FINAL REFLECTION

 

1

 

 Modern dance is about freedom

 

Jennifer Leconte

Throughout this unit on modern and post-modern dance, my biggest takeaway is how much dance has evolved from strict, structured styles like ballet into something far more expressive, emotional, and individual. I learned that modern dance is not about perfection or fitting into a specific mold, but instead about using the body to communicate real human experiences. Each technique we studied had its own unique purpose. Martha Graham focused on contraction and release to express deep emotion and tension within the body, while Doris Humphrey emphasized fall and recovery to show the balance between control and surrender. José Limón built on that idea by highlighting weight, breath, and flow, making movement feel more natural and human. Lester Horton focused on strength, flexibility, and clean lines, creating a strong technical foundation, and Katherine Dunham brought in cultural influences, especially from African and Caribbean dance, adding rhythm, isolations, and storytelling rooted in heritage. Altogether, these techniques showed me that modern dance is about freedom, individuality, and using movement as a form of expression.

Growing up as a competitive dancer, I really appreciated learning the history of dance because I realized how unfamiliar I was with where everything originally came from. I had always been so focused on technique, training, and performance that I never really thought about the deeper meaning behind the movement. This class allowed me to connect what I’ve been doing for years to its historical roots, which made it feel much more meaningful. It was interesting to see how different styles developed over time and how choreographers used dance to express emotions, social issues, and cultural identity. It made me appreciate dance on a completely different level, not just as something I perform, but as something with history, purpose, and impact.

I can apply what I learned in this class to my field of public relations, advertising, and marketing by thinking more creatively about storytelling and how to connect with an audience. Just like modern dance uses movement to evoke emotion and communicate a message without words, brands use visuals, campaigns, and partnerships to create a feeling and tell a story. Understanding how authenticity, emotion, and expression resonate with people can help me create more impactful and engaging campaigns. It also reinforced the importance of creativity, originality, and thinking outside the box, which are all essential in my field. Being able to take inspiration from something like dance and apply it to branding and communication shows how different forms of expression can influence one another.

 

 2

  It never felt boring

 

Addie Block

One of my biggest takeaways from this class is realizing that dance is so much more than just performance—it reflects history, culture, and society at different points in time. Learning about everything from early ritual dances to modern and postmodern styles showed me how movement evolves alongside people. I also found it really interesting how different techniques, like those developed by Martha Graham or Isadora Duncan, broke away from traditional ballet and created new ways to express emotion and tell stories. Overall, this class made me see dance as a form of communication and storytelling, not just something visual.

I honestly really enjoyed learning in this class because it was different from my other courses. It wasn’t just memorizing information—it was visual, interactive, and creative. I liked being able to watch performances and connect what we were learning to real examples. At times it could feel like a lot of information across different time periods, but it never felt boring. It made learning more engaging, especially because dance is something you can actually see and feel, not just read about.

As a broadcast journalism major, I can definitely apply what I learned in this class to my field. Dance is a form of storytelling, just like journalism, and understanding how movement conveys emotion and meaning helps me think more creatively about visual storytelling. Whether I’m producing a package or editing a segment, I can be more intentional about pacing, visuals, and how stories are presented to an audience. This class also reminded me how important culture and context are, which is something I always need to consider when telling stories in the media. Overall, it made me a more thoughtful storyteller.

 

 

3

 Engaging and dynamic 

 

Frankie Ottimo

One of my biggest takeaways from this class is realizing that dance is so much more than just performance it serves as a reflection of history, culture, and society at different moments in time. Learning about everything from early ritual and social dances to modern and postmodern works showed me how movement evolves alongside people and responds to cultural shifts. I found it especially interesting how choreographers like Martha Graham and Isadora Duncan challenged the structure of traditional ballet and introduced entirely new ways of expressing emotion and storytelling through the body. Their approaches emphasized individuality, emotion, and breaking boundaries, which made me think about how creative disciplines often evolve by pushing against what already exists. Overall, this class made me see dance as a powerful form of communication one that can convey meaning, emotion, and identity without relying on words.

I genuinely enjoyed learning in this class because it felt very different from my other courses as an architecture student. Most of my academic experience is very technical, time-intensive, and centered around studio work, so this class offered a completely different type of engagement. It wasn’t just about memorizing information it was visual, interactive, and creative. I really liked being able to watch performances and directly connect them to what we were learning in lectures. It made the material feel more real and easier to understand. Even though we covered a wide range of time periods and styles, it never felt overwhelming in a negative way. Instead, it felt engaging and dynamic because dance is something you can actually see, interpret, and feel. Over time, I also became more comfortable analyzing performances and forming my own interpretations, which made the experience even more rewarding. It became a class I looked forward to, especially as a break from the intensity of my other coursework.

