Through this reflection, I will summarize on my learning from World
Dance History and how they have impacted me both personally and
academically. I will explain my most significant takeaways from this
reflection, my approach to incorporating them into my field, and my
thoughts about the entire process of taking this class and the course
overall.
The
most significant takeaway I will have is my new understanding of just
how rich and diverse dance history really is. Each weekly topic, from
Paleolithic Rituals to the Middle Ages and Baroque and modern dance, has
made me think about how dancing is not just an art form, but also a
historical record of humanity's values and beliefs, and a timeless
record of our shared history. I found it particularly fascinating to
look at how cultures throughout time, from the ritual dances of ancient
peoples to the symbolic gestures of Egypt, and on into the most
progressive periods of present-day, were all representative of their
time and place.
Another
important takeaway is that dance draws on knowledge from diverse
disciplines. The course always linked the movement to anthropology,
history, religion, politics, and social change. This not only made the
periods more vivid and significant but also helped through the
experiential activities. Performing or reenacting dances gave the
impression that the information was embodied rather than purely
academic. It then made clear why the syllabus pointed out the
development of presentation skills, creativity, and critical thinking as
objectives.
Although
my field of study is not dance, the teaching of this course caused me
to reflect on it, and I used the steps in other areas. By studying the
historical significance of choreography and its philosophical connection
to the artist, I was able to use a tool to trace the evolution of
thought over time; this concept is common to all research and creative
work.
The
course was an excellent opportunity for me to acquire and polish my
communication skills. Discussion posts, a group presentation, and
reflective writings were the activities through which I had to carefully
and thoughtfully practice clarity in expressing complex ideas. I will
definitely apply that skill in the future. The ability to map the
relationship between history and practice is a skill that can be used
anywhere, and this course made that connection very clear.
Overall,
I really enjoyed this class more than I expected. The combination of
movement, discussion, and history set it apart from a typical
lecture-based course. The atmosphere was relaxed but engaging, and the
experiential approach made everybody feel involved. It didn’t matter
whether someone was a dancer or not; the structure allowed everyone to
access the material, just as the syllabus emphasized.
The
class community was very supportive. Learning through the group project
and practice with classmates indeed made it a collaborative affair. The
subject matter was also highly appreciated by me. Dance history could
be viewed as a distant or too academic topic. The course also enabled me
to see history as an interplay between movement and culture, and how
they shape the world around us. It was also beneficial because it taught
me a variety of new academic skills while providing a better
understanding of universal traditions worldwide. The class helped me
develop a broader understanding of how cultures are created individually
and collectively; therefore, I gained much from participating in peer
collaboration through several creative projects. This course also
re-emphasised to me the idea that knowledge is both theoretical and
embodied, with their combination being the key to its value.
2
Dance as a Kind of Living Story
Emi Mizrahi Daniel
One of the biggest things I’m taking away from this
class is realizing how much dance is connected to history and identity.
Every style we learned wasn’t just movement — it came from people trying
to express something, survive something, or celebrate something. I
didn’t expect to learn so much about culture through dance, but it
honestly made everything feel more human and real. I also loved seeing
how different civilizations used movement to pass down traditions when
they didn’t have freedom or access to writing. It made me appreciate
dance as a kind of living story that keeps history alive in the body.
I
felt really comfortable in this class because it never felt
intimidating or overly technical. The way we watched clips, talked about
them, and connected them to real life made everything easier to digest.
I appreciated that it wasn’t about being a dancer — it was about
understanding why movement matters. I also liked that there was room to
ask things, be curious, or make comments without feeling out of place.
Overall, the class felt relaxed but still meaningful, which made it
genuinely enjoyable to show up for.
Since
I’m studying psychology and want to be a therapist, a lot of what we
covered actually connects to how I see people. This class reminded me
that the body tells stories just as much as words do. Different cultures
express emotions, spirituality, and identity through movement, and
that’s something I can carry into my future work with clients. It made
me more aware of how non-verbal expression can reveal things someone
might not be ready to say yet. In a way, this class reinforced that
healing isn’t just in the mind — it’s also in the body, in culture, and
in the way people move through the world.
