Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
dance, cultural information, cultural dances, Hungary, Israel, Ukraine, Ireland
College
Fine Arts and Communications
Department
Dance
Abstract
Dance is often overlooked in the United States as a valid medium through which other cultures can be identified, classified, and understood. As dance is not an integral part of life in the United States, many people forget (or never knew) that dance is a cultural element sometimes as integrated into daily life as eating, sleeping, or working. Because of its unique blend of various arts it can be utilized as a potent tool for understanding cultures from different times and places. Cultural dances can help us see a different view of the world through costuming, choice of dance music, occasions for dancing, way of moving, and use of the dance. A trained dance ethnographer can tell a great deal about a culture’s history, political and social structure, occupational opportunities, religion, and family life simply by studying that culture’s dances.
Recommended Citation
Shelley, Bryce R. and Davis, Susanne
(2013)
"Dance-Focused Cultural Information Database,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 2229.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2229