My main takeaway from this course is
that dance is complex and rich, and dance's history is more minute than
we will ever know. Throughout this semester, I learned how dance
evolved over time - It started as a basic, primitive "ritual" that
ensured survival, and now, it is a detailed form of expression that
brings people together. Specifically, in hunting and gathering
societies, dances were performed before hunts to appease the gods and
pray for successful hunts. In modern societies, dances are performed for
entertainment purposes or as a mean of self expression. I enjoyed
learning about similarities and differences among dances that originated
in different cultures. For example, dances that originated in African
cultures are heavier and stabler... They emphasize bass beats and
sounds. On the other hand, dances that originated in European cultures
are lighter and flowier... They emphasize delicate and precise rhythms
and sounds. Despite what we know about dance's evolution over time and
across the world, through communicating (For example, stories), visuals
(For example, hieroglyphics), or writing (For example, texts), we will
never fully understand dance's journey from ancient to present times
because there will always be undiscovered sources. However, this makes
dance that much more enticing and mysterious, contributing to its appeal
and beauty.
I loved this course because it catered to each
student's learning style. Each class, we learned about a different
period of dance history, and each period of dance history was presented
differently. For example, we analyzed diagrams, read book excerpts,
watched videos, and actually danced! Because of this, this course was
always exciting and never the same. I also loved this course because it
was warm and welcoming. Professor Morejon immediately established a
sense of acceptance and trust by creating a "ritual" in which everyone
stood in a circle, held hands, and inhaled and exhaled together.
Although this "ritual" was vulnerable, it ensured that everyone felt
comfortable and safe asking questions and sharing their opinions.
In
the future, I hope to be a physician. Although the lessons that I
learned in this course are not directly applicable to the field of
medicine, the process of understanding dance's history that we used in
this course is applicable to the field of medicine. In order to
understand dance's present state, it is necessary to look at dance's
past states. For example, Where did specific dances originate? How did
specific dances originate? How did specific dances develop over time and
across the world? If I was to look at only dance's present state, I
would not understand dance's full history - I would have an incomplete
and tinted understanding of dance's history. The same thing applies to
the field of medicine. In order to discover new medications, therapies
and treatments, it is necessary to look at the development of past
medications, therapies, and treatments. How can physicians and
researchers understand what does and doesn't work without looking at
past clinical studies and trials? This course taught me the importance
of being a lifelong learner and continuing to seek out knowledge,
whether that be from the past or present. I will remember this as I work
toward my goal of becoming a physician.
9
The Intersection of Movement and Meaning
This
course has been a great experience, it has offered me a deeper
appreciation for how dance intertwines with culture, history, and
identity. I came into the class expecting to learn technical details
about various dance forms, but I left with an understanding of how dance
serves as a living archive of human experience, reflecting societal
values, struggles, and evolutions.
One
of the key takeaways was learning how dance has historically been used
as a form of resistance and storytelling. For instance, studying the
origins of different dance styles and their connection to resilience and
cultural preservation was eye opening. It reinforced the idea that
dance is more than an art form, it is a powerful tool for communication
and solidarity. This perspective is something I enjoyed exploring, how
nonverbal communication conveys meaning across different cultures.
Understanding the cultural context of dance adds depth to our analysis
and helps me better appreciate the nuances of human interaction.
Another
aspect I valued was the experiential learning component. Watching
performances and analyzing the emotional and historical layers within
them made the theoretical concepts more tangible. The in class
discussions further enhanced this experience by allowing me to hear
diverse perspectives. I enjoyed how collaborative the learning
environment was, and it made me more confident in sharing my thoughts.
Overall,
this course left me feeling inspired and motivated to explore the
intersection of movement and meaning in greater depth. The history of
dance is not just about steps or choreography it is about the humanity
embedded in every movement. This realization will remain with me,
influencing not only my academic pursuits but also how I view art and
culture in my everyday life.
10
More Mindful and Aware of the Role Dance Plays
After completing the course, I can
confidently state that I have gained a newfound appreciation for dance
and its influence on society. From the ancient world to the modern-day, I
learned that dance was prevalent in ways I never expected. Coming into
the class, I originally thought that dance was only used as a form of
leisure and entertainment. I now know that this is only a small part of
dance, and how it is such an important aspect of traditions and rituals
for countless cultures across the globe. I also was glad to have the
opportunity to enter the studio and try out some of these dances myself.
