Special Projects in Dance / Spring 2025

  Unit:  Dance and Spirituality Theme: Teresa of Avila & Other Mystics   I Introduction Teresa of Avila, also known as St. Teresa of Avila or St. Teresa of Jesus, became popular in all parts of the Spanish empire for being a mystic.  Of particular importance for this course was her pursuit of divine ecstasy, something that caused her to go in front of the Inquisition and advocate for herself. After creating the order of Descalced Carmelitas and writing The Book of my Life, her teachings spread through out the world.  II Learning Objectives   Understand the meaning of ecstasy in the context of Catholic faith  Explain the importance of Teresa's mystic and philosophic thought Gain an awareness of the work done by St. Teresa de Jesus Experience the spiritual dances inspired by de Avila's teachings Reflect on the work done in class III Main Lesson  1 Textos in Spanish Prosa Escogida  https://www.google.pt/books/edition/Prosa_escogida/c8QOAQAA...

  Unit: Chinese - Cubans Theme: Legacy   I Introduction The Chinese left an important cultural legacy in Cuba. This legacy was present through the religious syncretism between African orishas and Chinese deities. Their Taoist Chinese practices could have remained as part of their Chinese opera performances. So integrated were they into the Cuban cultural fabric that they performed their lion dance in Havana's carnival.  II Learning Objectives Understand the importance of the Chinese culture in Cuba  Explain the ramifications of Chinese cultural influence Gain an awareness of the multiple areas where Chinese legacy is present Pay attention to the emergence of new Chinese aesthetics in the work of Cuban artists Reflect on the work done in class III Main Lesson  1   The Chinese Trace in Cuban Literature     https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Chinese_Trace_in_Cuban_Literature/BAYrEQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Alejo+Carpentier,++%22+Des...

    Unit: Chinese - Cubans Theme:  Syncretism   I Introduction The Chinese left an important cultural legacy in Cuba. This legacy was present through the religious syncretism between African orishas and Chinese deities. Their Taoist Chinese practices could have remained as part of their Chinese opera performances. So integrated were they into the Cuban cultural fabric that they performed their lion dance in Havana's carnival.  II Learning Objectives Understand the origin of the synchretic manifestation of San Fancon and Guanyin  Explain the importance of the Chinese coolies in Cuban history Gain an awareness of the similarities between Cuban Chinese opera and Taoist rituals Pay attention to the purpose of the conversion of Chinese deities to African orishas Reflect on the work done in class III Main Lesson  1 The Chinese in Cuba, 1847 - NOW https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Chinese_in_Cuba_1847_now/vIBzYQ5r1zYC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=dance M...

    Unit: Chinese - Cubans Theme:  Taoist Ritual   I Introduction Taoism has been an important philosophical influence  on themes, characters, and performance styles cultivated in Cuba after the Chinese migration.  II Learning Objectives Understand the origin of the Taoist ritual  Explain the importance of the Taoist ritual in Chinese opera Gain an awareness of the steps of the ritual Pay attention to the purpose of the ritual Reflect on the work done in class III Main Lesson     1    Chinese Opera  a) AI Generated (Check the Sources 1, 2, 3)   Chinese opera, particularly Peking Opera, is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, with Taoism serving as a significant source of inspiration and philosophical underpinnings, influencing themes, characters, and performance styles. Here's a more detailed explanation:   Philosophical Influence: Taoism, with its emphasis on yin and yang, wu wei (non-action),...