Religion and Dance Essay

Do you see any similarities between the rituals of primitive societies and rituals that we have in today’s society? Society today does use dance in religious ceremonies or occasions but not necessarily in a ritualistic form that earlier primitive societies would use per say. However, dance in both today and past societies used basic, everyday motions and movements to form dances, where some of these dance practices are still used even today. How might one’s moral, religious and ethical values influence their thoughts and opinions on art? Discuss specific examples in relation to the question.

Some religions might view dance as promiscuous or offensive with mere basic body movements such as a hip sway or that of similar movements. For example, most people generally view a traditional form of dance, the belly dance, in the Islamic culture as “sexual” yet that is not the sole purpose of it whatsoever. Even in today’s society, people are aware that the image of sex is everywhere and can even be seen in the modern day dance culture.

Regardless of a person’s religious background, values, or beliefs, anyone can decide on what they consider to be art.

All of these factors can influence one’s decision on what art is to them. Can you think of any works of art, in addition to the ones mentioned, that were not readily accepted by the society in which they were created, but held in high regards years later? John Singer Sargent’s “Madame Pierre Gautreau”, created in 1884, caused a huge uproar over the reddish pink color used on the woman’s ear lobe. At the time, it was considered far too suggestive and supposedly ruining the reputation of high-society. What do you think is meant by the final statement “…an audience’s response to a dance says as much about the audience as it does the dance,” and do you agree or disagree with this statement?

The statement basically says that the way an audience reacts to a dance explains and gives a representation of their interpretation of the piece. Meaning both as individuals and as a whole audience. I personally agree with the statement, mainly because it is true. The viewers are just as important as the dance itself because they are the one’s that give meaning to a dance or any work of art for that matter.