Although I do not have a strong background in dance, these activities
helped me gain more confidence and familiarity with dancing overall.
Taking
this class made me feel more interested in learning about the history
of dance and its continuous impact on our world. I especially enjoyed
learning about the dances from the Renaissance, as I have learned about
this period in other classes but never was acquainted with the aspects
of this time that we studied. I also was interested in the lessons about
the shaman and their role in ancient societies. These were topics that
were not covered in any of my other courses and I greatly appreciated
the in-depth explanations and supplemental videos that were posted on
the blog for each class period. Because of this course, I will be more
mindful and aware of the role dance plays in both history and my
everyday life. I also seek to get more involved with dance and continue
to practice and increase my skills.
As a legal studies major who
is planning to attend law school and become a lawyer, there are several
ways in which I would like to apply what we learned in this class to my
field. First of all, the course has made me more aware of the importance
of body language and how it can impact the perceptions of others. In a
courtroom presenting to a judge or jury, this is a very important
consideration because using the right language can be a strong tool to
convey an argument or tell a story in court. I also believe that dance
is a great stress reliever, and team-building activities in the office
that include dance as an aspect can be an excellent way to build
camaraderie.
Overall, I learned far more than I originally
anticipated in this course and am glad to have taken it. I appreciate
getting to know all of my classmates and the opportunity to learn from
Dr. Morejon throughout the semester.
11
Learning Multidimensionally.
After completing World History of Dance
this past semester, I've found that I approach historical learning
through a more critical lens. Implicitly, I've always felt relatively
disconnected from distant history, but this course allowed my to see the
interconnectedness of humanity through its thousands of years. Key
topics noted in the first days of the course carried through to my
understandings of later material, particularly in how we as observers
frame our perceptions of history. From this course, I've taken with me
the key understanding that history is told through the lens of the
hierarchical “top,” and that a one-dimensional view of events leaves out
so much of what has truly occurred.
As a consumer of this
information and a lifelong ballet dancer, I felt challenged in my
preconceived notions of dance. Having grown up under the training of
retired ballerinas in a ballet-focused dance academy, I was always
taught that ballet was the foundation of dance, with the implication
that it was “correct” while all other styles were wrong. Upon entering
this course, I immediately began to question my background knowledge
within the first few classes, realizing that what I had been taught my
whole life was inaccurate, and actually really damaging to the cultures
that have been oppressed through the centuries. At times, I found myself
feeling defensive when other dance forms were spoken about on the same
“level” as ballet, which only further reassured me that I have much more
to learn beyond what I've been taught.
As I continue my studies as
an elementary and special education major, I intend to carry with me
the same critical lens instilled in me by this course. I want to
question, and even challenge, the standard frameworks of education, and
who our current approaches really benefit. As a teacher, I hope to
capture the biggest picture possible, just as Professor Morejon did
during this course. Most importantly, I'd like to emphasize the
interconnectedness of academic education and the worldly experiences of
my students, providing them with the skills needed to approach learning
multidimensionally.
12
Everything is Related to Dance.
Before the dance history class, I
knew a bit about dance history but it was mostly pertaining to Nigerian
culture. I did not know as much about other types of dance styles. I was
only familiar with the most common dance styles like ballet,
contemporary dance, salsa, etc. It was really fascinating to learn about
rituals and the way of life of people, even dating back to the
Homonins. I learnt that everything is connected and the rituals and way
of life has shaped civilization and how we live today and in the same
way that everything is connected, dance is also a prevalent part of each
period’s culture - from the little movements to the dance rituals to
what we know as dance today - everything is related to dance.
I
am interested in going into the healthcare field, specifically becoming
a medical doctor. One thing that is quite common with patients is pain
and lifestyle choices. Most patients live sedentary lifestyles and
complaint of body pains and a lack of flexibility. After learning the
importance of dance from this class, I would be able to tell my patients
the importance of moving their bodies everyday, regardless of how short
it is because it will definitely help with their pains and it will help
them get more active and more flexible as they grow older. This will
just enable them to have a healthier lifestyle and be able to live
longer.