3
powerful Tools for Understanding People
Emma Quian
Throughout this course, one of my
biggest takeaways was realizing just how diverse and meaningful dance is
across different cultures and historical periods. Each form we
studied—whether African diasporic dances, Ancient Egyptian procession
movement, Greek ritual performance, or Renaissance ballet—revealed
something unique about the people who created it. Some dances were
festive and communal, rooted in celebration, while others were sacred,
symbolic, or tied to storytelling and identity. I also learned that
movements vary widely: some cultures value grounded, rhythmic steps
while others emphasize lightness, line, or strict technique. Seeing how
dance evolved over time helped me appreciate how deeply it connects to
history, tradition, and the social realities of each community.
To
me, our learning environment was positive, supportive, and
collaborative. I felt like I had a voice and was present in the
classroom. The discussions, videos, and hands-on elements made the
material easier to connect with and more memorable. Instead of just
memorizing facts, we were encouraged to observe movement, think
critically, and connect patterns across cultures. The classroom also
felt welcoming, which made it comfortable to participate and ask
questions without feeling judged. Overall, the environment helped me
enjoy the course and truly understand the cultural depth of the dances
we studied.
What I learned in this class connects more to my field
than I expected. As someone studying sociology, criminology, and
education-related topics, understanding cultural expression and movement
helps me better appreciate how people communicate identity beyond
words. Learning about different dance forms taught me how traditions,
rituals, and community practices carry meaning, which is important when
working with diverse student populations or thinking about social
belonging. I can apply this perspective to better understand cultural
differences, encourage inclusivity, and value the ways students bring
their heritage into learning spaces. This class showed me that movement,
performance, and expression are powerful tools for understanding
people—something I can carry with me in both academic and professional
settings.
4
Safe, Encouraged and Excited
This class ended up
being one of my favorite parts of the semester because I got to connect
my love for dance with what I was learning in a real classroom setting.
I had so much fun, and I honestly didn’t expect to make as many friends
as I did. Being able to dance, talk about movement, and explore
different styles with people who enjoyed it as much as I do made the
experience even better. I also loved learning the history behind all the
dances we studied because it gave everything more meaning and showed me
how deep and diverse dance really is. Overall, I walked away with a
stronger appreciation for dance not just as an art form but as a
cultural expression that has shaped so many societies.
I
always felt comfortable, welcomed, and supported in this class, which
made a huge difference in how much I learned. The energy was always
positive, and the environment encouraged everyone to be themselves and
try new things without feeling judged. Professor Jorge is honestly one
of the best professors I’ve had because he created a space where we
could grow, ask questions, and actually enjoy the process. He made every
class engaging and fun, and it was clear he cared about what we were
learning and how we felt. Because of that, I felt safe, encouraged, and
excited to walk into class each day.
As
someone studying Advertising Management and Broadcast Journalism, this
class actually connected to my major more than I expected. So much of
dance is about storytelling, expression, and communicating emotion,
which are all things I will use in marketing and media. Understanding
cultural dance history helps me think about audiences more thoughtfully,
especially when working on campaigns that have global or multicultural
elements. Even learning how movement can send a message ties directly
into branding, content creation, and how people interpret visual
imagery. I can see myself using what I learned in this class to create
more intentional, creative, and culturally aware work in my future
marketing and media projects.
5
Something I
looked forward to
One of the main things I’m taking
away from this class is a much deeper understanding of how connected
dance is to culture and history. I never really thought about movement
as something that carried meaning across generations, but learning about
different civilizations completely changed that. Every style we looked
at showed me that dance is basically a way people have communicated
identity, beliefs, and emotions long before they had other tools. It
made dance feel less like “just movement” and more like a living form of
storytelling. I also learned how diverse movement can be depending on
the values of the culture it comes from. Some traditions are grounded
and rhythmic, while others are very symbolic or focused on technique and
shape. Seeing that range made it clear that dance always reflects the
society that created it.
In terms of the learning environment, I
felt very comfortable in this class and it was never intimidating, no
matter your background. The mix of videos, discussions, and moments
where we got to try small movements helped the material click in a way
that felt easy and natural. I appreciated that everyone could
participate without feeling judged, and that the class had a supportive
and relaxed atmosphere. It honestly made showing up to class something I
looked forward to. The environment was very collaborative and helped me
stay engaged. By the end of the semester, I had learned everyone's name
and made new friends.
