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Reshaping Dance through Time: A Critical View of Historical Periodisation in Relation to Pedagogy and Research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 January 2013

Abstract

Western history is organised into more or less distinct “periods” that give shape to our conception of the past. I offer an alternative way of conceptualising dance history that retains the long view but disturbs conventional periodisation. This is based on Penelope Corfield's premise that time can be organised not only by distinguishing radical disjunctures but also by “continuity” and “micro” change. If these concepts are applied to dance, many of the difficulties of time frame, hierarchy, and value might be eroded. Furthermore, they expand the opportunities for pedagogy and research to address works or people who have been elided by traditional periodisation.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2009

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