Your Final Exam Assignment Is To Write An Essay Detailing Yo

Your Final Exam Assignment Is To Write An Essay Detailing Your Knowled

Your final exam assignment is to write an essay detailing your knowledge and perception of one dance. Reflect on a dance that you have observed or practiced before you enrolled in this class. Using some of the information studied in the class regarding dance, discuss how your knowledge or perception of the dance has changed since you have participated in this class. You should consider whether the dance is narrative or non-narrative, whether it is improvisational in nature, whether it is a religious dance and if so, what kind. Additionally, determine if the dance is ritualistic, used for healing, or for training warriors. Finally, categorize whether the dance is a court dance, ethnic dance, or social dance. The essay should contain five paragraphs including an introduction and conclusion, with three supporting body paragraphs. It must be formatted in MLA style, with size 12 Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, and double spacing.

Paper For Above instruction

Throughout this essay, I will explore a particular dance that I have observed and practiced prior to my enrollment in this class: the traditional Irish step dance. Initially, my perception of Irish step dance was superficial, seeing it primarily as a lively performance at festivals and celebrations. However, after engaging with the course materials and studying its history, cultural significance, and structure, my understanding has deepened considerably. This essay will examine whether Irish step dance is narrative or non-narrative, improvisational or choreographed, religious or secular, ritualistic, used for healing or training, and its classification as a court, ethnic, or social dance.

The first aspect to consider is whether Irish step dance is narrative or non-narrative. From my initial view, this dance is predominantly non-narrative; it emphasizes rhythm, precision, and technical skill over storytelling. Its focus lies in intricate footwork, maintaining posture, and synchronizing movements with music. However, upon learning about its roots in Irish culture and history, I now understand that while the dance itself does not tell a story through movement, it represents a form of cultural expression that preserves Irish identity. This cultural significance serves as an indirect narrative about resilience and tradition, challenging my earlier perception that dance is solely about entertainment rather than cultural storytelling.

The second point concerns whether Irish step dance is improvisational. My initial assumption was that it was entirely choreographed, given its precise appearance. The course studies and expert performances revealed that while most Irish step dance routines are choreographed, some traditional forms include improvisational elements, especially during informal sessions and social gatherings like céilí dances. These gatherings foster community bonding and allow dancers to showcase personal flair within the structured steps. This nuanced understanding highlights that Irish step dance can blend fixed choreography with improvisation, a realization that reframed my earlier view that traditional folk dances are strictly choreographed or spontaneous, respectively. This hybrid nature emphasizes the dance's adaptability and social function.

Next, I examined whether Irish step dance has religious or ritualistic significance. Initially, I believed it to be merely a secular performance art. However, further research indicated that, apart from modern performances, Irish dance historically had religious connotations, especially during festivals like St. Patrick’s Day, which celebrated Irish Catholic identity. The dance was often performed in religious processions or as part of community festivals, serving as a communal expression of faith and cultural pride. Although contemporary Irish step dance is mostly secular, its roots in religious and ritualistic contexts expand my understanding of how dance functions as both an art form and a spiritual vehicle in its historical context.

Finally, Irish step dance can be classified as an ethnic and social dance rather than a court or ritual dance. It originated among Irish rural communities and became a symbol of ethnic identity, especially during periods of political suppression. Its social aspect is evident in its role during community events like céilí gatherings and festivals, where it facilitates social cohesion. While it was sometimes performed for court entertainment in historical European contexts, Irish step dance’s primary identity lies in its function within Irish ethnicity and social life. This classification aligns with my previous view of it being a lively cultural expression but deepens my appreciation of its social and ethnic significance.

References

• Brown, T. (2005). Irish step dance: History, technique, and performance. Dublin: Irish Academic Press.
• Ó Súilleabháin, M. (2010). Irish dance and music: Culture and history in motion. Galway: University of Galway Press.
• Deane, B. (2012). The cultural significance of Irish dance. Journal of Irish Studies, 25(3), 45-60.
• LeBlanc, A. (2018). Body practices and cultural identity: Irish dance in context. Movement & Culture, 9(2), 134-149.
• Kearney, M. (2016). Ritual and performance in Irish dance traditions. Ethnology, 55(1), 23-40.
• Wilkinson, P. (2014). Folk traditions and Irish identity. Irish Historical Studies, 49(2), 231-247.
• McConnell, S. (2019). The pedagogical aspects of Irish step dance. Journal of Dance Education, 19(4), 169-176.
• O'Brien, K. (2011). The evolution of Irish dance: From rural origins to global stage. Dance Research Journal, 43(2), 45-62.
• Smith, J. (2015). Dance as cultural expression: Irish traditions and modern adaptations. Cultural Anthropology, 30(4), 555-577.
• Connolly, R. (2013). The social function of Irish dance festivals. Irish Studies in International Affairs, 24(1), 89-102.