Even though my field of study is Biology
Pre-Med, I actually found a lot of connections between what we learned
and what I want to do. This course made me more aware of how much the
body reflects culture, experience, and emotion which are things that
matter in medicine more than people realize. Future patients will come
from different backgrounds, and understanding that movement, posture,
and behavior can carry cultural meaning which is important for providing
respectful care. It also reminded me that healing isn’t purely clinical.
People’s stories and identities shape how they move through the world,
physically and emotionally. That perspective is something I know I’ll
carry with me as I continue toward medical school.
6
A Deep Significance
I have been dancing since I was two
years old and have had a love for the art ever since. It has been so
interesting to learn the history of where all these movements come from.
All dance has such a rich history and takes inspiration from other
movements, cultures, and traditions. I think it is so interesting how
history can play such a large part in dance today. Whether it's
socially, professionally, or recreationally, we all do movements that
have a deep significance behind them. We have been not only dancing but
telling stories of the past.
The learning environment in class has
made this semester very enjoyable. Everyone is eager to participate,
share their thoughts, and try new things. My favorite part of this class
is when we learn the dances after the lecture. Everyone gets super
involved, and it becomes a fun experience for the class to do together.
By the end of the semester, everyone makes new friends and becomes
closer with their peers because of the group work that we do. Everyone
is also very involved in the group work and makes an effort to share
their opinions, which definitely helps the success of the class.
I
am an exercise physiology major and a dance minor, and I hope to do
something combining both interests in the future. This class has taught
me a lot about movement and where it comes from. I will now be more
aware that the movements that we do have have a deep history behind
them. It has made me interested in the history of where some exercises
have originated, and I will soon be researching that and its evolution
to how we exercise today. In the future, I would love to learn more
about the modern dance techniques and how they can be applied to
movements done during exercising and working out. I can see the
similarities of where we have gathered movement from, and it has made me
more interested in the history.
7
Diving Deep
I
have many take-aways from this class. First and foremost, the best way
to learn is truly to immerse yourself within that topic as best as
possible. For example, when we had the group presentations and we all
had to try the dance style the group was presenting on, it was a great
way to take our learning a step further and have a chance to learn
kinesthetically as well. Another key takeaway from this class is that
there are always more questions to be asked. I have never studied dance
history, and it was so interesting to discover that even the most simple
looking movements have quite a long and robust lineage. Lastly, the
most important take-away would have to be to dive all into whatever you
study. I felt we went into immense detail and engaged in class
discussion that I found super impactful and interesting. Diving deep is
truly the best way to learn!
I
felt inspired, supported and excited in our learning environment! I
feel we covered such a diverse range of topics that it always led me to
asking more questions and staying curious. The content inspired me to
further dive deeper into certain topics; such as how gender plays a role
in performing certain cultural dance styles. In addition, I felt
supported because anytime me or a classmate had a question, it was
always answered with compassion, genuinity and understanding. I also
felt excited because we were constantly learning something new every
class which made the class super engaging. By having a different focus
every class, I felt like I was constantly learning something new.
I
heavily focus on gender studies and after taking this class I feel I am
able to draw parallels between gender and the performing art of dance.
Many dance traditions rely heavily on gender to govern who learns which
choreography; typically the male is the one leading and the female is
following. As the world evolves, and perspectives change, I am curious
to learn more about how shifts in attitudes towards binary genders has
created a shift in the way certain dance styles are performed. For
example, tango or salsa is a very gendered base and I am curious to know
how individuals navigate that if they do not want to conform to those
norms. I will definitely use all that we have learned to guide future
studies and research within GSS.
8
A journey we all went through together
Even though I
never really danced and never really liked the idea of it either and
also can not really dance, I realized how dance is not only about moving
your body, but also connected to culture, history and identity more than
I expected. Learning where the movements come from helped me understand
that it is not always about how good you dance but about the purpose
and joy behind it. You can express so much with just moving your body in
a specific way. As an athlete I also noticed interesting parallels
between sports and dance like movements, discipline and storytelling through
the body. I also realized that dance can be a way of communication that
has meaning behind it. Also missing class due to soccer made me
realized how much I missed sometimes and how much more details there is
about every different dance type and how many dance types there are.
