In this discussion post, I would like to provide my understanding of transmission and dance from the provided sources. First of all, the transmission of dance techniques, as discussed within the article by Anthea Kraut, can be summarized as a way of cultivating particular movement patterns through replication (Kraut). Through this replication, a technique will transform and evolve alongside each transmission, as this process is affected by one’s culture and past experience. While it is possible to transmit techniques, they are not expected to keep their initial form.
In turn, dance can be a more challenging term to outline outside of the conventional definition. The views of Cecilia Bengolea on the nature of dancing present an abstract yet on-point explanation. Dancing is inexplicably linked with the expression of oneself through performance that enables symbolism to be combined with emotions in a fluid and natural manner (Bruce-Jones). Such a definition grasps the innermost aspects of dancing that lay in the origin of many art forms.
The example of Bryant’s dancing in the video from Carolina Blues shows an apparent difference in one’s technique and passion for dance. Her lively performance is not focused on upholding a conventional style but on her expression of emotions through dance (“Mr Beebe Harold Nicholas.wmv”). After examining the articles, I came to the conclusion that dance is often viewed as a form of personal and, more importantly, cultural expression. Its techniques can be transmitted just as languages can be taught, yet there are subtleties that can come naturally to some yet remain hard to grasp for the others. In fact, the combination of the two definitions reveals how dancing may be seen as a form of language.
Works Cited
Bruce-Jones, Henry. “Cecilia Bengolea Presents: Dancehall Weather.” Fact Magazine, Web.
Kraut, Anthea. “Marie Bryant’s Demonstrative Body and the Reproductive Labor of Transmitting Technique.” Conversations Across the Field of Dance Studies: Decolonizing Dance Discourses, Dance Studies Association, 2020, pp. 46-48.
“Mr Beebe Harold Nicholas.wmv.” YouTube, uploaded by Fapresto1983, 2011, Web.