ABSTRACT
While not simple, it is within the scope of most people's experience to discuss what dance is. Defining it usually consists of a common vocabulary. Movement in time. Neuromuscular impulses. Body moving through space. In most cases, an agreement among a classroom is fairly routine. What can be difficult to discuss is what dance isn’t. I typically ask this question during the first week of the semester to get our creative minds moving and also to encourage students to delve deeply into their personal beliefs, suppositions and, potentially, their prejudices. Many times, they don’t even realize they have strong opinions on the subject until I begin asking very specific questions.