I
felt welcomed even tho I was not a dancer and can not dance or missed
classes due to soccer. The class environment was very relaxed and not
intimidating at all. I never felt judjed for not having any dance
experience; it was more like a journey we all went through together. Even
when I was not in class all the videos and following discussions helped
me get a better idea of dance types and history behind it. I also
appreciated that the professor made the class accessible to people with
all levels of movement experience.
My
major is psychology and I learned that movement can express emotions or
identity and feeling without words and sometimes even better than
words, which helps to understand every person despite any language
barriers. Different cultures express themselves through movement which
matters when working with diverse clients. It showed how the body
communicates which is very important in therapy. I also play soccer so
it helped me because I became more aware of movements as a form of
communication (teamwork, body language), the history behind dance made
me also think about how athletes use their body to tell a story, for
example confidence, energy, culture. And the last thing it did was
helping me appreciate that movement is not only physical it is cultural
and emotional too.
9
Music and
dance developed hand-in-hand
Dance as we know it today was
formed from centuries of evolution. With humanity came creativity and
the ability to think abstractly, which is how different religions came
to be -- and those religions needed ways to praise and pray to their
god(s). From there, dance became a social event to establish a sense of
community. As different cultures interacted and traded with each other,
so did dance styles. It is in Europe where rules start getting applied
to dance -- starting with who could dance (upper class), and eventually
extending to how to dance. Due to this, modern dance was born to reset
what we know about dance; but even that eventually got rules, which is
where post-modern was made to try and accomplish the original goal of
modern dance.
My opinion of the class environment is overall
positive. I am greatly appreciative of the materials provided to us (I
am even using one for a report in my other class!), and I found the
demonstrations/dancing parts to be the most fun! The blogs make it very
easy to take notes and reference back to different materials. Because
the class energy sometimes felt a bit unfocused, I occasionally had
difficulty staying motivated, but the times where discussions were
active were really productive. I think with a bit more engagement, this
class could be a really supportive and fun space, but I had a great time
regardless! I appreciate the professor's willingness to talk with me
about the material and encourage my interest in certain areas.
My field of study is music industry, and I feel dance and music have
always been deeply intertwined. A lot of times, I learned, music and
dance developed hand-in-hand; where there was dancing at social
gatherings, there was music; where there was the first ballets, there was music; and so on. I am currently taking a music theory class,
and, in understanding that, I have connected it to dancing and am able
to create choreography and move with more musicality. I think it's
similar for learning about the history of dance -- with it I have
learned a lot about the history of music. Its not exact; just as I did
not entirely learn musicality from music theory class, I did not learn
the entirety of music history through dance. But that doesn't mean this
wasn't a valid or valuable source of learning the history of music and
its evolution, and it's definitely something I can reference as I go
into the ever-changing music market.
10
A Cultural Archive
One
of my biggest take-aways from this class is realizing how deeply dance
is intertwined with history, identity, and the evolution of human
societies. Before this course, I understood dance mostly as a technique
or an art form, but now I see it as a cultural archive that carries
stories, beliefs, and social values across generations. Learning about
global traditions from African retention practices to Greek ritual
processions and the birth of ballet showed me how movement adapts as
cultures change. I also learned that dance is never isolated. It always
reflects the community, politics, and spiritual systems that surround
it. Overall, this class taught me to look at movement not just as
physical expression but as a powerful historical and cultural language.
In
our learning environment, I felt inspired, supported, and genuinely
excited to participate. The variety of topics we explored kept me
curious, always leading me to ask more questions and want to dive deeper
into the material. I appreciated how open and compassionate the
atmosphere was—whenever someone had a question or shared an idea, it was
always met with patience and understanding. The mix of media,
discussions, and occasional movement activities made every class feel
engaging and fresh. Because each class had a different focus, I felt
constantly stimulated and motivated to learn, which made the class a
place I looked forward to being in.
As
someone studying communication and marketing, I found this course
surprisingly relevant to my field. Dance, like all forms of cultural
expression, communicates messages about identity, values, and emotion
essential elements in understanding audiences. The class helped me see
how movement, symbolism, and performance shape the way people interpret
meaning, which is incredibly valuable in media, branding, and
storytelling. Learning how cultures express themselves through dance
also made me more aware of how important it is to approach diverse
audiences with cultural sensitivity and awareness. In marketing
especially, understanding the history, language, and symbolism behind
cultural practices helps avoid stereotypes and fosters more authentic
connections. I know I will use the insights from this course to think
more creatively and respectfully about communication strategies in my
future work.
