Dance Philosophy Essay Example for Free

Dance Philosophy Essay Dance is the reason I exist and as cheesy as it sounds its true. In 1982 my father met my mother at a dance club. He said after watching her dancing with her friends he had to talk to her. Dance has the power to cross boundaries and touch one’s soul. As a form dance can be anything. Rain falling into a pound, an individual tying their shoe, a swan boureeing across a stage or man rolling across a stage can all be dance. Dance is a series of movements stitched together with an intent and frame. Weather the intent is to express emotion, showcase technique, or make a statement it is all dance. I started dancing in high school after a teacher of mine recommended I take a class. My first real dance class was ballet. It was a foreign language to me. At first it was a string of movements empty in meaning and emotion. I just danced through the motions until one day my teacher told us that we needed to bring the movement to life. I did not understand this concept at first, how could movement come to life? It wasn’t until I began taking a modern class that I understood this concept. I could use movement to express my own thoughts, fears, joys, and questions. When I try and analyze what dances means to me, ultimately, I see it as a multifaceted entity. Dance is part of my identity and without it I believe I would struggle with understanding who I am. First and foremost dance for me has always been a form of therapy. Growing up I hated conflict and as a result internalized my issues. Through dance I was able to find a reliable outlet to release my frustrations, fears, and inhibitions, which allowed me to explore my personal struggles through movement. Secondly I believe that movement has the power to transcend boundaries and make statements that are often hard to say. Movement is an outlet to foster awareness, dialogue, change and growth while bridging the gap between artistic expression and community dialogue.

Dual-Career Marriages :: Working Feminism Essays

The decision of married women to diligently pursue a career comparable to their husbands has redefined traditional spousal roles forever. Dual-career couples are increasing in number constantly, as more and more women decide that they want to accomplish ambitions they have created for themselves before, if not instead of, living out the traditional woman's role of wife and mother. These marriages pose an amazing challenge to gender role customs, with dramatically different priorities and means of cooperation than ever considered (or rather, recognized) before now. These husbands and wives undermine the traditional structure of marital roles. They are concentrating more on career development than family development, seeking self-sufficiency, high achievement, better social status, and financial success. And of course, they acknowledge both positive and negative consequences of these practices. Wives' high career commitment The modern career woman's high degree of commitment to her career in the 1990s may be one of the most problematic factors concerning marital satisfaction of both husbands and wives. While the workforce has finally accepted the position of women as interchangeable with that of a man, the same transition still has yet to occur completely and successfully in the household. The dissatisfaction of working wives tends to be a consequence of their expanding, instead of redefined, responsibilities and role as a result of their demanding career. In contrast, husbands' marital dissatisfaction often results from the fact that she is less available for him, to accommodate him, because she does not have the time. Nonetheless, some career women are readily admitting to their husbands that their work comes first. Another apparent consequence of wives' high career commitment is the increasingly limited amount of children in the dual-career marriages of young couples. L.J. Beckman's (1978) work showed that working women considered parenting and a career as conflicting, if not competing roles.1 Rosanna Hertz's study (1987) of corporate career couples explains that employers' expectations of career-devoted employees are still based on the assumption that the employee is a man, and constructed around male social roles and experience. His (or her) devotion to the needs of the company are regarded as his/her investment in the corporation, in turn, meriting investment in them by the company (e.g. promotion, salary increase, more flexible management, etc.). When career-oriented women desire to have and care for children in a traditional manner (such as taking time off while the children are young) rather than following the stereotype male career pattern, it is often interpreted as disinvesting in the corporation.

