Virtual Powers

1
Virtual Powers The Magic Circleby Susanne
Langer

• Prepared by Dr. Kay Picart
• Edited by Jessica Labbé and Dr. Kay Picart

2
Review Question

• How does Langer define what the fantastically
  diverse theories of dance are?

3
Review Questions

• How does movement convey meaning?
• What is the difference between a natural and a
  virtual gesture?

4
Review Question

• What is meant by the word virtual?

5
Review Question

• According to Langer, when is movement merely
  movement, and when is it an artistic expression?

6
Review Question

• What makes a dance a work of art?

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Discussion Questions

• Do you agree with the common doctrine that an
  artist gives us insight into actualities, and
  penetrates to the nature of individual things?
  (34)
• Moreover, is it inappropriate to assume, as
  Langer suggests, that self-expression is related
  to dance expression or that they are one and the
  same?

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Review Question

• How is the self expressed in Modern Dance?

Martha Graham
9
Review Question

• For what purposes were ancient dances originally
  intended?
• What part did Divine Powers play in the dances?

Indian DanceJatayuvadham Koodiyattam
www.cyberkerala.com/koodiyattam/jatayuvadham7.htm
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Review Question

• How does Langer claim the first recognition of
  Powersdivine or semidivine Beings (38) was
  made in ancient culture?

Indian DanceSoorpanakhangam Koodiyattam
http//www.cyberkerala.com/koodiyattam/koodiy6.htm
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Discussion Question

• Langer believes that dancing is considered the
  most serious intellectual part of savage life,
  going beyond ones animal existence. (38)
• Do you agree that dance is the human spirits
  participation (39) in the greater forces of the
  world? If dance isnt, what is?

12
Review Question

• What is the Reigen?

13
Review Question

• Can dancing have magical effects? If so, how?

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Discussion Question

• Why do people continue dancing without the
  motives of worship or magic making?

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Possible Answers

• Because people have held onto the image of Powers
• To those with a mythic consciousness, it
  presents a reality
• To the secular mind, it presents a romantic world
  
• To the psychologist it presents a dream world

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Concluding Quote

• Today, we know the Power that enchanted ancient
  dancing sites was an illusion, and dance with a
  completely artistic intent.

Alvin Ailey's Revelations
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Concluding Question

• Do you agree with this remark? Why or why not?