Modern Dance and Sex
Introduction
Modern dance was established as a form of dance in the twentieth century. The term was also initially applied to a group of twentieth century ballroom dances. However, in its current denotation the term refers to concert dance forms for the twentieth century. June et al. state that modern dance as we know it today was pioneered by Isadora Duncan, Ruth Saint Denis and Mary Wigman (A German dancer). The three formed the modern dance by taking the essential parts of classical ballet and blending it with a free styled and relaxed mode of dancing. This was seen as a rebellion against classical ballet that had rigid rules and constraints centered around shoes, costumes and ballet dance techniques. After shedding these controls these modern dance pioneer choreographers emphasized creative expression of the dancer rather than virtuosity base on the technical constraints of ballet. They thus developed a form of dance in which choreographers used mood and emotions to structure their dance style and steps. Unlike classical ballet that had a code to be followed; modern dance relied on free style and creativity. The dance makes use of gravity and this contrast it from ballet that tries to be airy and light. The dance has greatly evolved by modifications in places such as Europe, Africa and America (June & Janet, 1994). The dance involves paired dancing of males and females tightly cuddled or holding arms. There occasional lifting and lowering of partners into suggestive positions. This also may include slight aerial moves made by assistance from the dancing partner.
The relation between modern dance and sex
Modern dance is characterized by couple-dancing that involves a male and female partner. The dance’s use of emotions and moods in designing creative moves at times exploits sexually toned body language and movements. This gives the dance appeal toned with lasciviousness. The movements and tight cuddle-like positions portrayed by the dancers in a modern dance can be characteristically sexual in look. The movements may also at times be designed to include sexual flirtation in their nature. These elements incorporated in the dance give it the ability to cause arousal at times though on a subtle level to the viewers. On the other hand, the closeness of participants and sensual movements could elicit sexual feelings that may lead to full indulgence in sex.This element of the dance at times draws controversial discussions related to religious beliefs. Walton (2006) declares that dancing causes the sin of lasciviousness and could lead to further indulgence that may include the sinful works of the human flesh. As a result Walton advices the youth to flee from such forms of dancing that may grow last in them and lead to sinning through indulgence sex. According to Walton (2006) dances of this form are held with one objective in mind-sexual appeal. This can partly be substantiated with reference to the costumes that the dancers adorn and their movements which may be suggestive and loaded with sexual connotation.
Conclusion
Modern dance is very suggestive and connoted with sexual body language that can cause imaginations based on fantasy and desire. These imaginations could finally result into lust that can cause sexual indulgence by the partnering dancers as well as spectators. This is because the dance uses sexual appeal as its basis for designing movements and costumes which at times are tight and revealing.
References
June, L. and Janet, A. L. (1994). Dance History: An introduction, second edition. Madison Avenue, New York, NY: Routledge Publishers.
Walton, F. (2006). The Moral Danger of the Modern Dance. Biblical Insights Journal, volume 6 issue number 6. Viewed online at, http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/MoralDangerOfTheModernDance.htm, on the 30th of May 2010.
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