As an architecture major, I can apply what I learned in this class in ways that go beyond what I initially expected. Dance is fundamentally about how the body moves through space, and architecture is about shaping the spaces people move through. This class made me more aware of how movement, rhythm, and sequencing can influence spatial experience. I started to think of architecture almost like choreography how people enter, move through, and experience a building over time. Concepts like flow, pause, compression, and expansion in dance can directly translate into how spaces are designed and experienced. It also made me more sensitive to human scale and the emotional impact of space, not just its function or appearance.

Additionally, the class reinforced the importance of cultural context, which is essential in both dance and architecture. Just as dance reflects the values and identities of different cultures and time periods, architecture does the same through materials, forms, and spatial organization. This perspective will help me design more thoughtfully and intentionally, considering not just aesthetics but also meaning and user experience. Overall, this class expanded how I think about creativity and expression, and it will definitely influence the way I approach design moving forward.

 

 

4

  Teamwork, professionalism, and attention

 

Carlee Ballard

One of the biggest takeaways I had from World History of Dance was learning how dance reflects the history, values, and culture of different societies. I enjoyed seeing how movement has evolved over time and how each style has its own meaning and purpose. I especially liked learning about the labyrinth and its connection to movement, ritual, and symbolism. I also enjoyed learning about the different styles of ballroom dance and the history and technique behind ballet, which showed how dance can be both expressive and highly structured.

I really enjoyed learning in this class because it was interesting to study something creative while also learning historical context. The class kept me engaged because each topic introduced new cultures, traditions, and forms of movement. I liked how the course combined history with art, making it more interactive and memorable than a typical lecture-based class. It gave me a greater appreciation for dance and the role it has played throughout history.

I would apply what I learned in this class to my own field of study because understanding history and culture is important in any professional setting, including finance. Learning about how traditions and societies influence behavior can help me better understand different perspectives when working with clients or coworkers from diverse backgrounds. The discipline and structure seen in ballet, along with the partnership and communication required in ballroom dance, also relate to teamwork, professionalism, and attention to detail that are valuable skills in a finance career.

 

5

 Dance is very cultural

 Ella Corigliano

My main takeaways from this class were that dance has so much more to it than just movement and performance. Growing up as a competitive dancer, dance was always a performance and entertainment for the audience, yet this class taught me it is so much more. The rich history to each unique genre makes dance so much more impactful knowing it took a lot to get to where we are now. Dance is very cultural as well making it more important to people as well. 

I felt the learning in this class was very effective and flexible for busy schedules. As a nursing student I tend to have a lot on my plate and many exams throughout the course of the year. These classes wear me down and sometimes I have to miss class. Thankfully I'm so appreciative that this class allows me to still be able to read the content outside of class. By doing the makeup work/ discussion boards days I was unable to attend, I was still able to learn everything the course had to offer. Most of the year I was able to go to class and thoroughly enjoyed the curriculum and the way Jorge taught the material. 

I can apply this knowledge to my own field of studies, Nursing, because I will be able to connect with patients on a different level. Caring for patients as a nurse is all about being personable and making them feel comfortable. I can apply some of the things I've learned about dance history to a patient's specific culture and help "distract" them from the treatment they may be going through. I feel being able to connect with them about their culture will help them feel more comfortable and will allow me to be more personable rather than just a nurse. 

 

6

 More about learning than being perfect

 

Samantha Sorger

Taking this World History of Dance class was honestly such a great experience for me. Even though I don’t consider myself a strong dancer, I really enjoyed it because it was more discussion and talking-based, which made me feel a lot more comfortable participating and actually understanding the material.

Instead of just focusing on technique, I liked how we spent time talking about the history, meaning, and cultural impact behind different styles of dance. It helped me see dance in a completely different way; not just as movement, but as a form of storytelling and expression that reflects what was going on in society at the time. 

I also really appreciated how interactive the class felt. Being able to share ideas, listen to other people’s perspectives, and connect everything back to what we were learning made it way more engaging than I expected. Even when we did move or try things, it felt low-pressure and more about learning than being perfect, which made it enjoyable even for someone like me who isn’t super confident in dancing. Overall, this class ended up being one of my favorites because it pushed me a little outside my comfort zone while still feeling really approachable, and I’m really glad I had the chance to take it.

 

 

7

 A form of expression, emotion, and therapy.

