This thesis is a study of the work of Martha Graham, pioneer of modern dance in America, and Zab Maboungou, pioneer of contemporary African dance in Canada. The objective of this study is to identify in 'world dances' their unifying principle, to suggest implications of this for an at-one-ness in dance education. Drawing from early critical theory, specifically, I argue that a cross-cultural definition of dance is essential for inclusion of African dance, and other non-Western dances, in contemporary education. / To do so, this thesis first raises the question what is dance , and examines four commonly accepted definitions of dance. From the framework of critical multiculturalism, the politics of nonrecognition and misrepresentation are discussed. The 'primitive' trope attached to contemporary non-Western art, the regard of cultures as 'objects', and the 'tokenism' practices in multicultural education are examined in direct relation to art museums, educational institutions, and media images in particular. / From the notion of self, the thesis uses philosophical foundations, primarily Eastern, to challenge the Eurocentrism present in contemporary dance education in Canada. This addresses the question of who is the dancer. / Throughout the thesis, the shifting dialogue between theory and philosophy, past and present, movement and voice, is employed to argue for change in dance education in Canada. In response to the questions raised, the final conclusion of this thesis is developed in a six minute video presentation which accompanies this thesis, entitled: I am the two in One.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2007. / 15 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm. +

England is home to a distinctive vernacular dance called Morris dance. One of the reasons that it is unique is because it is a secular dance that is displayed rather than performed as a medium for socializing. Questions often arise from audiences when they try to decode its symbolism and the purpose of its presentation. Several interpretations have emerged since Morris dance was revived by successive waves of enthusiasts. After reviewing the study and culture of pre-modern and modern Morris dance and its cultural milieu and its principal venue, Whitsuntide(also known as May Day), a potential interpretation is proposed — misrule. The title of my dissertation recalls the famous essay on the theatrical display of misrule by E.P. Thompson titled "Rough Music" (1993). Using the research that has emerged from the study of carnival behaviour by Mikhail Bakhtin and liminality by Victor Turner, the basic conditions of misrule are reviewed and illuminated. Then the symbols and behaviour of modern and premodern Morris dance are subjected to comparison and contrast with the result that modern Morris dance will be shown to have departed significantly from the premodern template of misrule. This departure may help to explain the dilemma of the current popular criticisms leveled at Morris dance today. However, a complication is raised in which the new misrule interpretation may not prove usefu lafter all because it cannot be applied to the Morris dance culture as it currently exists.

Background: Activity and exercise that are sustainable are essential for maximizing their long-term health and therapeutic benefits. Physical therapists (PTs), as clinical exercise specialists, are committed to the exploitation of these benefits. Dance is often perceived as social and enjoyable, both potentially motivating factors that could contribute to its being such a sustained activity. Purpose: To describe the beliefs and practices of PTs regarding the use of dance as a therapeutic intervention for individuals at risk of or experiencing one or more chronic lifestyle conditions. A secondary aim was to establish an appropriate estimate of statistical power and effect size for subsequent survey or intervention studies. Design: Descriptive study based on a self-administered questionnaire. Subjects and Methods: A 5-page survey questionnaire, comprised of 67 items was developed and pre-tested prior to distribution to 231 PTs (with an anticipated response rate of 40%). Public and private practitioners were randomly sampled from the 2008 list of registered PTs in British Columbia. The randomized population was contacted up to five times according to Dillman’s method. Results: The survey resulted in 136 returned questionnaires (124 returned by respondents, 12 returned undeliverable) resulting in a response rate of 57%. Respondents expressed moderate to high agreement that dance could positively impact clients’ physiological and psychological states. Although most respondents did not prescribe dance, they expressed interest in doing so. Finally, the majority of respondents were amenable to the inclusion of dance in physical therapy practice, professional development education, and research. Rather than inclusion in entry-level education however, most respondents believed dance should be a post-graduate education topic. Discussion and Conclusion: We believe that this is the first study designed to examine the beliefs and practices of PTs with respect to use of dance as a therapeutic intervention. PTs appear responsive to recommending dance as an activity alternative, and are interested in learning more about its use as a therapeutic intervention and/or health promotion activity. Notably, dancing’s perceived social and enjoyable features were cited by PTs as potential facilitating factors that could sustain long-term participation and corresponding health benefits.

Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2006. Graduate Programme in Dance. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-104). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR19638

Thesis (M.F.A.)--Texas Woman's University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 30-32).

Thesis (M.F.A.)--Texas Woman's University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 26-27).

Thesis (M.M.) -- Florida State University, 2003. / Advisor: Jane Piper Clendinning, Florida State University, School of Music. Title and description from thesis home page (viewed 9-29-04). Document formatted into pages; contains 76 pages. Includes biographical sketch. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Melbourne, Victoria College of the Arts,School of Dance, 2005. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 179-193).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Washington State University, 2007. / (UMI)AAI3264400. Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 68-05, Section: A, page: 2023. Adviser: Jeannette-Marie Mageo.