This class is the third class that I have taken with
Jorge and it was really nice to take another class with him, especially
during my last semester. I really like how flexible his classes are and
he allows us to learn at our own pace. He makes his classes interactive
and fun and always takes the time to know each person in the class and
know how everyone is doing. My favourite class this semester was the
class where we learnt about the ballroom dancing and we danced with our
partners and in groups. It was fun to be able to dance and connect with
our classmates for a short time. Jorge is one my favourite professors
and I hope that I will be able to stay in touch with him, even
post-graduation. Thank you Jorge for everything you have done. You are
such an amazing professor and an amazing person as well. God bless you!
13
A Global Phenomenon
As
a dancer, I appreciate dance in a way that some don’t understand.
Although I’ve never competed or done it professionally, I did it to save
myself from the hard times I was experiencing in my life. That’s one of
the reasons I decided to minor in the art of dance in college, to keep
it in my life a little bit longer, before I’m faced with the
difficulties and responsibilities of the business workplace I will
eventually be diving into. Finance and dance do not correlate
whatsoever, but they both challenge me in different ways which is why I
have decided to pursue both. Most importantly, being in this class this
semester has academically challenged me in the realm of dance more than
ever before. I learned about how dance became what it is today, which is
so meaningful and powerful. Dance is deeply intertwined with the
history and culture of societies. It reflects the values, traditions,
and beliefs of different periods and regions. This class took us through
several of those historic periods such as the Neolithic, Copper Age,
and Bronze Age, where we discussed how early humans paved the way for
the terminology and movement we have mastered in present times. For
example, the Natufian culture emphasized the connection between early
humans and their environment and dance’s role in communal bonding and
expressing rituals tied to the agricultural revolution. The Copper Age
helped me understand the spiritual connection that exists in dance and
how it’s tied to the human ceremonies being held at the time. This
period is where early humans diversified several significant movements
in dance and articulations of limbs to their fullest potential. The
Bronze Age, additionally, helped me understand the sun being a key
factor in ritual dances and how with the presence of the sun, dance was
able to connect humans and the cosmos.
Dance
has become a global phenomenon since its early days. Many dance styles
such as ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, Latin, hip-hop, and more
have been created globally. These same dance styles are influenced by
traditional forms from across the world and highlight the importance of
globalization and migration in shaping artistic expression. It has taken
over and demands emotional connection and respect for its origins which
we studied from the very beginning of this class. I already heavily
appreciated dance before, but I learned so much more this semester about
its cultural impact because of its development and the several cultures
that have adopted dance. I especially appreciated when we got to get up
and try some of the dance styles on our own and try out these
movements, despite feeling uncomfortable at first. One of the most
important things about dance we learned through occasionally trying it
ourselves as well is how it’s always been a medium for storytelling,
conveying emotions, mythos, and historical events without using words.
This is why so many people, no matter where they are on the social
hierarchy, were able to use dance as their source of vocal, physical,
and emotional freedom. We studied in class different cultural carnivals
such as Cuban and Haitian carnivals which particularly stood out to me.
Seeing people who financially struggled so much come together to create a
powerful story that seemed so liberating made me appreciate why I got
into dance in the first place. Elements of the videos we studied in
class like the colors, the vibrance, the movements, how in sync the
dancers were, and the unity were so beautiful to see. That was when I
learned that dance was meant to unite people, no matter who they were,
what they looked like, where they came from, or what story they had to
tell.
Ironically,
this class made me think about the impact that I want to leave when I
enter the professional workplace when I earn my finance degree. In
business school, we learn so many technical and tactical skills such as
Excel, presentations, problem-solving, technology advancement, and more.
But we also learn how to be professionals that can dominate our fields.
We learn how to lead, manage, and think critically, but most
importantly, we learn how to be collaborative. Group work is so
important in business, especially if you’re a business student who ends
up working in a marketing firm, or a huge company, or you even end up
being the owner of several businesses. As business people, we are in
charge of bringing unity as well, within the workplace and outside to
our consumers, which reminds me of what dance does. While my major
focuses on finance, I will have the skills to be in whichever career
field I want to be, whether it’s managing assets and financials or an
entire company. I will always have to not only think on my feet but also
know how to work with a team and unite several different personalities
and attitudes together. I was in two dance classes and I saw just how
much the creativity and the artistry that comes with dance brought both
classes together. I saw non-dancers working with veterans, trying to
figure out certain dance steps and it was so unifying. Dance is a huge
reminder of how it can bring people together and change someone, and it
certainly taught me to help others and unify others more, as well as
changed me for the better.