 

Morgan Dworetsky

The first assignment we did was assessing our world view of dance and life in general and I have honestly never been asked that question before. I really enjoyed sitting back and thinking about it because it really shows how everyone is different and where these beliefs come from. I have taken away that dance is constantly moving and evolving into different styles, techniques, and emotions and that is what is so interesting. Dance is a performative thing however it is also a form of expression, emotion, and therapy. 

When I was creating my schedule for this semester and saw this course I was immediately drawn to the course description. I was not sure what to expect but I was interested to find out more. On the first day, I left feeling excited for the rest of the semester because you seemed to like such an awesome professor. That proved to be true and I have really enjoyed learning more. This course is nothing like anything I have ever taken and I loved it. The assignments were engaging and interesting to complete and were not just memorization. The structure of the course was also much more enjoyable than sitting in a class and having a lecture. 

As a psychology major I can use the techniques and information I learned in class to help analyze and understand how things have evolved and grown over time. I am going to law school in the fall and I think that this course has prepared me for the readings and in depth comprehension of past events.

8

 

 Ideas and emotions in nonverbal ways

Brooke Webb

One takeaway from the history of dance class is how closely dance is connected to history, culture, and identity. Before this class, I thought of this dance as just a performance. I quickly learned that styles like disco, modern, and others actually reflect what was happening in society at the time. An example of this is that, during my final project, I learned how disco is about freedom and self-expression. I also learned how different techniques and choreographers shaped the way dance evolved, which made me see dance as something much more meaningful and influential than I originally thought.

Learning in this class was honestly really interesting and different from my other classes. It felt more engaging because it was not just memorizing information, but actually understanding how movement, music, and culture all connect. I liked that there were visual elements like performing and learning certain dances, because it made everything easier to understand and more memorable. At the same time, it led me to think more deeply about things I normally would not question, like what messages certain styles were sending. Overall, I came into this class not knowing anything but I learned so much and enjoyed coming to this class. 

As a communications major, I can apply what I learned in this class by better understanding how people express ideas and emotions in nonverbal ways. Dance is a form of communication, and it shows how messages can be shared without words. For example, the idea of connecting with an audience through emotion, storytelling, and visual presentation is something that directly relates to advertising and branding. This class helps me see the deeper meaning of dance, and especially in the aspect of communication. 

9

  A meaningful form of storytelling

 

Fred Terezi

Over the course of this semester in World History of Dance, I gained a much deeper understanding of how dance functions as both an artistic expression and a reflection of cultural identity, history, and social change. What initially seemed like a study of movement evolved into an exploration of how different societies communicate values, traditions, and emotions through dance. One of the most impactful aspects of the class was learning how dance varies across regions and time periods, from traditional cultural dances to more contemporary forms. I developed an appreciation for the historical contexts behind these styles, understanding how factors like politics, religion, and social structures influence movement and performance. This helped me see dance not just as entertainment, but as a meaningful form of storytelling and preservation of heritage. I also improved my ability to analyze dance more critically by observing technique, choreography, and symbolism, and connecting them to broader historical and cultural themes.

Throughout the semester, I found the class both engaging and eye-opening. It pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and engage with forms of expression that were unfamiliar to me, which at times felt challenging but ultimately rewarding. As I became more comfortable analyzing and understanding different styles of dance, I developed a greater appreciation for the diversity of artistic expression. The class changed the way I view performances, making me more aware of the intention and meaning behind movement, which made the learning experience feel both intellectually and personally enriching.

I can apply what I learned in this class to my field of business by bringing a stronger understanding of how culture, history, and human expression influence behavior and decision-making. In business, especially in areas like marketing, investing, and management, recognizing cultural differences and social context is critical to making informed decisions. This course strengthened my ability to analyze meaning beyond what is immediately visible, which can translate into better evaluating companies, understanding consumer behavior, and identifying broader market trends. Additionally, the emphasis on diverse perspectives will help me work more effectively in global and team-oriented environments, where understanding different viewpoints is essential.

 

10

 Every movement has intention and purpose

 

 Kelly Lenge

One of the biggest takeaways from this class is that dance is more than just movement, it reflects culture, history, and emotion. Each style we studied showed how people use dance to express ideas, tell stories, and respond to the world around them. I learned that modern dance focuses on natural movement and emotional expression, rather than strict rules and structure. Concepts like tension and release, balance and control, and the use of breath and weight all show how meaning can be communicated through the body. This class helped me understand that dance is a form of communication, where every movement has intention and purpose. It also showed how different styles develop over time and are influenced by cultural and social changes.

