Alexis Taylor, Southern Utah University
This paper explores the cultural significance of dance in Ancient Grecian culture and the influence it has since had on our society and its view of the arts, focusing specifically on dance and the theatrical arts. When looked at through an anthropological standpoint the act of dance has its roots in the beginning of man and throughout history it has been celebrated and presented differently. The art of dance performance, as it is now, evolved from the Grecian concept of dance theater to the performance-based culture that is so prevalent today. The Ancient Greeks would dance in their daily lives as well as for performance purposes whereas in modern societies dance is more of a performance art than a cultural influence. This paper explores several Greek folk dances known today as well as their potential roots and what they demonstrate about Greek culture. The Greeks used dance in everything from education to physical training to a spiritual relationship between man and the gods. This implicates that dance was heavily invested in their daily lives and cultural identity. With this tie to daily life, this paper will explore the relationship between accepted folk dances from previous generations and the modern concept of dance in social settings.