The transposition of literary and rhetorical constructs to dance theory and choreography

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Daniel Alvord Phillips (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Virginia Moomaw

Abstract: It was the purpose of this study to explore selected literary and rhetorical constructs as philosophical models for describing the aesthetic nature of dance, techniques of choreography, and the theory of choreography. Essentially heuristic, the study superimposed these constructs, such as metaphor, on dance theory to see if they also described the same or similar processes or techniques in dance. It was hoped that of the 250 constructs considered, a few would significantly enrich the dancer's understanding of his medium. Four compatible theories were used as a framework for conceiving the study: Langer, Sheets, Ellfeldt-Metheny, and Gendlin. Each construct was stated first as it applied to literature or rhetoric; then abstracted enough in terminology so that it would not only apply to literature and rhetoric, but other media as well; then this abstracted statement, now quite malleable, was applied to the indicated area of dance—aesthetics of dance, techniques of choreography, or theory of choreography. Professional literature on the constructs and the movement-meaning relationship were used to support the philosophical developments and conclusions. The study was illustrated through Labanotation and pantomimic descriptions where pertinent.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 1974
Subjects
Language arts $x Correlation with content subjects
Improvisation in dance
Dance $x Study and teaching
Choreography

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