I found this class to be more interesting than I expected. At first, I was not sure how much I would connect with dance, but learning the meaning behind the movements made it more engaging. It made me appreciate how much effort, discipline, and creativity goes into performing and choreographing. I also liked seeing how different styles each had their own purpose and way of expressing emotion. The class changed how I view dance, from something I just watch to something I can understand and analyze. Overall, it was a valuable experience that gave me a new perspective and helped me appreciate dance on a deeper level.

I can apply what I learned in this class to marketing by focusing more on storytelling and emotional connection. Just like dance uses movement to communicate a message, marketing uses visuals, content, and design to connect with an audience. Understanding how flow, timing, and expression work in dance can help me create content that feels more natural and engaging. It also showed me the importance of making everything intentional, where every part of a campaign has a purpose and supports the overall message. In addition, the focus on authenticity and emotion in dance can translate into creating marketing that feels more real and relatable. Overall, this class gave me a new way to think about communication and creativity, which I can use to create stronger and more effective marketing strategies.

 

 

11

 Something new and impactful.

 

Kate Holewinski

One of the biggest things I took away from this unit is how much dance has changed over time. I used to think dance was mostly about being perfect and following strict rules, but modern and post-modern dance are completely different. They focus on expressing emotions and telling real stories through movement. That really stood out to me. I loved seeing how each choreographer had their own style and purpose. Martha Graham used movement to show strong emotions, Doris Humphrey focused on balance and control, and José Limón made dance feel more natural by using breath and weight. Lester Horton brought in strength and structure, while Katherine Dunham added cultural influences and storytelling. Learning all of this made me realize that dance is so much more than performance. It’s a way to communicate and connect with people, which I found really exciting.

As someone who has never danced before this year, this class opened my eyes . Learning the history made everything feel more meaningful. I started to understand how dance reflects emotions, culture, and even what is happening in the world at the time. It was interesting to see how choreographers used dance to break rules and create something new. This made me appreciate dance in a deeper way, not just as something I do, but as something with purpose and meaning behind it.

I can apply what I learned in this class to my future in PR, advertising, and marketing in a really meaningful way. Dance showed me how powerful storytelling and emotion can be, and that you don’t always need words to connect with people. That is exactly how strong brands work—through feeling, not just messaging. The most successful campaigns are the ones that make people feel something and stay with them. This unit also reminded me how important creativity and originality are. In marketing, standing out is everything, and modern dance is a great example of breaking away from traditional rules to create something new and impactful. It also connects to experiential marketing, where the focus is on creating memorable moments that people can connect with. Overall, this class pushed me to think more creatively and helped me see how different forms of expression can inspire stronger, more engaging ideas in my field.

 

12

  An art form and a historical lens

Haley Salta

One of my biggest takeaways from this course is how dance reflects the culture, history, and values of different societies. Learning about styles like ballet, modern dance, and other culturally rooted dances showed me that movement is more than just performance, it is a form of storytelling and identity. I also found it interesting how certain pioneers, like Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham, challenged traditional techniques and created new ways of expressing emotion through movement. Overall, this class helped me understand dance as both an art form and a historical lens.

I really enjoyed learning in this class because it felt different from my other courses. It was more creative and physically engaging, which made it easier to stay interested. Even though I’m not currently a dancer, I appreciated being able to connect what we learned to music, culture, and even things I’ve seen on social media. The class felt less rigid than others and allowed me to think more freely, which I found refreshing.

As a marketing and psychology student, I can apply what I learned in this class to understanding consumer behavior and storytelling. Dance is a powerful way to communicate emotion and connect with an audience, which is essential in branding and advertising. For example, brands often use movement, visuals, and cultural references in campaigns to create a certain feeling or identity. This class helped me see how important nonverbal communication is and I can use that insight when creating marketing content that resonates with different audiences.

 

 13

 More culturally aware marketing

 

Lacie Leon

One of the biggest takeaways from this class is understanding that dance is much more than movement, it reflects culture, history, and identity. Learning about all the different styles from around the world showed me how dance can connect to social structures, religion, politics, and daily life. For example, ballet developed in royal courts to display power and control, while many African and Latin dances emphasize community, rhythm, and storytelling. Another key takeaway for me is how dance evolves and changes over time, yet still maintains elements of its original movements.

In this class it felt eye-opening because it combined physical movement with its historical context that I had not yet learned about. It made the material more memorable compared to traditional lecture based courses. Sometimes it was challenging to remember all the different styles and techniques, but actually experiencing/ watching the dances helped the concepts clearer for me. Overall, the class felt creative and refreshing, and showed me a different kind of learning that is not available in other subjects.

