"-l† that are conventionally spelled with a single consonant in American English, but take a double consonant in British or Canadian English: Base Word American English (Single Consonant) British/Canadian English (Double Consonant) Travel Traveled, Traveling, Traveler Travelled, Travelling, Traveller Cancel Canceled, Canceling Cancelled, Cancelling Model Modeled, Modeling, Modeler Modelled, Modelling, Modeller As such, it’s important to proofread your work carefully and double check any words that you’re not 100% sure are spelled correctly.

Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 15

Philosophy - Essay Example However, most of these literary writings have vanished, as only some tattered bits are available now. Plato wrote around twenty-three philosophical dialogues, which Socrates had with his followers. Plato’s republic is the most important of such writings, as the same is being investigated philosophically, even in the current materialistic technological age. Plato’s Republic is recorded in Book, numbered 1 to10. This paper will discuss mainly the topic from book one. As per the Plato’s Republic, book one, while discussing on various issues, Socrates poses the question regarding the definition of happiness and justice, to his followers and critics. Socrates is not able to answer this question directly, even when he rejects the others’ views on â€Å"what is justice†.. However, Plato has given a rich and detailed theory of justice as detailed by Socrates, in the books of Republic.(337b) Plato’s Republic details the Socrates views on the issue, which is for the critics also to review. Although, the early dialogues reveals the position of Socrates viewing this on moralistic values, the later dialogues involve theories related to metaphysics, religion and psychology etc..These dialogues recorded in detail in books from 2 to 10 As per Plato’s Republic, its book 1 details about the returning of Socrates and his friend Glaucon, from a religious festival, when they meet young Polemarchus. On the insistence of this young noble, Socrates visits the home of Polemarchus, where the visitors also meet his aging father Cephalous Socrates starts conversation with the old man on the growing age. However, soon the topic of discussion turns to justice. Cephalous is a respected elder man of the region who is rich as well. During such conversation, Cephalous is of the view that justice means meeting one’s obligations and being honest towards others.(330) However, as per the Plato’s version in Republic book 1 and 2, Socrates is not able to agree

Biotic Interactions in Plant Communities presentation Speech or

Biotic Interactions in Plant Communities - Speech or Presentation Example EXTINCTION ESTIMATES MADE IN THE 1990s  Due to Deforestation (Karkee, 2004). Estimate and Method of estimation % Global Loss per decade 10 million sp. Annual Loss 30 million sp. Annual Loss Source 0.2-0.3% annually based on tropical deforestation rate of 1% annually 2-3% 20,000-30,000 60,000-90,000 Wilson (1989, 1993) 2-13% loss between 1990 and 2015 using species area curve and increasing deforestation rates 0.8-5.2% 8,000-52,000 24,000-156,000 Reid (1992) Loss of half the species in the area likely to be deforested by 2015 8.3% 83,000 250,000 Raven (1988) Fitting exponential extinction functions based on IUCN red data books 0.6-5% 6,000-50,000 18,000-150,000 Mace (1994) Colombia and the Amazon Basin is a good example of deforestation and the impacts are evident as per the effects described below. One of the regions that have been greatly influenced by deforestation is the Amazon Basin. Tree felling in the Amazon is much greater compared to any other region of the world. The Amazo n tropical forest, which approximately account for 2,488,642 square miles, lost fifteen percent of its forest cover in1970 alone (Naik, 2010). For example, Brazil, which is a residence to about one-thirds of the tropical forests of the world, has been incurring an average loss of 21,536 square miles of forest cover yearly, over the last few years (Olsen, 2009). Deforestation and the consequences on biodiversity interactions In areas of intense deforestation, there exists alterations in microclimate and change in plant reproduction, biological structure and animal distribution, among many other aspects of the forest. Climate change due to overexploitation of forests and plant communities results into loss of biodiversity both the flora and fauna. Climate change causes rise in temperature and low moisture availability in the affected regions and even spreads out (Eade, 2011). Due to the change in climate, there emerges simultaneous increase in the occurrence of fires which actively de stroy the plant communities. Forests assist to uphold the temperature at a low level and avert it from rising. In the deficiency of forest, the earth surface radiates all the heat that the atmosphere does not absorb but instead hit the earth’s surface. Such heat combined with an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide leads to an increase in the atmospheric temperature (Haldar, 2011). Average species lost compared to deforestation rates (Eade, 2011). Climate change emanates into harsh conditions that can easily results into extinction of some animal and epiphytes community. A good example is the scenario whereby, Mycchorizal fungal interactions between plants and the fungi are affected. These two have a symbiotic relationship. In sustaining base level of supply of food, rain forests depend on the microbe’s action of decaying and rotting. In the event that forest cover is reduced, the fungi have less survival rates since they depend on trees for both habitat and food (Haldar, 2011). The impact of deforestation leads to changes in aquatic systems through excessive evaporations. The salinity level increases and the temperature becomes unbearable hence, habitat of the aquatic flora and fauna compromised. Excessive carbon IV oxide due to deforestation also chokes the flora and fauna that are found in the aquatic ecosystem hence reduction of the species that are not best suited for this environment for example, algae

