Everything Old Is New Again

Photo by The Truth About...

Let’s face it, dance doesn’t happen in a void. New work is continually influenced by that which surrounds it, as well as everything that has come before. One can trace a line throughout history of dancers and choreographers who have influenced future generations. The connections are like thread woven through intricate fabric.

Dance for the masses, like much in pop culture, is certainly not immune to this phenomenon. In fact, much of what is shown on TV and music videos, which some consider to be the cutting edge of dance, are reinventions or interpretations of older works. Some would call it a “rip off” and others an “homage.” No matter what one calls it, the circumstances follow a less-than-unusual pattern – a piece of vintage choreography fades from our collective memory and is then adapted and reintroduced to spectators unfamiliar with the original. What was old is made new! The shame in this, ultimately, is that many dancers are not made aware of the lineage or relationships that make up the fascinating web that is the art of dance.

So, how about a short history lesson?

There’s been a lot of talk and excitement regarding Beyoncé’s

latest video for “Single Ladies.” Have another look:

Click here if you can’t see the clip

Now take a look at this Gwen Verdon clip

(choreography by Bob Fosse) from the 1960s:

Want some more? Try this one:

Get Me Bodied, again from Miss Beyoncé

Click here if you can’t see the clip

And, again…Mr. Bob Fosse

Cool, huh?

There is nothing wrong with paying tribute to something that has come before. In fact, if the past is acknowledged (which unfortunately, doesn’t happen enough), the homage can bring about a renewed interest in what may otherwise have been consigned to oblivion. They say, though, that “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Although usually a quote employed for the discussion of war, politics, or atrocities of humanity, this bears a ring of truth even in this context. Dancers, choreographers, fashionistas, musicians, and artists generally seek to make their mark with the creation of something original. While it may not be possible for an artist to completely disassociate themselves from the past, making something unique, without an awareness and study of what has come before, can prove quite challenging. One would think the opposite would be true, but history has shown us otherwise. How can you un-know what you don’t know you know… you know?

Re-hashing the past will always be a popular choice. You can’t go wrong with something that has already been tested and proven. But, whether you utilize your knowledge of the past to reinvent it for new audiences, or in order to carve a new direction for the future, exploring the history of your art form is necessary for moving forward.

Related Posts

1. Help! My Child Doesn’t Listen to the Dance Teacher! (Part Two)
2. Choreographic Inspiration — Using Your Past in Future Dances
3. Evolution of Dance Evolves
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
5. Teaching and Exploring the History and Evolution of Dance

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Nichelle Strzepek is the writer/editor of Dance Advantage. Equipped with little more than passion for movement education, she embraced her inner computer nerd and began this blog in 2008. She holds a BA in dance and is an instructor with over 16 years experience. Nichelle continues to perform as a contemporary dance artist, covers dance in the Houston area as a freelance writer and critic, and balances daily life as a full-time mom.

Nichelle has written 250 articles for Dance Advantage.