14
A Message that
the World Needs to See
Personally, World History of Dance
helped me to understand how much history has impacted dance in today's
society. I didn't even know dance evolved way back from the oldest
humans (Hominins). It made me realize how important it is to actually
sit back and take the time to gain knowledge on my history, as it can
truly give me deep insights into where so much of this world evolved
from. From conducting rituals to honor a god to dancing at parties as we
do today, it all stemmed from an era that should resonate with us. We
tend to stereotype so many things in this world without understanding
the meaning of them, and that's what I understood dance to be: not just
movements through space, but an expression of emotion or a message that
the world needs to see.
Honestly speaking, at first I found it
surprising learning where dancing first evolved from, but then as we
dove into the different areas of dance, I came to realize it has all
helped me to simply move around as I do day-to-day. Also, I enjoyed
learning people's worldviews. It helped me to understand that it is fine
to think in a different way. With the help of history, I can learn from
my past and improve myself personally and the atmosphere around me.
Whenever
I think of the word dance, I always think of the word "meaning." As a
woman of God, I also believe that everything we do or that happens to us
serve a purpose. Now, I've learned that every dance that is performed
has some message behind it. So, I see that everything I do towards my
major as well as my life has a purpose. It is my job to make sure that
purpose is worthwhile and for my benefit. As a management major, it will
be my obligation to ensure satisfaction to the people I interact with,
whether that be clients, guests, executives, or my colleagues. I want
every intentional act to contribute to my goals. This will help me to
stay focused in the rapidly changing world we live in and achieve the
outcomes that truly matter in my life.
P.s Thank you for yet another great semester with you as my professor:))
15
A Deeper Understanding of Various Traditions
Taking the World History of Dance course has been an enlightening
journey through time, movement, and culture. From the very beginning, we
delved deep into the origins of dance, tracing it back to evolution and
our ape ancestors, discovering that the movements we know today are a
direct result of this ancient foundation. This starting point set the
tone for how interconnected dance is to our history, both as a species
and within specific cultures. We moved through the ages, learning about
spiritual dances, tribal rituals, and the role of shamans, exploring how
dance served as a means of connection to something greater than
oneself. As we ventured into period dances, Shakespearean plays, and
even more modern concepts, it became clear that dance has always been
more than just art; it’s been a form of communication, expression, and
community.
The
interactive elements of the class made it even more amazing. I really
appreciated the opportunity to dance in class. It wasn’t just
theoretical learning but also hands-on, where we got to experience the
rhythm and energy of different styles. The breathing exercise we did at
the end of every class was a grounding moment that brought a sense of
peace and focus after exploring such rich material. This small practice
allowed me to connect with my body in ways that were both meditative and
empowering.
Towards
the end of the course, we worked in groups to focus on one dance style,
which helped me gain a deeper understanding of various traditions, from
salsa and ballet to samba, reggae, and hip-hop. I was fascinated by how
each style reflected the social, political, and historical contexts of
its time. Learning about these dances not only expanded my knowledge but
also gave me an appreciation for the diversity and depth that dance
brings to the world. My classmates’ presentations were insightful and
further enriched my perspective.
Looking
forward, I see how this course will influence my own field of study in
business. The ability to understand and appreciate diverse cultural
expressions can be an asset in creating inclusive, global strategies
that value creativity and collaboration. The rhythm and flow of
different dance styles also reminded me of the importance of balance and
adaptability in business, much like dance, success requires being in
sync with your environment and the people around you.
This
class has been more than just learning about dance; it’s been an
exploration of how movement reflects human history, culture, and
connection. I’m grateful for the experience, and it’s one I’ll carry
with me, both personally and professionally.
Thank You Professor!
16
Performing Constancy and Predictability
In
the class, DAN 250 world history of dance, we had the chance to cover
the history of dance from the beginning to where we are at presently. I
definitely enjoy hearing stories about history and how things came to be
what they are today. This is what made this class very interesting for
me. This subject really teaches you a lot about the world that is right
in front of you and why some things developed to become what they are,
like dance.