Exploratory Paper

Exploratory Paper-Revise English 1302/July 4th On-line Class 20 July 2011 Unhealthy Food Banning From Schools Presently, children in Los Angeles Schools are being denied chocolate milk due to an unhealthy food ban. According to an L. A. Times article, chocolate milk being served in Los Angeles public schools has as much sugar as a cup of regular Coke (Macvean, par. 9). Such findings have resulted in chocolate milk, which accounts for more than half of the milk consumed in Los Angeles public schools, being banned on July 1, 2011.So, why are Los Angeles Schools and other schools in the nation enforcing unhealthy food bans? It is not surprising that Los Angeles and many school districts in the country have been introducing strict bans on unhealthy foods due to an alarming problem with childhood obesity. The problem became more apparent when a national study conducted by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) found that one in three American children attending public schools were reported to be obese (Chase, par. 7).Most of the blame for the alarming ratio of student obesity was directed to â€Å"Junk† foods and sedentary activity. In response, Los Angeles schools and many other schools in the country have made it a mission to offer their students ealthier menus and encourage good eating habits largely by banning food items that are deemed unhealthy. The crusade to ban unhealthy foods from schools has had its fair share of critics, primarily by the producers of the labeled snack and soda foods who argue that banning their products will not solve the obesity problem that is currently affecting children.They claimed it is not there product, but the lack of exercise is the cause of obesity. In response to the obesity issue, producers such as Pepsi-Cola have generously provided large monitory donations to school physical education programs. School administrators and student organizations themselves have argued that food bans on snacks and sodas would create a fin ancial burden for schools, and is the wrong way to target children eating habits.One major concern is that unhealthy food bans in schools will harm school fundraising efforts for sports programs and school bands that have relied on extra revenue from sodas and candy sales. According to an article in Education Week by Linda Jacobson, 30 percent of California high schools that generated income from such products each raised more than $125,000 a year (23). Korey Capozza of Prevention magazine reported that the average teenager consumes almost two cans of soda per day that are usually purchased from a school vending machine (par. 1).An average two soda consumptions could generate thousands, or even millions of dollars in soda-company incentives to a school district's budget. A popular protester of such policies that ban unhealthy food is political conservative icon Sarah Palin. While visiting a private school in Pennsylvania she made a clear point about where she stood on the matter are losing their rights for an occasional classroom treat†like her cookies. Her focus was to push for laissez-faire, which would prohibit any government controls on what children can and cannot eat at school.Palin argued that government control on school foods is an assault on the American way of life, â€Å"On freedom and simple pleasures. On wholesome childhood delights and†¦ the integrity of the family' Oudith, par. 2). Despite debate, the popular trend by local governments in dealing with childhood obesity continues to be the banning of unhealthy foods in schools under the idea that this will encourage schools to provide nutritional meals and teach hildren how to become healthy eaters.To some degree, states like New York and California have a zero tolerance policy on unhealthy foods that can be sold or consumed on school premises. Both states also have extreme foods policies, which prohibit bake sales, treats given by teachers, and birthday cakes in the classrooms (Brow n, par. 2). A public school in Chicago has even banned the lunches students bring from home unless they have a medical excuse ensuring they will only eat the food provided by the school cafeteria (Eng, par. 5). According to an article in CQResearcher, many studies have found that eating habits start at a young age and the author of the article, Alan Greenblatt, believes that because of this, schools can play an important role in combating obesity (73). Greenblatt added that food controls is not the only solution and cautions that children will more or less fill up on unhealthy food outside the school (75). He also purposed that unhealthy school food bans should also include an increase in physical exercise and education about eating healthy that will also involve the students' parents to encourage them to prepare ealthy foods at home (Greenblatt 78).The federal government has also lent its attention on the problem of childhood obesity and has supported state government efforts to ba n unhealthy foods from schools so much so that in July of 2011, President Barrack Obama signed the child nutrition bill which places a national ban on selling candy, sugary soda, salty and fatty food in school snack bars, vending machines, and a la carte cafeteria lines (Severston, par. 1). This measure by the federal government has emphasized the argument that unhealthy food bans in schools are too intrusive nd even go against American values.The only clear conclusion in the debates involving child obesity is that something has to be done by somebody. Why not start teaching children to eat well in a place where they do most of their learning? For the fact schools are where children spend most of their time, and makes logical sense to lay the foundation for healthy habits there. It is also uncertain whether unhealthy foods on the long run will create financial difficulties for the schools or force student to eat those banned items outside of school.Nevertheless, schools can probably enerate extra revenues sales if vending machines are refitted with healthier alternatives, such as granola bars and water. This will also motivate the producers of â€Å"Junk foods† to provide and advertise healthier products to children. Hopefully a healthy eating trend among children and adolescents can start with no â€Å"Junk† food venting machines. As far as â€Å"laissez-faire† is concerned, I have no objection to the government showing concern about what our children eat in our schools and taking on the obesity problem head-on to help improve the quality of life in our society.