As a marketing major, I can apply what I learned in world dance history by better understanding how culture influences people’s preferences & behaviors. Dance is also a form of communication and identifying how different audiences connect with music, dance and movement could help me create more culturally aware marketing campaigns in my future. This class showed me the importance of cultural awareness and storytelling. Storytelling is one of the key factors in marketing which will help me be more strategic in my future career.

 

 

14

 Discipline and structure

Aarav Patel

This course gave me a different perspective on dance and its role in history. I have always been involved in cultural dance as I grew up and learned to appreciate my culture through it, but didn't realize it had such a profound impact on almost every single other culture as well. One takeaway from learning about the history of dance is that it provides discipline and structure to individuals as they built their civilizations and societies throughout history. It was also one of the main cultural mechanisms as traditions, stories, and lessons are often passed down generations through the expression of dance. 

Learning in this class was a unique experience compared to my other courses. At first, I admit this class was meant to be a filler class in my last semester of college, but there were certain parts and topics that we learned that were interesting to me. I also appreciated that we were able to share our experiences with Bhangra with the class, as that's something not many of my classmates in other classes know about me. I also really enjoyed how engaging and interactive this class was. 

I can apply what I learned in this class to my own field of study by using the skills of critical thinking and cultural awareness. Understanding how history and culture influence expression can help me approach problems with a broader perspective. It also showed me the importance of paying attention to context, which is useful when analyzing information or making decisions. The creativity involved in studying dance can also be applied to my work, as it encourages me to think in new ways and be open to different ideas. These skills will be useful in any field because they improve communication, problem solving, and adaptability.

 

15

 A form of communication

 

Nicole Mikols

Throughout this class, I gained a deeper understanding of how dance evolves across different time periods and cultures across the world. I especially loves the lesson about ballet because I grew up doing ballet almost my entire life. From studying ballet in the Renaissance to exploring the spiritual dances in ancient times, I learned how movement reflects historical events, social structures, and cultural identity. One of my biggest takeaways is that dance is not only for entertainment, it is a form of communication that carries history, tradition, and meaning without even needing to use words. 

Learning in this class was really interesting and different from what I expected. I had never taken a dance class at UM before because before this semester I focused only on my nursing prerequisites. At first, I didn't realize how much history and cultural context was behind each dance style, but as the course went on, I began to appreciate it more. I enjoyed making connections between different regions and time periods, and it made the material we were learning feel more meaningful. Overall, I felt engaged and more open minded about how dance can be studied academically, not just performed or used as entertainment. 

As a nursing major, I can apply what I learned in this class by becoming more culturally aware and attentive to different forms of expression. Dance showed me how people communicate emotions, history, and identity without always using words, which is important in healthcare when patients struggle to explain how their feeling, or if there is a language barrier. This class also helped me develop empathy and a better understanding of diverse backgrounds, which will allow me to provide more compassionate and respectful care. Overall the emphasis on observation, interpretation, and cultural context will help me become a much more well rounded and understanding nurse.

 

 

16

 Larger societal shifts without using any words

  Lorenzo Marzilli

One of my biggest takeaways from this class is realizing how much dance is actually connected to history, culture, and identity. Going into the class, I honestly saw dance as just movement or performance, but learning about different styles completely changed that perspective. Each style we studied had a deeper meaning tied to a specific group of people or moment in time, whether it was rooted in resistance, celebration, or social change. That made everything feel a lot more intentional. It was interesting to see how dance can reflect larger societal shifts without using any words, and how certain movements or styles can carry meaning that people from that culture immediately understand. It made me think about dance as a form of communication and storytelling, just expressed physically instead of verbally, which is something I had not really considered before.

I really enjoyed the way we learned in this class because it was so different from my other courses. Actually practicing the dances while learning their history made everything feel more real and easier to remember. At first, I was definitely a little uncomfortable stepping outside of my comfort zone, especially when it came to performing or trying movements I was not used to. But over time, that discomfort turned into confidence. I started to feel more present and less worried about how I looked, which made the experience a lot more enjoyable. It also helped me stay more engaged in class because it was not just sitting and listening, but actively participating. I appreciated that balance between learning and doing, and it made me more open to trying new things in general.

