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MAke-Up Work

 Blake Jacey - Summary of Missed Classes 1/21 This lesson explored the early stages of human evolution and how the physical traits that formed in our ancestors helped set the stage for dance. We learned that long before humans had large brains, they walked upright. This bipedal movement freed their hands and allowed for more complex gestures. As species like Homo habilis and Homo erectus appeared, their use of tools, dexterous fingers, and longer legs showed signs of growing coordination and rhythm, both of which are important for dance. Eventually, Homo sapiens emerged with even more adaptability, social interaction, and creativity. We also discussed how building shelters, burying the dead, and creating early art were signs of deeper thinking and emotions. These behaviors may have included rituals that involved movement or dance. Burial sites and art objects suggest that early humans were connecting physically and spiritually through expressive acts, which likely included dance. W...

Final Reflections

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      1   A Richer Appreciation for Nonverbal Expression Vanessa Devin Throughout this course, I have developed a deeper understanding of dance as more than just performance; it is a powerful cultural and historical lens. This paper will explore how studying global dance traditions reveal the ways movement expresses identity, belief systems, resistance, and change across time and place. By reflecting on what I’ve learned, I will demonstrate how these insights have influenced my thinking and will continue to shape my academic and professional path. I have come to learn dance is a vital historical and cultural artifact. Learning about dance from various regions and time periods opened my eyes to how movement reflects deeper societal values, spiritual beliefs, power dynamics, and historical change. From the sacred rituals of African tribal dances to the elegance of ballet in the Renaissance period, each form we studied offered a unique window into the iden...