Beethovens Violin Concerto - 2137 Words

Ludwig van Beethoven is considered one of the greatest and most influential composers in the history of music. His Violin Concerto in D Major has been played by nearly every soloist in the past 150 years and, today, it is one of the major works in violin repertoire. Since its premiere by Franz Clement in the winter of 1806, many aspects of the violin, bow, and performance have undergone changes. This paper discusses the modern day knowledge of Beethoven s Violin Concerto, and how it is influencing the way violinists interpret and perform the concerto. It also points out some of the different performance styles starting from Clement s time to the present day. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827) was born in Bonn, which is part of modern†¦show more content†¦Joachim also composed two cadenzas for the concerto, but most players today choose the Viennese violinist Fritz Kreisler s cadenzas from the 1920 s.8 When Beethoven was writing the Violin Concerto, orchestral instrume nts were very similar to those used in Haydn s and Mozart s time.9 During the 19th century, violin luthiers were trying to recreate Italian Stradivari and Guarneri models, including the most famous luthier in Germany during Beethoven s time. Rode, Kruetzer, Baillot, all alive during Beethoven s time period, were known to play on Stradivarius violins, with pernambuco wood bows that were of the Tourte style.10 Franà §ois Tourte was the most innovative bow maker of all times, and he invented the modern bow, which produced a bigger sound, and allowed for a new galaxy of bow techniques. All subsequent bows have been variations of the Tourte style. Violins during Beethoven s time used gut strings, made from sheep or goat intestines. It produced a softer, darker sound than that of modern strings made of metal and synthetic materials, introduced around the third quarter of the 19th century. Other changes to the violin after Beethoven s time include the use of the chin and shoulder rests, which were created by the violinist Louis Spohr (1784 – 1859). The chin rest lifts the the chin above the violin, so that it does not have to touch the violin top, allowing it resonate better with less damping.11 Many of theShow MoreRelatedProgramme Notes1205 Words   |  5 PagesProgramme Note: DipABRSM | Date: 1st June 2009 | | Word Count: 1,085 words | | | | | Partita for solo violin no.3 in E, BWV 1006 J.S Bach (b. 21 March 1685 in Eisenach;d. 28 July 1750 in Leipzig) Bach was the son of Johann Ambrosius Bach, court trumpeter for the Duke of Eisenach and director of musicians of the town of Eisenach in Thuringia. It is probably from his father that he learned the fundamentals of music. The Bach family throughout Thuringia had held positionsRead MoreLudwig van Beethoven Essay952 Words   |  4 PagesRhine River. Beethoven showed an affinity for music at an early age. His father, Johann, taught Ludwig to play the piano as well as the violin. Johann did this in hopes that his son would become a prodigy, and then reach fame like Wolfgang A. Mozart. Unfortunately though Beethoven mother died when he was seventeen. In addition to his mother’s death Beethoven’s father developed an alcohol problem. To escape these problems Beethoven found a job tutoring the two children of the von Breuning familyRead MoreA Clockwork Orange By Anthony Burgess1473 Words   |  6 Pagesidentity, thereby illuminating the destructive effect that violenc e as on the human personality. The musical image of the â€Å"Ode to Joy† from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, illustrates the manner in which violence within the story progresses from the identity of one individual to embracing the identity of a whole group. As Alex puts on the last movement of Beethoven’s symphony, he â€Å"feels the old tigers leap in [him]† (46), 1 and he forces himself on the two