1. The Idea of the Dance: From Aristotle to Mallarme by Andre Levinson
Prepared by Dr. Kay Picart
Edited by Jessica Labbé and Dr. Kay Picart

2. Review Question:
According to Levinson, what are the two elements of dance that seem eternally locked in competition/combat with each other?

3. Review Question:
According to Aristotle, what is the purpose of dance?

4. Discussion Question:
What problem results from Aristotle’s characterization of dance?

5. Review Question:
Provide examples of various philosophers’ negative reactions to dance.

6. Review Question:
Provide examples of how philosophers reacted positively to dance.

7. Review Question:
What does the ballerina symbolize to Mallarme?

8. Discussion Questions:
Do you agree that a dancer can be completely oblivious/“illiterate” to the deeper dimensions of dance? What are the gendered implications of Mallarme’s remark?
Dancemakers of Toronto

9. Discussion Question:
How useful is the implied analogy of dance to language?
Walking the Walk by Kay Curtis

10. Okinawan Dance ~ http://www.virtualginza.com/eisa.htm
Review Question:
According to Levinson, how does dance interact with spirituality?
Okinawan Dance ~

11. Review Question:
How does Valery characterize dance?

12. Concluding Question:
How effectively does Levinson resolve the struggle between the two elements of dance? (form versus expression)
Argentinean Butoh Dance Sky and Heart Wedding