We
started from the very beginning which is the evolution of the hominin
tribes. Hominins all played a part In how we developed into Homo
sapiens. Creating tools, developing fire, developing dexterous fingers
and long legs, and creating cooking fuel were some of the contributions
they gave to our evolution. Homo sapiens were more highly adaptable
compared to Homo Habilis and Homo Erectus. Homo sapiens demonstrated the
ability to see with their minds eye. The mind's eye is the imagination.
This makes us more superior to other mammals that do not have this
ability. The mind's eye allows us to imagine choreography and many other
ideas were used for dance.
We
continue to see the evolution of the human when we started studying and
analyzing cave art. It is important because it demonstrated one of the
earliest forms of communication and how dance was used to form group
cohesion. This form was used as a form of courtship and mate selection.
It also demonstrated the Shaman’s role as chief of the tribe during the
Paleolithic period and how dance was used in order to perform rituals
that were used to appease the gods in order to have a successful harvest
season. Not only did it support their faith, but they also believed
that ritualistic practices and ceremonies convince their brains that by
performing constancy and predictability, would help them create a way to
fight against the anxiety that comes with uncertainty.
The
world continues to evolve and develop as humans continue to discover
different metals and how to trade them. This beginning is very important
because it leads us to the development of Egyptian societies Ancient
Greece, the Roman Empire, Mesoamérica, medieval times, and the
Renaissance period, which would all influence dance in very specific
ways. Ballet, ballroom dance, Contemporary dance, modern dance,
bharatanatyam, Capoeira, salsa, hip- hop and many other forms would’ve
never happened if it wasn’t for the beginning of the world developing. I
truly enjoyed the subject matter of this class and it demonstrates how
our evolution helped cement the path to the creation of dances that we
all love today.
17
Connecting With People to Create Value
Isabella Almodovar
Taking
this class has given me a deeper understanding of the relationship
between history, culture, and dance. From ancient rituals to modern
performances, dance has served to reflect the beliefs, societal norms,
and lived experiences of the individuals performing. Learning about the
evolution of dance has shown me how historical events and cultural
values shape the way people move, express themselves, and connect with
others.
One
of my key takeaways from this course has been the impact of culture on
the development of dance. I now understand that different cultures
express themselves through dance to reflect their unique beliefs,
traditions, and societal norms. In the early eras, dances were often
performed for religious purposes, playing a central role in rituals and
ceremonies that connected communities to their spiritual beliefs or
gods. During the Renaissance, dance took on a different significance,
reflecting social status and being used as a tool for courtship, with
elaborate performances designed to capture the attention of others. From
learning the ways different cultures have used dance to express
themselves, I see how dance allows people to communicate their
identities, histories, and experiences when words fail.
Although
I am a Marketing major, I feel that the knowledge I have gained about
culture and expression throughout this course will help me build
connections in my future career. Much like dance, marketing is all about
telling stories and connecting with people to create value, therefore,
understanding how different cultures communicate and express their
beliefs will allow me to approach my work with a broader perspective.
I
enjoyed this class because I felt as though the activities we did and
the videos we watched pushed me out of my comfort zone, encouraging me
to appreciate how the evolution of dance impacted the evolution of
society.
18
The Large Impact that Early Humans had on Dance
Melissa Taala
This course has taught me so much
about the overall world history of dance and how we got to the styles
that we now know and love. Learning about the history of dance has given
me a deeper knowledge on how movement has evolved across cultures and
time periods, highlighting the ways in which dance reflects societal
values, artistic innovation, and the emotional expression of human
experience. It has also made me gain an appreciation for the diverse
techniques, styles, and forms that have influenced modern dance styles
that are commonly seen in our society. It was incredibly interesting
getting to learn about so many different styles of dance that evolved
throughout history such as ballet, ballroom, modern dance, and so many
more. Seeing how social, political, and cultural movements make such a
big impact in dance throughout history opened my eyes to many things I
did not previously know.
