Just started a new part of Performing Arts Studies today, that relating to dance. It hasn't got off to a good start, as I disagree with my tutor from the off on a couple of what I think are important points.
The first is the assertion she made which says dance as an artform is very gender-based, mostly toward females. I disagree with this, as I know plenty of male dancers, and if you look at dance generally, in the last 20 years or so with the rise of rap music and such, a mans not a man if he can't bust a move. It may not be dance in the sense of no body fat and black tights, but it's dance nonetheless.
The other point she made was talking about Maori dance as an artform. This really riled me because it seemed to me she was talking about it in a Western sense, where dance (and most of the arts for that matter) are in a separate category from everyday life, and one can choose to either do or not do these things.
My take on this is that Maori life involves song, movement and dance as a part of living. It is not something that you choose to do or not do, that's 'over there, and maybe I'll do it' - it is something that is part of who you are, and how you live.
In that respect, I feel talking about Maori dance is rather condescending, as it implies it follows the Western model, which it most definitely does not.
(Takes deep breath)
Right. Rant over - it's warmed me up somewhat, which is nice in the current climatic conditions. Off to the library to bury my nose in books.
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