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30,000 BCE
PALEOLITHIC
Early stage of Stone Age. Derived from Greek words: "palaios" meaning "old" and "lithos" meaning stone. During this time, Neanderthals and Denisovans also existed. Earth was in the Ice Age during most of the Stone Age. Their art consisted of cave paintings and portable art such as figurines. -
10,000 BCE
NEOLITHIC
Last stage of the Stone Age. Cereal farming and animal domestication were introduced. This period is known for its agriculture. Many art pieces that have been found show dances that were performed during this time. -
753 BCE
Ancient Rome and Greece
Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars, the god of war. Built on"The seven hills of Rome." Greek & Egyptian influences in Roman art. Statue of Aphrodite, was the Greek goddess of love, sexuality, & fertility. Sculpted by Praxiteles. Priests did war dances in full armor with a sacred shield in their left hand and a staff in the right hand. Alexander the Great's conquests led to the mix of Greek and Asian styles. Dances were called Apollonian or Dionysian. -
Period: 500 BCE to 1500 BCE
Medieval Era
At first, the church did not approve of dancing but eventually it became part of some religious ceremonies. Among many dances, Carol, Basse Dance, The Egg Dance, and Scottish dance were popular. Costumes depended on your social class. Upper class wore dramatic costumes usually made of silk or expensive material. Circle dance, court dance, line dance, and country dance were the types of dances. Medieval Dance of Death is a painting showing death in a long chain-dance. -
1350
Early Ballet
Ballet began in Italian Renaissance courts then spread to Franch by Catherine de' Medici being married to King Henry II. The first ballet was Ballet de Polonaise in 1573. Costumes were formal gowns. Lasted from mid 1300's then spread to other parts of Europe in 1400/1500's. Began in Florence, Italy. -
Period: to
Baroque Era
Louis XIV played a big role in the development in Baroque dance. Baroque dance has natural movements such as walking, jumping, sliding, and more. Minuet was most popular dance of 18th century. Adapted in 1670 for 120 years. Contredance was less confining and complex. -
Classical Ballet 1801-1900
Formal style of ballet. Known for its aesthetic and difficult technique of pointe work, leg work, and high extensions. Marius Petipa created classical ballet when he combined Romanic ballet and Russian ballet technique. In the 19th century, slavery was abolished in most of Europe and Americas. In 1804, Haiti gained independence from France and in Mexico, the decade long Mexican War of Independence ended in 1821. In 1830, Green was the first country to leave the Ottoman Empire. -
Romantic Ballet
Was a reaction against Ancient Greece and Roman influence. Began with The Ballet of the Nuns and followed by La Sylphide. Swan Lake and The Nutcracker were considered romantic ballets. Costumes show local or national colors, technique is focused, and a supernatural element is usually projected. Lasted from 1831 to late 1890's/ -
Origins of hip-hop, jazz, musical theater & tap
Hip-hop - early 1970s in Brox. Historical and social roots to Africa
Jazz - 1920s in US and Europe. "Roaring Twenties" with prohibition, speakeasies, flappers, and music made Jazz mainstream. Eugene Louis Faccuito "Luigi" was an American Jazz Dancer. Can be traced to African ritual
Musical Theater & Tap- In ancient Greece in the 1700s. "The Sound of Music" "West Side Story" -
Neoclassical Ballet
Neoclassical was created by dancers, Ballet Russes, and choreographers separating themselves from Romantic Ballet and brought back much more simple style such as Classical. George Balanchine represents this style and is well-known for its modern/classical and clean aesthetic. It was simple and sophisticated with sleek and modern choreography. In 1920 the 19th amendment was passed so any gender can vote regardless of sex. -
Modern Dance
Born in the 20th century in America. Focused on dancer's own personal style then structured steps. Loie Fuller, Isadora Duncan ("founding mother"), Ruth St. Denis, and Ted Shawn are considered pioneers of modern dance in America. Ragtime and jazz were also popular dances in the 20th century. Famous ballet dancers of the 20th century included Vaslav Nijinsky, Anna Pavlova, and Galina Ulanova. The 20th century was when The Holocaust occurred, World War I (1914-1918), and World War II. -
Classic Moderns
The expressive style of dance challenges the "rules" of ballet. Examples: Acro, Ballet, Ballroom, Latin dances, Belly, Breaking, Contemporary, Jazz, and plenty more. Originated in Europe and America at the end of the 19th century. -
JAZZ
Started as a social dance. The movements and rhythms are brought from African Culture. Louis Armstrong is considered to be “father” of Jazz technique and dance. He is from New Orleans where Jazz was known to have began. Mix of classical ballet and modern dance. This was around the time that WW1 ended. -
Contemporary Moderns
Developed around the time of the Korean War and when the U.S. Supreme court declared racial segregation is unconstitutional. Utilizes strong & controlled leg work of ballet and emphasis on the torso. Incorporates elements from African dance like bent knees and movements from Japanese contemporary dance, Butoh. The choreographer decided if the piece would be abstract or narrative. Popular in the United States and Europe. Compared to modern dance, it contains fewer rules and explores the unknown. -
Postmodern and Transitional Modern Dance
postmodern became popular in 1960. It was created to advocate for eccentric methods of dance composition. It advocated that anyone could dance regardless of skill level. Transitional dance is the blend of these dance. They have similarities like focusing on clean movements, but post moderns have a more natural form while still being clean. 1960 was the start of the women's rights movement aka women's liberation movement led by Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, and Audre Lorde, just to name a few -
Hiphop
Born in 1970s. DJ KOOL HERC hosted the first hip-hop party in Bronx, NY. Hip hop culture is breaking, dj’ing, and graffiti. Inspired by African dance movements and freestyle moments to create this art. West coast took the east coast hip hop style and made it it’s own.