Getting to learn about the
connection with early humans and dance was one of my favorite things
about the course. Learning about the paleolithic, neolithic, cooper, and
iron ages and how these eras have influenced dance and learning about
the way that they saw dance and why dance was so important in their
culture was truly interesting. Dance was seen as someone ritualistic and
something that brought people together in a community which is
something that can still be seen in different societies today around the
world. Making those connections between dance in these periods and
dance today helped me see the large impact that early humans had on
dance. Also, learning more about ballet and its history was very
interesting because I used to dance ballet when I was younger, but I had
no idea about the history of this style of dance. I got to learn so
much such as the different eras of ballet and how they have affected
modern ballet and its origins in the fifteenth century. Each period of
ballet such as the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary helped
show the evolution of ballet. I also learned about the key figures,
innovations, and techniques that shaped the way ballet is performed and
taught, which gave me a new appreciation for the discipline and its
ongoing influence in both classical and contemporary dance worlds.
I
initially took this class to fulfill my cognate requirement, but it
ended up being one of my favorite courses I’ve taken during my time at
this school. I expected it to be purely academic, but I was pleasantly
surprised by how the class balanced history with practical, hands-on
learning. Getting to study the history of dance while also having the
opportunity to get up and dance ourselves was truly one of the most
enjoyable aspects of the course. It was a unique experience to not only
learn about the evolution of dance but also to embody some of those
movements and techniques. I found that this combination deepened my
understanding of the material and made the lessons feel more
tangible. Moreover, the class created a space where learning was dynamic
and interactive, and I appreciated how Professor Morejon made complex
historical concepts feel accessible and relatable. I wanted to thank you
Professor Morejon for this amazing class and hope you have a lovely
holiday break!
19
An insight about movement and its role in health and
society
This World History of Dance course
has made me appreciate the deep history of dance and how it has
developed in different cultures and times. In my opinion, I have come to
view dance as an integral mode of expression of the people with all its
artistic qualities, within the context of the social, political, and
cultural history of different countries. By learning about different
styles of dancing and their progress through the ages, I have understood that knowledge which goes beyond the classroom and enhances both my
educational journey in biochemistry and medicine and my subjective
perception of this lovely art.
How dance could be used as a
reflection of a society is the most advanced concept that I grasped in
this course. The great values of the ancient Egyptians and Romans and
the powerful desires of hip hop and ballet today in the past were
embodied in their dance movements. This comprehension was reinforced
through our study of folk dances from different parts of the globe that
demonstrate how feelings and thoughts could be expressed without using
language. Furthermore, I grew to see dance as an integral and unifying
aspect of various societies and cultures that provides a canvas for
interaction and celebration. The course taught me that dance is more
than just a form of amusement, rather, it is a representation of the
humanity that all people possess.
In terms of biochemistry and
medicine, the lessons taken from this class are quite useful. I
understand cultural diversity and its expression more, thus will be able
to provide care to patients of different cultures in a more humane,
holistic and appropriate way. For instance, dance is used in some
cultures as a substitute treatment or is part of the community. Learning
such practices will enable me to comprehend patients more and
appreciate their culture. Also, the topics regarding rhythm, movement
and body awareness contributed in the development of my understanding of
the human body and its structure. In the future, I intend to bring this
contextualization in my work by focusing on how dance can be used in
treatment of people both physically and emotionally. I intend to push
forward the practice of incorporating physical activity and emotions in
the care of the patient.
On a different note, I must say, this
course was very fascinating for me and I liked the concepts very much.
The art of dance earned an important place in my heart as well as my
whole being because it did not only touch me but also expanded the way I
thought about connection and relationships between art, culture, and
history. I also gained a lot through class debates and interactions with
my colleagues since they contributed different aspects that
complemented my learning. I have come to appreciate dance, not as an
artwork only, but rather as ‘an art’ that emphasizes the uniqueness as
well as the common features of a human’s life.
Finally, I want to
point out that attending the World History of Dance course was a life
changing. It enriched my knowledge about the cultural and historical
context of dance in general and in my career development as well. I
would say that this class was more than just doing the course as it
provided me with an insight about movement and its role in health and
society. It made me appreciate the place that dance occupies in the
development of the mankind and motivated me to use this knowledge within
my work in the future.
20
A New Perspective
on Dance
In this class, I have gained an
understanding of how dance is deeply intertwined with cultural, social,
and historical contexts. From early human rituals to contemporary
performances, the course revealed how dance has reflected the societies
that created it, showing their beliefs, struggles, and artistic
innovations. Learning about the evolution of dance styles, from rituals
in early human history to ballet and modern dance, provided me with a
holistic view of how movement communicates universal human experiences.
