World Dance Studies (IB)

Dance

"An expressive medium for people of all languages and cultural backgrounds, involving structured movement and gestures."

Expressive Movement

"Movement in dance that conveys emotions, stories, and cultural identities."

Cultural Heritage

"The traditions, beliefs, and customs passed down through generations within a community."

Folk Dance

"Dance forms rooted in specific geographical or ethnic cultures, often used to convey cultural tales and social gatherings."

Classical Dance

"Highly structured dance forms like ballet and Kathak, emphasizing technical accuracy and storytelling."

Contemporary Dance

"A modern dance form that prioritizes movement over narrative, often exploring abstract concepts."

Ritualistic Dance

"Dances performed as part of rituals, ceremonies, or spiritual practices within indigenous cultures."

Symbolic Meaning

"The deeper meanings and cultural significance conveyed through gestures, movements, and clothing in dance."

Choreography

"The deliberate arrangement of movements, space, time, and energy in dance."

Abstract Choreography

"Choreography that focuses on movement itself rather than narrative or emotional expression."

Ballet

"A classical dance form characterized by grace, precision, and storytelling through movement."

Kathak

"An Indian classical dance form known for intricate footwork, gestures (mudras), and storytelling (abhinaya)."

Hula

"A Hawaiian dance form incorporating chants (oli) and motions (hula 'auana and hula kahiko) to convey history and mythology."

Flamenco

"A passionate Spanish dance form originating from the Roma (Gypsy) communities of Andalusia, known for its emotional expression and footwork."

Mudras

"Hand gestures used in Indian classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam to convey specific meanings and emotions."

Kabuki

"A traditional Japanese dance form featuring elaborate costumes (kimonos) and dramatic gestures (mie) to depict historical and supernatural stories."

Indigenous Dance

"Traditional dances of indigenous peoples, often combining movement, music, and storytelling to preserve cultural heritage."

Choreographic Elements

"The components of choreography including movements, spatial arrangements, timing, and energy dynamics."

Turnout

"In ballet, the rotation of the legs from the hips, essential for achieving technical precision in movements."

Indian Classical Dance

"Traditional dance forms of India such as Bharatanatyam, characterized by intricate footwork and expressive facial gestures (bhavas)."

Globalization

"The process of blending dance styles and cultural exchange, leading to the creation of new hybrid forms."

Bollywood Dance

"A fusion dance form combining traditional Indian dance with Western influences like jazz and hip-hop, popularized in Indian cinema."

Social Justice

"Using dance as a platform to address and advocate for equality, human rights, and societal issues."

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

"A modern dance company exploring African American cultural traditions and social issues through choreography."

Cultural Identity

"The identity formed through shared cultural traditions, values, and experiences, often expressed through dance."

Corroboree

a spiritual ritual and storytelling tradition in Indigenous Australian communities, connecting people with ancestral lands and stories."

Civil Rights Movement

"The African American dance contributions during the movement, including expressive gestures and spiritual themes to inspire social change."

Participant Observation

"An ethnographic research method involving direct involvement in dance practices to understand cultural contexts."

Ethnographic Research

"Research methods like participant observation and interviews used to study dance's cultural importance and societal contexts."

Akram Khan

"A choreographer blending Kathak with contemporary dance styles to explore themes of migration and cultural identity."

Maasai Jumping Dance

"An essential dance in Maasai culture in Kenya, performed during celebrations and ceremonies, characterized by high jumps."

Adowa Dance

"A traditional dance from Ghana performed at important events to honor ancestors and mark rites of passage."

Irish Step Dance

"A traditional Irish dance form emphasizing rhythmic footwork and posture, often reflecting regional influences."

Merce Cunningham

"A contemporary choreographer known for abstract choreography that focuses on movement for its own sake."

Xenos

"A choreographic work by Akram Khan blending Kathak and contemporary dance styles to explore themes of displacement and identity."

Appalachian Spring

"A choreographic masterpiece by Martha Graham combining dance, music, and abstract movement to depict American frontier spirit."

Inuit Blanket Toss

"An Inuit tradition from Canada's Arctic involving acrobatic moves, group singing, and drumming to symbolize cooperation and resilience."

Bhavas

"In Indian classical dance, the facial expressions used to convey emotions and narratives.

Mie

"In Kabuki theater, exaggerated poses and facial expressions used to highlight key moments and emotions in the performance."

Natya Shastra

"An ancient Indian text on performing arts, including dance, drama, and music, guiding Bharatanatyam and other classical dance forms."