Progression of Critical White Studies in Dance Essay
Throughout the course of dance history, complications with how different forms of cultural dances have been represented and written about in dance academia continues to be a persistent issue. Additionally, conflicts found dealing with race and culture are rooted not only within society, but in the realm of dance. In reading and studying a landmark article written in 1970, I learned that Non-western forms of dance both in the past and still widely today are given the title of being "ethnic" or "primitive," carrying the connotation that these forms of dance are not as dignified or technically complex. Working on this paper allowed me to see that global citizenship is as much about learning other languages and diving into other cultures, as it is stepping back and analyzing what words are chosen as descriptors, asking deeper questions, and not allowing long held cultural biases to affect our current views and mindsets. Writing this essay allowed me to see that cultural biases must not filter into how dances from various cultures is perceived or written about. I have learned that “ethnic” dance is not a term that can be used, nor does it exist at all. Every form of dance on earth has a technique that needs to be respected by any culture that differs from where it originates. With this new knowledge and perspective, I began to ask deeper questions about how this bias can be dismantled, especially issues of racial injustice in the world of dance. I have realized to further progress as a society, we should have more exposure to cultural forms of dance and should challenge socially constructed ideas of race and privilege in how dance is valued.To do this is to view any form or style of dance with the respect it deserves.