This gave me a deeper appreciation for its artistic and cultural
significance and for how dance continues to shape and be shaped by the
world around us. This course also encouraged me to think about the
relevance of dance today. By connecting historical dances to
contemporary forms, I saw how traditions are preserved, adapted, and
sometimes challenged in modern contexts.
One of the most
interesting aspects of the course was exploring how specific historical
periods influenced dance. For example, understanding the role of dance
in early human societies, where movement was integral to rituals and
community bonding, gave me a new perspective on dance as a form of
connection. Similarly, learning about the progression of ballet from its
origins in the Renaissance courts to its modern adaptations showed me
how art evolves in response to cultural and political changes. This
study helped me appreciate ballet not only as a discipline of physical
precision but also as a historical narrative.
I took this course
because it's required for the dance minor, but I really enjoyed this
class! I found it very interesting and challenged me to look at dance
through a new lens that I hadn't before. It gave me a new perspective
on dance that I'll keep and apply when viewing/learning/experiencing
various dance and art forms moving forward.
21
A Historical Cultural Perspective
I
originally enrolled in World History of dance because it is required
for my dance minor and my friends are in it. I had no expectations for
the course, as I haven't taken a history class in a year and a half, and
it definitely exceeded my expectations! It was so much fun to have both
a learning and an interactive component to the class, I really enjoyed
the group activities and learning different styles of dance as well as
interpreting and performing different dance forms that we researched. It
was useful not only for my dance education but also for my overall
general knowledge as we learned a lot about different cultures and
historical time periods, from evolution of bipedality to the renaissance
and enlightenment to modern day dance forms. I loved how passionate the
instructor was and how that passion translated to us, inspiring us to be
interested in learning about the intricacies of how dance has developed
through time.
My
biggest takeaway from this class is that history and culture are always
relevant. I appreciated that in this class we always tied what we were
learning to current times and discussed how it was applicable to our own
lives or modern day examples. It taught me to value history and various
cultures more. I was always very culturally aware as I have traveled
to over 45 countries teaching Zumba with my mom and I am always eager to
learn about and immerse myself in the culture of others, and respect
their values and practices. This class only expanded my appreciation for
diversity, and although I was aware that history affects us, this class
opened my eyes on just how much of what we do, say, how we act, and even
what we think can be explained through a historical cultural
perspective.
In
terms of dance specifically, as a lifelong dancer and dance instructor,
it was very beneficial for me to learn even more about dance culture,
why we dance, how dance can be found in the most unlikely places, what
inspired modern day dances, and even getting some hands on experience
practicing dances that I otherwise would not have even known about. I
will use this knowledge to guide my choices when teaching and learning
dance. For example, as a Zumba instructor, I teach worldwide rhythms
such as cumbia, reggae, samba, soca, batchata, bhangra, bollywood,
salsa, afro beat, bellydance, and many many more, so I enjoyed learning
about different carnivals as I visited Brazil during carnival, as well
as learning different Latin rhythms and their origin. I think it is
important for everyone to be culturally sensitive and perform these
dances authentically and with care, to preserve the history and
experience of those who came before us. This can also be applied to my
major of Nursing, because nurses must be culturally sensitive as they
encounter a wide variety of patients in different situations, and
knowing how to put yourself in the shoes of others and learn from
everyone is an important skill for those working with patients as well
as life in general.
22
The Power of Collaboration
Michael Safir
Taking the history of dance class
was a unique and rewarding experience. It wasn’t just about learning the
history; it was about exploring creativity, connection, and teamwork in
a way that felt natural and inclusive. The class created an open,
supportive environment where everyone could share ideas and feel heard,
which made me feel comfortable and encouraged to engage fully.
I learned
a lot about the power of collaboration and how working together can
achieve something greater than what any one person could do alone. This
sense of collective effort and mutual support is something I can
definitely relate to in finance. Just like in dance, where precision and
coordination are essential to creating something beautiful, success in
finance requires balancing creativity with structure and collaborating
with others to solve complex problems.