young girls he has brought with him to his denRead More Music, Violence, and Identity in Anthony Burgess’ A Clockwork Orange1456 Words   |  6 PagesJoy from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, illustrates the manner in which violence steals the identity of an individual and replaces it with a group identity. As Alex puts on the last movement of Beethoven’s symphony, he feels the old tigers leap in [him] (46),1 and he forces himself on the two young girls he has brought with him to his den. The rape of these two girls by Alex appears to constitute an individual act of the self , and indeed the vocal section in the last movement of Beethoven’s Ninth SymphonyRead MoreClassical Composers : Luigi Boccherini And Ludwig Van Beethoven1115 Words   |  5 Pagesdied, Boccherini formed a partnership with Filippo Manfredi, a violinist, and they toured Italy in 1767. Beethoven’s father noticed his musical gifts and abilities and began training him at a young age. Local teachers like the court organists, Gilles van den Eeden, family friend, Tobias Friedrich Pfeiffer, and relative, Franz Rovantini began his intensive studies in keyboard, organ, and violin tuition. Johann, his father, attempted to promote Ludwig as a child prodigy and sometime after 1779 beganRead MoreEssay about Life of Ludwig van Beethoven1182 Words   |  5 PagesLife of Ludwig van Beethoven Ludwig van Beethoven, also known as â€Å" The General of Musicians,† was born on December 16, 1770. However, this date is not exact because it is believed that Beethoven’s father lied about his son’s age in order to portray him as an infant prodigy. As a result, Beethoven is convinced he was born on December 16, 1772 at the Rheingasse home, which belonged to the Fischers, who were close friends of the family (Orga 8). Johann van and Maria Magdalena BeethovenRead MoreLudwig Van Beethoven1210 Words   |  5 PagesLife of a Legend Ludwig van Beethoven, also known as The General of Musicians, was born on December 16, 1770. However, this date is not exact because it is believed that Beethovens father lied about his sons age in order to portray him as an infant prodigy. As a result, Beethoven is convinced he was born on December 16, 1772 at the Rheingasse home, which belonged to the Fischers, who were close friends of the family (Orga 8). Johann van and Maria Magdalena Beethoven bore five childrenRead MoreLudwig Van Beethoven : The First Four Notes1432 Words   |  6 Pageshis death. Ludwig van Beethoven was born on December 16th, 1770 in Bonn, Germany. Beethoven’s birth date isn’t an exact date because many had said that Beethoven’s father might have lied about his age to depict his son as a young child prodigy. The custom in Germany back then was to get your baby baptized the day after their birth. Beethoven was baptized on December 17th, 1770. Regardless of what date is Beethoven’s actual birthday, he always acknowledged the December 16th, 1770 as his date of birthRead MoreLudwig Van Beethoven ( 1770-1827 )858 Words   |  4 PagesPfeiffer, who taught Beethoven the piano, and Franz Rovantini, a relative, who instructed him in playing the violin and viola. After 1779, Beethoven started his studies under Christian Gottlob Neefe, a renowned opera composer and conductor. Ludwig was also known to have been a close friend of prolific Austrian composer Joseph Haydn and intended to study with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Music Beethoven’s music, which was broken up into three periods, also reflected his hearing loss. His Early Period musicRead MoreKey Signature and Beethoven9252 Words   |  38 PagesBeethoven born in Bonn b. Studied under Christian Gottlob Neefe (1748-98) c. 1787: brief visit to Vienna, may have played for Mozart d. 1790: Haydn hears Beethovens music and urges the archbishop of Cologne to send him to Vienna 2. Studies with a number of composers a. 1792-94: studied with