I can see myself applying what I learned in this class to my future in law in ways I did not expect at the beginning of the semester. One of the biggest things is presence. Dance really made me more aware of how I carry myself, how I move, and how I come across to others, which is extremely important in a legal setting, especially in courtrooms or during negotiations. It also helped build my confidence in a way that feels more natural, not forced. Beyond that, learning about the cultural backgrounds behind different dance styles reinforced the importance of understanding different perspectives, which is something that directly translates into law. Being able to recognize where people are coming from and how their experiences shape them is key when working with clients or analyzing cases. Overall, this class showed me that communication is not just about what you say, but also how you present yourself, and that is something I know will benefit me moving forward in my career.

 

 

17

  Variety of learning methods

 

Melissa Telerand

Some of my biggest takeaways from this class are that dance is like a cloud: everyone sees the shape of the cloud differently, but it is still the same cloud. In the same way, in the world of dance everyone sees and experiences dance differently and has various ways of using movement for expression. We explored dance during the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, and other time periods, and I saw how each era used dance to communicate power, emotion, and social values in its own way. Each video we watched and each technique we studied was unique, yet all were important to study because together they showed how dance connects to history, culture, and identity.

In this class, I loved the variety of learning methods. Group presentations helped me learn about Irish step dance, bhangra, cha cha, salsa etc,  and other global forms, and having the Hurricane Bhangra team teach us movements made the learning feel embodied and interactive rather than just theoretical. Watching historical videos and then trying the dance movements ourselves helped me understand not just what the dances looked like, but why people danced that way in different times and places. I also enjoyed learning about the types of modern dance and noticing how each routine we watched or practiced incorporated elements from these different modern techniques. Overall, this class has taught me so much about dance, especially things I would not have known without taking a course that blends history, practice, and cultural context.

World History of Dance and my majors in International Studies and Political Science are closely connected. As an International Studies student, I learn about various cultures, identities, and global systems, and in this class I encountered both traditional and modern dances from different cultures as living examples of those ideas. Dance operates as a kind of “social language” that can express resistance, celebration, spirituality, and community, which ties directly into questions of politics, power, and social change. When I travel and work to make a global impact in the future, I can definitely incorporate what I learned in this class, whether that is using dance to build cross-cultural understanding, recognizing how movement reflects history and power, or simply being more respectful and informed when I encounter cultural dances in different parts of the world.

 

18

 

 We are simply a blip in the long timeline

 

Matthew Silva

Throughout this year, I learned so much about dance and history. The very first class, we were studying the old history and dance styles of the paleolithic era, and now on the last day, we've gotten almost to the present day. I find the evolution of dance almost just as interesting as the evolution of man. One of my biggest takeaways from this class is that dance has always been a ritualistic element of human expressions. Whether it was an expression of the old hunter gatherer hunting movements, or a cultural expression that relates to political or social issues faced by a certain group, humans will always have the need to express themselves through movements, which we all express as dance. Another takeaway I have from this class is that every human dances. Whether or not you consider it a dance or not, I believe any sort of body movement that expresses something about yourself, your past, your people, is a form of dancing in my eyes.

I feel like I learned very effectively in this class. One of the reasons for this was the added dance element to the history that we were learning. Instead of learning only the history of our world, we would learn a dance that reflected the history of a certain society from the past. Being able to relate the dance to the historical context behind the dance allowed me to better understand the history itself, and from a perspective of the people we learned about. For example, when we studied the movements of the early cavemen and hunters, it helped to learn why they danced the way they did. It gave me a deeper perspective of how they viewed the world back then, and why they created rituals and dances that they created. They supported different gods and like a strictly survival based life, something that I already knew, but seeing the dances behind this fact allows you to better understand from their perspective.

In full honestly, I will probably apply what I learned in this class more outside my studies and work then inside. As I prepare to join the corporate world, I don't see myself using my newfound appreciation for dance and history in my work. However, I cherish the process of dance expression almost every day of my life. I like to think that I am part of the constantly evolving dance scene. Dance allows me to express myself and release energy, oftentimes in a ritualistic fashion, just like the people of the past that we've learned about in this class. I like taking my knowledge of dance history, and educating my friends about it. When we are at a rave for example, where there is this new style of electronic dance music, where everyone is on mind altering substances, I love to remind everyone that we are taking place in a ritual. Everyone might be there for different reasons, but everyone is there for a reason. For me, it's to express myself by listening to music that tickles my brain in a funky and energetic way, and dancing in a way that expresses and releases my pimped up emotions. This is just one example of someone's (my) perspective on present day dancing, and the importance it has on my mental health. It sounds extreme to say that we as humans participate in dance rituals almost weekly, but we do. And I want to apply my knowledge to everyone and open people's eyes to the fact that we are simply a blip in the long timeline of dance history that has truthfully just started, considering true time length of our world.