John Gatto Essay Example for Free

John Gatto Essay John Gatto uses many persuasive techniques to try and convince the reader that the reform of schools is necessary. He begins by including the audience that he is talking to in his ‘speech like’ manner â€Å"I accept this award on behalf of all of the fine teachers I’ve known over the years† this establishes personal contact with the audience and develops an appropriate register, therefore persuading them to agree with any further comments that he makes. To further support this, the writer goes on to suggest that teachers are not the problem, as he sees it, but school as an institution â€Å"although teachers do care and do work very hard, the institution they work in is psychopathic†. The writer uses the present tense throughout the entire article to highlight the immediacy of the situation and convince the reader that reform is needed. Gatto’s use of repetition of words like â€Å"useless† and â€Å"absurd† are used part way through the text in order to not only make a more forceful point, but also to emphasise the way that he feels. By repeating these negatively charged words he is attempting to influence the way reader would feel about education, therefore persuading them that reform is a necessity. He establishes the idea that reform is necessary with use of a rhetorical question â€Å"What can be done?† to not only guide the reader towards a solution but also to indicate that he will be offering a solution that the reader will agree with. Gatto uses the structure of short sentences in order to develop his argument and focus on key points, almost like a list – a way of simplifying his ideas. A single short sentence is further used â€Å" Schools are intended to produce formulaic human beings whose behaviour can be predicted and controlled.† to enhance the writer’s view about schools, therefore strengthening his argument and persuading his readership to agree that reform is wholly necessary. The use of the word ‘intended’ coupled with ‘formulaic, predicted and controlled’ to describe how children are taught further gains support from the audience about the immediacy for educational reform. To conclude, the writer has used this conversational tone throughout the text in order to make the reader feel as if he is speaking directly to them and thus forming a strong connection. He closes the article in an abrupt manner in order to focus the attention of the listener on the solution and uses a respectful close to make the listener feel that they have been a part of this discussion, further persuading them to feel as though they should act upon the cause that the writer is so passionate and emotional about. â€Å"The curriculum of family is at the heart of any good life†¦. Time to return to it. Enough. I’ve said my piece. Thank you.†

Computers and Education :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Computers have both positively and negatively impacted the education field. They have helped teachers keeping a spreadsheet on the students so it is easier to keep their grade average straight. Computers have helped students write reports and gain information from the Internet but there are also negative affects from the computers. Students are able to obtain information from the Internet and use it as their own. Students are also able to purchase reports/papers online and turn them in. By looking at both of these one can see that the computer has impacted the field of education both positively and negatively. For teachers the computer has become an important tool in the classroom. Teachers are now able to keep a running spreadsheet on their student’s grades along with the agenda for the week. No longer do teachers need to calculate the student’s average. All that needs to be done is a simple spreadsheet with the formulas and grades/scores plugged into the cells. This helps the teacher save time so it can be used for more important things such as grading papers and planning new activities. This helps teachers because students are always asking a teacher where they stand and with this the teacher will know as long as all the information is plugged into the cells. By having the agenda on the computer the teacher is able to print it off quickly incase a student loses it. Another way the computer/Internet helps teachers is they can get new lesson plans on line. There are many sight on line that allow teachers to go to get information on activities for subjects and for certain grade levels. They also can go onto chat rooms with other teachers and exchange information. By doing this teaches can talk about what works in their classrooms and what did not. They can tell each other what activities the students liked and what activities that they did not. This helps them get new information and new ideas so the lessons are not the same and they can find variety on what is taught. Students are able to attain research for term papers/reports from the Internet. They are able to get more information on line in less time then it would take to go to the library; look up the books needed and read the books. The Internet allows students to browse through topics in a wide range in a minimal amount of time, by doing this it takes students less time to research and gives them more time to work on papers and projects.