11
Empathy, Cultural Curiosity, and Appreciation
World
History of the Dance helped me understand that dance is a universal
language that reflects who we are as humans, spiritually, culturally,
and historically. We traced the evolution of dance beginning from the
Paleolithic era with shamanic ritual, through Neolithic community
expression, to the Copper, Bronze, and Iron Ages where migration and
cultural exchange shaped movement traditions. We studied syncretic
retentions carried through the African diaspora, showing how dance
preserves identity even under oppression. From Ancient Egypt and
Ptolemaic processions, to the Yemenite diaspora, to the theatrical
innovation of Ancient Greece and pantomime in Rome, I learned that dance
has always been intertwined with society, religion, and storytelling.
Group presentations on bachata, salsa, belly dance, Irish dance, country
dance, salsa, and ballroom further demonstrated how history continues
to live in today’s cultural dances. Ultimately, my biggest takeaway from
this course is that dance is not just movement, it is an integral part
of our history and it is a form of survival, resistance, creativity,
and connection across civilizations.
I
really enjoyed the learning environment in this class because it was
interactive, expressive, and inclusive. We didn’t just learn history, we
experienced it through movement activities, videos, discussions, and
collaborative exploration. This made the material feel alive and
relevant rather than distant and boring. The space felt open and
supportive, allowing everyone to share ideas and learn from one another
regardless of previous dance experience. Movement activities,
especially, helped me understand what different cultures valued and how
dance expresses emotion, community, and identity. Being able to learn
through both the body and the mind made this class one of the most
engaging and memorable experiences I’ve had.
What
I learned in this course will stay with me far beyond the classroom. As
a Finance and Accounting major, where leadership and
relationship-building are essential skills, understanding culture,
identity, and expression is essential to building strong relationships
and inclusive communities. World History of the Dance taught me that
people communicate not only with words but through movement and creative
expression, something that can strengthen teamwork and human connection
in any field. Whether I am working with clients, collaborating on
teams, or engaging in global business settings, the cultural awareness I
gained here will help me foster inclusivity and respect in every room I
step into. This course expanded my worldview and helped shape how I
want to show up, with empathy, cultural curiosity, and appreciation for
the many ways humans express who they are.
12
More Meaningful than Just Movement
My main takeaways from this class
are how important each dance is to each time period, culture, and
religion. Dance is an art form that has been rooted into tradition and
has been developed over the years. Each dance has its own meaning, and
is interpreted differently by each person. This helped me see how dance
serves as both a reflection of society and a way for people to express
their identity, making it much more meaningful than just movement.
Overall, this class has shown me how deeply dance is connected to
history and how it continues to influence people today.
The class
learning environment was fun and interesting. We were open to having
real conversations where everyone's voice and opinions mattered, was
respected, and ultimately led to new ideas and perspectives. The
environment was interactive which allowed us to gain a better
understanding of what was being taught. It also helped us immerse
ourselves in the history and time periods that we learned about. Because
of this, I felt more connected to the material, and it made the
learning experience feel more personal and engaging.
I could apply
what I learned to my own field of studies by using the cultural
understanding and appreciation for different forms of dance to approach
my career and the real world with a more open mind and a deeper
awareness of how traditions and history influence people today. This
knowledge can help me connect better with individuals from different
backgrounds. It also encourages me to think about how art and culture
shape the world around us. I can use these insights to strengthen my
communication and collaboration skills. Overall, the lessons from this
class can help me be more thoughtful, informed, and well-rounded in my
future career.
13
How dance responds
to historical events
My biggest take-away from this
class is learning how dance is woven into such diverse cultures. I've
been a dancer for the majority of my life and I'm so grateful to be able
to view dance through a wider lens now. I realized that dance is a
historical form of art that reflects the values and struggles of
oppressed societies. Learning about the evolution of styles like
cultural dance forms and modern dance helped me appreciate the diversity
of human expression. There were some topics we learned about that I had
already been educated on but I'm so glad I got to learn about it more,
for example, the Israelites fleeing Egypt and Jewish dance styles, as
well as Martha Graham. I gained so much insight into how dance responds
to historical events such as migration and social movements. This course
deepened my understanding of dance as both a creative practice and a
historical practice.
