Take 1. one of the definitions of dance that you like from our texts. Say which definition it is, i.e. who wrote it, and then in your own words say what that dancer meant in his/her definition of dance. The definition of dance written by Barabara Erenreich is very interesting to me. What I feel she is saying is we have the ability to pleasure ourselves through music, color, feasting, and dance. We have this ability so why not accept it and be proud enough to claim it. 2. What evidence do we have that among ancient people, dance was an early art? We have found evidence, such as artifacts and cave painting that show dance was an early art before the written language. 3. Name four purposes that dance served in earlier times. Dance served many purposes in earlier times. One of the earliest was for ritual, there was also the use to train warriors, heal the sick, and insure fertility for the fields. 4. How are choreographers of the past and today the same? Choreographers in the past are the same today. They both deal with the same raw materials which are the body, or groups of bodies moving through space and time. 5. What are the four raw materials of Laban's theory? The four raw material of Labans theory are the body, time, space, and effort. 6. What would be some influences on one's personal dance aesthetic? experiences Many in one's life it what influences one's dance aesthetic. Some influences are your emotional state while attending a performance, how you connect with the performers, your family, your peers, and even your nationality or religion. 7. What are your own personal aesthetics when it comes to dance (what do you like) why? When it comes to dance I like it country. I grew up listening to country music and watching music videos since I was little. I have then made friends with the same interest and all took on line dancing. When I see this dance I feel a connection with the performer and I understand that origin of it. 8. What characteristics of dance make it more difficult to study and reconstruct than other arts? Like all arts there is a cultural influence. Like painting a picture dancing is something that comes from inside. Due to the personal touch on dance it is constantly changing and evolving into something greater. To study this is difficult since there is so much more to it than a history book written. 9. What is the value in learning about dance forms that you don't particularly enjoy watching? Watching different dance forms teaches you the essence of other cultures. Even if you may not like it you might be able to take a piece from it and incorporate it into your own style.