Dance Facets

A final essay exam will be assigned during the final week of the course (see course schedule.) This exam will culminate all the material covered throughout the course and require you to reflect on the many facets of dance. It may be helpful for you to prepare for the final by keeping notes about connections you make between material as well as personal opinions.

https://youtu.be/tNqaixKbrjs

https://www.biography.com/performer/alvin-ailey

Please watch the link to a collection of dances by Alvin Ailey. The link can be found on the Web Link page. Next please read the article in web links about Alvin Ailey. Remember to cite it in your paper or you will lose points for not doing so.

The paper must be at least three pages, double spaced and in times new roman font. Please use spell check and properly cite sources. Also, do not put the questions into the body of your paper.

1. What are your overall reactions to the dances?

2. What do you think the dances are about? What specific examples helped you build your answer? (costume, music and so on)

3. Who is Alvin Ailey? Briefly explain and describe who he is, what he did and what inspired him.

4. As an appreciator of dance, you are trying to explain this dance to a friend. Your goal is not only to discuss the dance but to have them watch it. What would you say? How would you describe the dance in a way so they would be genuinely interested in it? What would they gain from watching it? Be specific- this is a longer question.

5. What does this dance or any major dance work offer the viewer(s)? Be specific in who your viewer is (children, politician, school board and so on)

or

How does this dance contribute to society? Think beyond attending a performance.