Definition of Dance, Essay Example

Certain different definitions of dance exist, based on how a person views it (Kraus, 11). There are different authors who claim dance is an art, others state it is a sport. Below the author will review the different approaches and definitions.

Dance is a coordinated sequence of movements that serves the purpose of entertainment, expressing feelings and emotions, and also an exercise, according to the several definitions of dance. There are some forms of dance that are more artistic than others, while some sports merit from dances to create exercise regimes. Looking at the popular exercises today, such as Zumba, belly dancing, or even pole dancing, taught in a fitness center, it is hard to determine where the category of dance ends and sport begins.

The video of Twilex from Week One uses expressive moves that are in line with the lyrics and rhythm of the song. Controlling the movements in a way that it is in synchrony with the beat is indeed an art.

On Week 2, Rainer and Banes’ video talked about the postmodern approach towards dance. Indeed, the artists of modern theater look at dance as a form of complementary art. Just like narration is included in dance performances, often dancers are complementing plays. Combining language, non-verbal communication, images, and sounds can create a postmodern art, of which dance is an important part.

On Week 3, the video interview with soloist Tisserand revealed that working hard and physical fitness is crucial for dance performers. While on stage ballet dancers make moves appear to be easy, it is hard work. Therefore, while the main aim of ballet is entertainment, being a dancer also involves a strict training regime, and this makes it a form of exercise, too.

As a conclusion, dance is a form of artistic expression, as well as a form of exercise, as dancers use their entire body to express their feelings, while singers use their voice, and painters use their hands.

Works Cited

Kraus, Richard. History of the Dance in Art and Education. 1991. Print.