I felt engaged in our learning environment
and I love how interactive it was when we were able to do actual
cultural dances. Sometimes I was reminded of when I did West African
dance. I loved how you created a space where questions were welcomed and
it really felt like a safe space. The combination of lectures, videos,
practicing dances, and class conversations made the content so
enjoyable. Being in a classroom where curiosity was encouraged made me
more engaged.
As a dance minor and someone who wants to
continue learning about and practicing dance, the knowledge I gained in
this course is so valuable. Understanding how artistic practices reflect
historical contexts helps me think more critically about culture and
identity. This course strengthened my ability to interpret symbolism and
recognize the cultural influences that shape human behavior and the way
people express themselves coming from different cultural backgrounds. I
can confidently say that I now have a deeper understanding of the
origins of the activity I have dedicated 8 years of my life doing.
Ultimately, this class gave me the tools to connect the past with the
present in more thoughtful ways.
14
Connection between
people
I learned about the evolution of
dance and how important dance has been to shaping our history and
culture. Dance has played such an important role in the development of
individualized cultures around the world. Different people developed
their own versions of movements, helping unite people in so many ways.
It was really interesting to see how dance could be used for good as
well as harm. Dance can also be used for healing and spiritual reasons. I
am very pleased with the knowledge I have learned during this class.
I felt comfortable everyday in our learning environment. Everyone was
kind and inviting. I liked how we had open seating, but also were able
to interact with everyone in class. I also loved the interactive
activities we completed at the end of almost every class. It was fun to
actually learn and do the dances we spoke about in class.
I
plan to apply my knowledge of dance background in historical studies as
well as current day events. Dance can apply to connection between
people.
15
A powerful cultural language
Throughout
this course, I gained a much deeper understanding of how dance reflects
the cultural, political, and spiritual histories of societies across
time. One of my largest takeaways was seeing how movement serves not
only as artistic expression but also as a means of preserving identity,
especially within diasporic and marginalized communities. Studying
traditions such as Egyptian processions, African diasporic practices,
Yemenite dance, and the development of ballet revealed the ways in which
dance operates as both a historical document and a living ritual. I
also learned how interconnected global cultures are, as many dance forms
evolved through exchanges, migrations, and adaptations rather than
existing in isolation. Overall, the course reshaped the way I view
dance, allowing me to see it as a powerful cultural language that
carries stories, values, and histories across generations.
I
felt very engaged and supported in our learning environment because the
class encouraged curiosity, open discussion, and respectful exploration
of diverse cultures. The lectures and videos created an atmosphere
where it was easy to stay focused and genuinely interested in the
material. I appreciated how each lesson built upon the last, helping us
connect historical contexts with the movement we were studying. Even
without physically performing every dance, I felt included in the
learning process through guided observations, class dialogue, and
opportunities to reflect on what we saw. The classroom setting felt
safe, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating, which made
participating and sharing ideas comfortable and enjoyable.
As
a student in advertising and finance, the knowledge from this course
applies more than I initially expected. Understanding cultural history
and movement traditions strengthens my ability to create marketing
strategies that are culturally aware and respectful, which is essential
in today’s global media landscape. Learning how symbols, rituals, and
performance communicate meaning helps me think more deeply about visual
storytelling, branding, and audience engagement. The course also
reinforced the importance of recognizing the origins of cultural
expressions, which is valuable when working with diverse consumers and
avoiding cultural appropriation in campaigns. Ultimately, this class
expanded my perspective and will influence how I approach creative work,
communication, and cultural sensitivity in my professional field.
16
Every body tells a story
One
of the biggest take-aways from this course is realizing how deeply
dance is connected to human history and cultural identity. Each unit
showed that movement is not just artistic expression, but a living
archive that carries memory, belief systems, and social structures
across generations. Whether we studied the Natufian culture, African
retention in the Caribbean, or the evolution of ballet, I learned that
dance always reflects the values and circumstances of the communities
that create it. I also gained a stronger understanding of how dance
forms influence one another, building on older practices while
responding to new political, spiritual, or artistic needs. Overall, this
course helped me see dance as a lens for understanding humanity, rather
than just a physical technique or performance.