It is not just about individual
performance; it’s about how well you work with a team to reach common
goals. Whether it’s adapting to new challenges or maintaining focus in
high-pressure situations, the teamwork and adaptability I learned in
this class are lessons I’ll carry with me as I continue my journey in
finance.
23
A Huge Role in Meeting New People
Azzan Al Lawati
This
course was truly one of my favorite courses that I have ever taken at
the University of Miami, this course taught me a lot about the history
of dance, from the ancient world to the modern world. I always thought
that dance was only done for fun to enjoy, let loose, and change your
mood. I also knew that people used it in rituals, however, I never knew
how far back the history of dance started. It was exciting to see how
different regions of the world use dance in their daily life. It was
very fun to try out and create different dance movements throughout the
course, it made the vibe in the classroom more active and fun.
Throughout the semester because of this class, I got more intrigued to
learn more dances and use them to better my body language with others.
This
class truly took me out of my comfort zone. I never tried to learn to
dance before, but this class certainly made me want to work on this side
of myself and better my skill. I’m confident that taking this class
with Professor Morejon was the main reason I loved the class, because he
is very passionate about dance and the history of dance. Professor
Morejon knows how to express and talk in a tone that makes you feel safe
and enjoy the course. Another thing was that having us all break the
ice with each other made the classroom more fun and chill. We were all
comfortable with each other and it felt like we were all a team, working
together instead of being divided and separated.
I
really enjoyed doing the group presentation, because I got to work as a
group with my classmates and get to research about ballet. I always
wondered how ballet started, and I was always impressed by people who
perform it. I always saw ballet as one of the hardest dances, because it
requires a flexible body, stamina, and strength. After doing the
presentation and practicing the 5 main steps in ballet. It showed me why
people learn it. It is fun, challenging, and exciting.
My
goal is to pursue a career in finance and business analytics. But most
importantly to build my own business from scratch and have a legacy. The
history of dance and dance itself plays a huge role in meeting new
people, showing confidence, and perfection of body language. The more
loose your are, the more easy going a person can be and make better
connections. This course made me realize that the body can express
complex emotions and develop a deep connection with the people viewing
it, which can be truly beneficial in our day to day life.
Dance 250 will truly be missed.
24
Dance is Always Telling a Story
Taking
World History of the Dance class as my last elective in college turned
out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my education. I’m so
grateful to Professor Morejon for opening my eyes to something so
different from what I’m used to studying. The class taught me how dance
reflects the culture and values of people from all kinds of backgrounds
and time periods.
From the spiritual rituals of the Iron Age to the
graceful movements of ballroom dancing, I learned how dance connects
people to their history and evolves with the times. Seeing how modern
dances borrow from older traditions made me realize that art, whether
it’s dance or something else, is always telling a story.
This
class also gave me a new way of thinking about my future in
architecture. Dance uses rhythm, form, and space to express ideas, and
I’ve come to see how architecture does the same thing by shaping spaces
that reflect culture and purpose. Thanks to this class, I’ve learned how
important it is to balance tradition and innovation in any art form,
and it’s something I’ll carry with me as I work to create meaningful
spaces in architecture.
25
Bridging the Gap
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this
dance history class. Sometimes I get too caught up in the dancing aspect
and never educate myself on the history behind the styles I am doing.
Although I missed classes here and there, I found myself going back and
reading the blogs and watching the videos on my own because the content
was very interesting to me throughout the entire course. I really liked
how every week I was truly learning something new that I didn't know
before.
As a dancer of many years, this class has inspired me to
use different techniques and even song choices when choreographing or
even just playing around with music. Sometimes, I try to use the same
contemporary and lyrical style music when there are many options out
there that I could dive into as well that I was introduced to in this
class. This class has helped me begin to bridge the gap between past
dance styles and techniques to the things I am doing now in my dance
career.
In conclusion, this class opened up new interests and
doors for me as a dancer and person of color. I got to learn more about
not only my history in dance, but other cultures as well. This allows me
to fully give respect each dance form out there even more than I
already did. I loved the little activities we did every class as well
because it would keep me locked into the content we were learning for
the day along with adding a little twist of fun. I cannot wait to take
more classes with you Jorge because they are honestly the highlights of
my days during the week! Thank you for any amazing semester :))
Photo
Elm Dance (2014). https://workthatreconnects.org/resources/elm-dance/
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