 

 

19

A reflection of cultural identity and history

 

Sammy Williams

One of my biggest takeaways from this class is that many of the dance styles we see today have existed in some form for centuries. Many originated as tribal or cultural dances that served as a way for communities to connect, celebrate, and even form relationships. It was especially interesting to see how historical events across different continents influenced the evolution of these dances into modern forms. This made me realize that dance is not just entertainment, but a reflection of cultural identity and history.

I really enjoyed this class because it exposed me to something very different from my major. It allowed me to explore more creativity and think in new ways. I appreciated how it expanded my knowledge beyond what I would typically learn in my finance or marketing courses, while also giving me an outlet to reflect on how dance shapes social settings and entertainment in our everyday lives. It made learning feel more engaging, and I found it very fulfilling to work on our project presentation based on hula dancing, something that has always been a part of my life and has taught me not just about the dance but about its cultural psychological significance.

I would apply what I learned in this class by recognizing the importance of historical and cultural context, not just in dance but in understanding how societies develop overall. As a finance and marketing major, this perspective can help me better understand consumer behavior, cultural trends, and global markets. It reinforced the idea that history and culture play a significant role in shaping industries, which is valuable when making strategic business decisions.

 

20

 Different people express their cultural identities

 

Ashley Taibel

This course provided me with a lot of great lessons about dance and how different dance forms came to be. I feel like I have gained an appreciation for different cultures and the way they convert emotions through not only dance, but movement and music in general.

I really enjoyed learning all of the course material from this class. I think that it was all taught in a way that is easy for us to understand but still provides an in depth study of each topic that helps us retain the information from each lesson.

At the beginning of the semester, we learned a lot about cultures and the ways that different people express their cultural identities. I think that this lesson provided a great insight into visual representation and how visual elements can evoke certain feelings. This lesson is very important to my field of study (Architecture), as being able to understand how visual elements make people feel is a core value of the practice.

 

 

21

 

 

 Dance brings people together

 

 

Calissa Kim

Throughout the duration of this class, I have been able to take away an immense amount of knowledge that I very much appreciate about dance history. I have been able to realize and make connections that many of the popular dances I see today, especially variations on social media apps like TikTok, originate mainly from Latin and African heritage. It has also been very enjoyable to learn about what each of the dance styles represent as many represent pride in their culture and are symbols of significant events. I found it very interesting as well how many ancient rituals and beliefs have been kept for generations and told through these expressive movements and use of symbolic clothing/costumes. Being able to see the different bodily movements and reasons for why, such as heavy headpieces, has been so interesting because in some cultures and tribes their upper body remains still while their lower body is fluid and expressive, and vice versa. There are also dances that emphasize slow, elegant, and calm movements focusing on beauty and being flirtatious, while others focus on pride, making statements, and aggressive movements. I loved learning about Carnival and how it is celebrated throughout the different countries with its Afro-Latino culture and strong pride of history and blending European, Indigenous, and African heritage. They use colorful costumes, grand floats, lights, music, and come together as a community.

Learning in this class has made me feel proud and happy. I really like how interactive each class is as we come together in groups and as a whole class to watch videos, read passages, and study the different cultures and their ideas of dance, to then be encouraged to perform the dances with no judgement because everyone is having fun and learning at the same time. This class feels like a community and not just a boring lecture, and it makes me so happy to come to this class every week. I appreciate how knowledgeable I now am about dance history because it has led to my newfound appreciation of how tradition and culture has been preserved and passed on for generations, and how dance brings people together in such a way that each movement can communicate 1,000 words. Even acknowledging how in plays and watching dances at a show involve the interaction of the audience and the performers, which I previously never realized, but the performers are communicating a story being told through their movements and expressions while the audience is able to interpret the story in their own unique way.

I will apply what I have learned to my own field of study, which is nursing, in a way that will allow me to form genuine connections with my patients. I say this because understanding the culture, traditions, and beliefs of each patient is extremely crucial as a nurse. For example, in some religions, making eye contact with a figure of authority is disrespectful, so if I am providing care and telling the patient important instructions but they are not making eye contact with me, I have to be considerate and understand that this may be their belief and they are actually showing me respect, instead of me just making assumptions and getting upset thinking they are not listening. This class has made me more aware of expression and portrayal of beliefs, and I will continue to move throughout my field of study the world in general with an open mind that is always open to learning and understanding how people communicate and express themselves. I have loved everything about this class and am beyond grateful for being able to have learned meaningful knowledge that will continue to help me navigate through my life and profession, especially with forming bonds with people!