I
felt supported, included, and encouraged to think critically throughout
our learning environment. The class created space for everyone’s
individual background to matter, which made the material feel more
meaningful and accessible. I appreciated that we were invited to move,
discuss, and reflect rather than simply memorize information. This
balance of intellectual and embodied learning made the classroom feel
dynamic and engaging. Because of this environment, I felt comfortable
participating, asking questions, and connecting my own experiences to
the broader cultural and historical themes we explored.
As
a Health Science major on the pre-med track, I can apply what I learned
in this course to better understand the relationship between the body,
culture, and lived experience. Dance history showed me how the body
holds memory, trauma, resilience, and identity, which directly relates
to patient care and the human side of medicine. Understanding different
cultural practices and ways of moving can help me become a more
empathetic and culturally sensitive physician in the future. The course
also reminded me that healing is not only physical but often emotional
and cultural as well. I will carry this awareness into my medical
studies, keeping in mind that every body tells a story, and those
stories deserve to be understood with respect.
17
I felt welcomed each time
Thomas Shanahan Reflection
I have a lot of takeways from this
semester, one being that I really enjoyed the class. I enjoyed the
history aspect because I learned a lot about the worlds past. My
knowledge of what happened many years ago has increased, and I would say
that my favorite topic was when we learned about Rome. I also enjoyed
learning about different culture's rituals. I find it interesting that
everyone has different ways of connecting and it was very cool to learn
about.
I felt very safe in our learning environment. I thought the
class was very welcoming and respectful. I got to meet and work together
with new students and I felt welcomed each time. During the dances, I
felt connected with the class and everyone was nice and respectful. The environment allowed for me to not be stressed and just learn with my
classmates.
I would apply my knowledge of what I learned into the
business field because I have a lot of knowledge of the past. When
trying to create small talk with co workers, I have a bigger range of
knowledge that I can talk about with them. We can connect on the past
time and make our conversations interesting rather than have no meaning. I
feel like I am a more rounded person now and can connect with others on
a deeper level because I have more knowledge about how we came about. I
think this is very beneficial for me and my career.
18
Larger historical themes
One of my biggest take-aways from
this world history dance class is how deeply dance is connected to
social structure, power, and identity. I learned that dances throughout
different eras were never just movements—they reflected the values,
beliefs, and expectations of the society performing them. For example,
in many historical periods, especially in European courts, dance played a
major role in how the upper class evaluated potential partners,
including how nobles chose suitable wives at balls. I also gained an
understanding of how various dance forms emerged from specific cultural
moments and how each style carried meaning tied to class, gender, and
political status. Overall, I now see dance not only as an art form but
also as a historical lens that reveals how people lived, interacted, and
expressed themselves.
In our learning environment, I felt engaged
and supported as we explored dances from different time periods and
cultures. The class encouraged curiosity, and I enjoyed being able to
make connections between movement and larger historical themes. Learning
through both discussion and physical participation helped me understand
the material more deeply than if we had only read about it. I also
appreciated the openness of the environment, where it felt comfortable
to ask questions and explore interpretations. Overall, I felt that the
class created a positive space for learning, one where we could
experience history through the body as well as through written
information.
What I learned in this class connects directly to my
field of study because it reinforces how culture, behavior, and society
shape human experience—something I constantly examine in neuroscience,
psychology, and dance. Understanding the historical purpose of movement,
especially how dance communicated status, emotion, or intention, helps
me think about the deeper cognitive and social functions behind physical
expression. It also broadens my perspective as someone studying dance
and movement from both artistic and scientific angles. I can apply this
knowledge when analyzing how people use their bodies to convey identity,
form relationships, or navigate social hierarchies, whether in
historical contexts or modern ones. Ultimately, this course strengthened
my ability to see dance as a meaningful cultural tool that connects
history, human behavior, and communication.
19
Dance
includes all cultures and ethnic groups
I genuinely
enjoyed taking this class. I was not anticipating the amount of cultural
anthropology that we would learn. I appreciated how the course lectures
began at the start of time and evolved into current events. It provided
a detailed display of the evolution of movement and the multifaceted
manner in which it translated into all aspects of culture and society. I
also enjoyed learning about the historical time periods of music,
dance, and art. This course was an exceptional display of the evolution
of dance into modern technique and interpretation.
