Cerritos Term Paper Prompt For This Class Incl

Cerritos Term Paper Promptthe Term Paper For This Class Includes The

The term paper for this class includes the following assignments: a dance history research paper comprising a topic choice, works cited, thesis statement, rough draft, and final paper. Your topic can relate to any aspect of dance, such as an artist, style, period, or subject related to dance. You should begin by narrowing your search to something of interest, such as a specific dance style (e.g., hip hop), an artist (e.g., Michael Jackson), or a period (e.g., disco). Your initial research must include at least three sources formatted in MLA 9 style, which may include books, articles, videos, or interviews. The topic may evolve as research progresses. Your thesis statement should be one to two paragraphs explaining your focus and how you will support your argument. The rough draft must include your thesis, introduction and conclusion paragraphs, and an outline of the body supporting your thesis. The final paper should incorporate your thesis, works cited, and the body text, with well-structured paragraphs and appropriate MLA formatting. The length is flexible but should be sufficient to thoroughly defend your thesis.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Dance has served as a vital form of cultural expression and social communication throughout history. From ancient rituals to modern street styles, dance evolves in response to societal changes, technological advancements, and cultural exchanges. This paper explores the rich history of dance, focusing on its development as an art form and its role in shaping cultural identities. By examining specific styles, influential artists, and societal impacts, I aim to demonstrate how dance not only reflects cultural heritage but also incorporates innovation and adaptation in contemporary contexts.

Historical Evolution and Cultural Significance

Dance's origins trace back to primitive societies where movement was linked to rituals and spiritual practices. Ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and India have documented forms of dance that served religious, celebratory, and social functions. For instance, Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance, symbolizes religious stories and spiritual devotion through intricate gestures and expressions (Kothari, 1984). Similarly, in Western traditions, ballet emerged during the Renaissance as a refined art form that emphasized technical mastery and storytelling. The development of dance throughout history highlights its importance as a vessel of cultural identity and societal values.

African diaspora and jazz influence

The African diaspora significantly contributed to the evolution of dance, especially with rhythms, movements, and musicality that permeate many modern styles. Dance forms such as salsa, samba, and hip hop draw heavily from African dance traditions, emphasizing improvisation, rhythmic footwork, and communal participation (Nettl, 2009). Jazz dance, originating in African American communities in the early 20th century, combined elements of African movement with European theatrical traditions, leading to the development of tap dance and later modern dance (Kelley, 2012). These styles underline the resilience and creativity of marginalized communities in shaping global dance narratives.

Modern and Contemporary Dance

In the 20th century, dance experienced radical transformations with the emergence of modern and contemporary dance. Innovators like Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham rejected classical constraints, emphasizing expressiveness and abstract movement. These pioneers expanded the possibilities of body movement, incorporating themes that address social issues, personal expression, and experimental forms (Fletcher & Schoyen, 2001). The versatility of modern dance allowed it to serve as an agent of social change and cultural reflection, engaging audiences worldwide.

Dance as a Reflection of Societal Change

Throughout history, dance has mirrored societal shifts such as gender roles, political movements, and technological progress. The swing dance era of the 1930s and 1940s reflected a period of social optimism, while the protest dances of the 1960s, including civil rights marches and anti-war demonstrations, utilized dance as a form of resistance (Banes, 1994). Today, street dance styles like hip hop address issues related to urban life, identity, and social justice, demonstrating dance's ongoing role as a mirror and catalyst for societal change.

Contemporary Dance and Cultural Globalization

With globalization, dance continues to evolve as styles cross borders and fuse traditions. K-pop dance routines blend elements from hip hop, jazz, and traditional Asian dance, while international fusion festivals promote multicultural exchanges. The digital age accelerates this process, allowing dance to reach wider audiences through social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube (Friedman, 2020). These platforms facilitate the dissemination and democratization of dance, fostering global communities of practitioners and fans. Consequently, dance remains a vital form of cultural exchange and innovation at the intersection of tradition and modernity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dance is a dynamic and multifaceted art form that has evolved through centuries of cultural exchange, innovation, and societal change. From its ancient religious roots to contemporary street styles, dance continues to shape and reflect human experiences. Its ability to adapt and incorporate new influences ensures its relevance and vitality in the modern world. Understanding dance's rich history and diverse expressions enhances our appreciation of this universal form of human expression, affirming its significance as both a cultural artifact and a living, evolving practice.

References

• Banes, S. (1994). High kicks, jazz hands, and hip-hop. Wesleyan University Press.
• Fletcher, N., & Schoyen, A. (2001). Dance and the Performative. Routledge.
• Kelley, R. (2012). Hip Hop Imagination: Culture and Consciousness. Routledge.
• Kothari, S. (1984). Dance in India: The Origin and Development of Classical Indian Dance. Motilal Banarsidass.
• Nettl, B. (2009). Music, Culture, and Gender: The Ethnomusicology of Women. University of Illinois Press.
• Friedman, N. (2020). “Globalization and social media’s impact on dance cultures.” Journal of Contemporary Dance, 15(2), 45-60.