Why History? / A World View

Unit: Fundamentals

Theme: World View

I
 
Introduction
 
History is about the study of humans and their actions. As posed by Carter (2004), the study of history as an academic field or as part of a larger field such as cultural studies, should be engaged with in practice in studio, at the desk and in the field (p.2).  Methodological approaches should be so diverse that we stop seeing its boundaries. Dance in particular has a history that changes in accordance to the historian's world view. 
 
 
II
 
Learning Objectives
 
  • Understand the importance of studying history
  • Gain an awareness of the different ways we can study history
  • Explain the relationship between history, archeology and anthropology
  • Discuss the connection between history and world-view
  • Experience embodied history by sharing a dance that has affected your world-view
 
III
 
Main Lesson
 
1 

BRAINSTORMING




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LINK

https://www.youtube.com/embed/GmtMpQAIKjQ 



Question 1

So, why is it important to study history?


2



LINK

https://youtu.be/rZG12cx3NAE


Question 2

Thus, based on this brief intro, which are some of the ways in which we can access the study of history?

Question 3

What is the relationship between history, archeology and anthropology?
 

3



How can history help us define our world view?
 
What's yours?


IV

A Note to Remember
 
History allows us to study the past to understand the present. Historical sources influence our understanding of historic events. History relies on collaboration with other fields such as archeology and anthropology. The study of history allows us to develop critical thinking, learn from our past mistakes and find inspiration in constant change and the possibility of improving ourselves and the society we live in. However, this may depend on our worldview and how we make sense of history, our own history.
 

V

Case Study
 
A Sacred Design
 
Jorge L. Morejon

I began to dance salsa (casino) when I was a child. My two cousins, who were 10 years older than me, taught me how to dance the main steps. They took me to their teenage parties where I got a lot of attention for being able to dance casino at such a young age.  Thus, I associated dance with music, having fun, getting positive attention and being around family and friends. 
 
As I have approached different stages of my life, salsa has always been a way for me to meet knew people and enjoy life. It has also being a way for me to understand that life is about relationships and that this relationships are sealed through what Hialeah's choreographer Rosy Herrera has described as a sacred design. When one dances with another person, one is in the making of such sacred design. 
 
This sacred design involves making eye contact and being aware of your own personal moves as you mirror your partner's moves. It requires a special connection with another human being as you attune yourself to their movements, follow the rhythm of the music and get in sync with each other. As one holds one's partner's hand and keeps the frame by placing the other hand on her back, the connection is such that one feels the two bodies become one.
 
I met Tahi Delgado more than 30 years ago. We have danced with each other since then. Although our lives have taken different paths at times, we always come back to our dance relationship. At one point, Tahi decided not to dance any more because she felt people invited us to their parties to see us dance, as a show, but for free. She felt we were being used. I painfully agreed. However, during her pregnancy, we danced again for the first time since we stopped dancing together. We realized that we should never stop dancing again no matter what.
 
I am 60 years old and Tahi is 55. We are both in great shape; we both have fulfilled lives and we both still enjoy dancing salsa. The last time we danced together was at the 2022 Christmas party hosted by La Rosa Realty, the company she works for as a realtor. I believe that our friendship has survived the test of time because we always find in dance a very special space. In that space, our bodies reconnect as our minds and souls find in the sacred design we create, a sense of eternity hard to find elsewhere. 
 

 


VI
 
Discussion Question


Think of a dance you associate with your upbringing (via family, culture, education or media). Share it with your group members

Explain how dance (or the lack thereof) has influenced your own world view.


VII

ACTIVITY 1

 Share the dance that has influenced your world view the most.

 

VIII

 Glossary

 

IX

Sources 

 

X

Students' Work

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