I
felt very comfortable in our learning environment. I appreciated how
Professor Jorge made us all get up and actually dance, even if it
might've felt like an uncomfortable middle school dance routine at
first. As the semester went along, I felt like the class became much
more comfortable around each other, and we were actually attentive and
interactive in group activities. I also liked how the presentations were
spread out, and each one presented was related to our class lecture for
that day. It made the learning environment feel much more interactive.
The
history of dance includes a vast diversity of cultural interpretations
through movement and aesthetics. All aspects of culture in dance are
celebrated and acknowledged. Essentially, it is an artistic form of
bonding. My major is environmental science and policy. One of the main
themes discussed in my ECS classes this semester was how social
segregation and the specific narratives of social/political party groups
can suppress or marginalize social/income groups from adequate
representation in policy-making decisions. Thinking about how dance
includes all cultures and ethnic groups, this must be translated into
effective policy making that satisfies social and environmental needs,
as well as economic ones.
20
Dance brings people together
This class was the most enjoyable
one I had this semester, which I honestly expected because Jorges'
dance classes are always my favorite. I strongly appreciated how the
course guided us from the origins of movement to its modern
interpretations. Learning about different historical periods of dance,
music, and art helped me understand how deeply connected movement is to
society and culture. Being able to study dance in both a physical and
academic way made the experience even more meaningful. Overall, I
finished the course with a stronger appreciation for dance as an
evolving art form and a powerful expression of culture.
As
always I felt extremely comfortable and welcomed in this class. As the
semester progressed to participating in more group projects- I felt it
helped our class to become closer and more connected. This helped for
participating in discussions too and caused group activities to become
enjoyable. I also liked how the presentations were spaced throughout the
semester and tied into the lectures. It made the class feel more
interactive and engaging. it caused me to turn to my friends in class
and say,"Hey we just talked about that". Professor Jorge is the best
teacher at UM. He always creates the most positive and encouraging
environment. He never fails to go the extra mile to make me feel
comfortable and know that he cares that I learn.
Learning the
history of dance showed me how movement expresses culture, identity,
and shared human experiences. Dance brings people together and
highlights the importance of understanding different cultural
perspectives. That type of awareness is meaningful in the my field
(legal field) because law is ultimately about people, their stories, and
the systems that shape their lives. The way dance communicates emotion,
narrative, and cultural meaning helped me think more carefully about
how messages are interpreted and how different backgrounds influence a
person’s experience. In law, being able to understand diverse
perspectives, recognize cultural contexts, and think critically about
human behavior is essential. This class helped strengthen those skills,
and I know that the awareness I gained about culture and expression will
help me approach legal work with more empathy, clarity, and
understanding.
21
Storytelling and expression.
One of my biggest takeaways from
DAN 250 was realizing that dance history is not just a timeline of
styles, but a reflection of human survival, belief systems, power, and
identity. Learning about ancient, medieval, Renaissance, and
contemporary dances showed me how movement has always been connected to
ritual, religion, politics, and community, not just performance. I
especially valued the emphasis on embodied experience, because
physically exploring movement helped me understand history in a deeper
way than reading alone ever could. The course expanded my understanding
of how cultures influence one another through syncretism, diaspora, and
exchange, which reshaped how I view familiar dance forms. Overall, the
class helped me see dance as both historical evidence and a living
practice that carries memory across generations.
I felt that
the learning environment in DAN 250 was open, inclusive, and supportive
of different backgrounds and experiences with dance. Coming from a
competition dance background, I appreciated that the course validated
embodied knowledge while also challenging me to think critically beyond
technique and aesthetics. The integration of discussion, movement,
video, and cultural context made the class engaging and accessible, even
as it covered complex historical material. I felt encouraged to ask
questions, reflect, and make personal connections between my own dance
history and global traditions. This environment allowed me to grow not
only as a dancer, but also as a thinker and learner.
As an
education major with a dance minor, I will apply what I learned by using
movement as a tool for learning, cultural understanding, and student
engagement. This course reinforced the idea that dance can support
literacy, history, social-emotional learning, and identity development,
especially for diverse learners. I plan to incorporate culturally
responsive movement activities into my future classroom, using dance to
help students connect with historical content in embodied ways. My
background as a competitive dancer, combined with this historical and
cultural lens, allows me to teach dance not just as performance, but as
storytelling and expression. Ultimately, DAN 250 has shaped how I see
dance as a powerful educational resource that can make learning more
meaningful and inclusive.
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