 

 

22

 Art bring people together

  

Lyfe Daniel

My takeaways from this class is going to be tha ability to identify different types of dances and know where in the world they come from. During this course I enjoyed getting to know everyone from the first day of class to listening to everyone's presentation during the last days. My favorite part of this course was learning about the stone and iron age with the religious practices that went along with it. I loved learning about what different move represented what and what it meant to people of the time. I also enjoyed the videos that covered more of the modern dance because there were a couple of things that I could recognize and I found that interesting. 

I think learning in this class was interesting the say the least. I feel like everyday there was something new and I never knew what to expect. But I felt like because we all showed up with this feeling it made everyone on the same page. I think the idea of walking in and not knowing what to expect made it just as if not more fun. I liked the visual learning part of the course which included videos. I also like the movement part of the class and seeing everyone have to get up and do it. I also like the presentation part of the class because we got to see people teach a little something of what they knew/learned. But I think my favorite activity of the class was when we had to re-act stories with our own background music. 

What I think I am going to take from the class the most is the ability to connect with people of different cultures and accept them with an open mind. In healthcare you interact with all types of patients from many different backgrounds so being able to work with these people and accept their differences is just part of the job. Even if I don't find it interesting or right being able to just respect it for what it is, is something that I will take away from this class. Another thing I will take away from this class is the ability for art to bring people together and create such a happy and engaging environment. Arts vary so much so seeing people ideas, thoughts, and opinions on topics also help with becoming a active listener and appreciating one's view.

 

 

23

 Cultures, traditions, and practices across the globe

 

Annika Alves

The biggest takeaway is that dance is so much more than just movement - it's culture, beauty, and human connection. Before this class, I only viewed dance through the lens in which I was taught - it’s a sport and primarily involved ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, etc. Through this class, I was able to learn about cultures, traditions, and practices across the globe, which was incredible to learn in just one semester in a classroom. I had studied abroad last spring, and I would almost equate this class to a semester abroad due to how much we learned about other people. Especially given that a lot of the cultures and countries we learned about weren’t necessarily popular countries that tourists visit much or that we could visit, given some of our class focused on civilizations that no longer exist - such as ancient Rome and ancient Egypt. Overall, I feel like it was just so amazing to learn about cultures outside of the U.S.. 

I thought this was really interesting overall. Admittedly, I expected to be in one of the multirooms dancing for most of the semester, as opposed to sitting in a classroom. I wish we had maybe split the class a little better with the first half learning the culture, and then moving to a multiroom to dance. I do think it was really fun to learn about the different cultures, but sometimes it was very history-heavy and not as much dance. I think it was interesting to learn about history that we had not discussed in our own history classes growing up.

I’m a journalism major, so learning about different cultures and people is very beneficial. My whole job is reporting on interesting people and places, ergo, learning about other cultures and history helps me connect with more people. I will be able to move forward with a more open-mind and well-rounded perspective of the world and people around me. While my main track is sports, many of our professional teams like the NFL have more international players and are also trying to expand to a global level across different countries, some of which we learned about like Brazil. Overall, I found this class to be interesting.

 

 24

  Not judge ideas or practices

 

Kathia Barahona

This class helped me better understand the history and origins of different cultural practices. I admire how lessons were taught from a historical lens, giving us context to how certain rituals, including dance, came to be. This class has overall taught me to critically think and analyze ideas from different lenses. 

I enjoyed the later half of the semester, where we practiced more dances, as opposed to the first half, which was more focused on text and history. However, I appreciate how the class was structured on class participation and hands-on learning. I overall enjoyed learning about the different historical rituals/dances. My only criticism would be to teach more dances, such as when we were taught the ballroom dances, versus heavy discussions on history. I may have been mistaken, but I found the class name a bit misleading, as I had assumed we would be dancing in most classes. 

I am currently studying marketing, and one key takeaway I will carry into my field is the ability to analyze ideas from a broader perspective. This class definitely taught me to not judge ideas or practices before understanding their significance. These lessons are especially important in marketing, as one must understand how others think in order to determine what influences their decisions, such as making a purchase. Lastly, I appreciate how this class took me out of my comfort zone and taught me that it’s okay to explore new areas of interests without feeling embarrassed. 

 

25

  A broader historical and cultural way

 

Priya Gupta

One of my biggest takeaways from this class was realizing how much dance reflects culture, history, and identity. Since I have danced Kathak, Bhangra, and ballet, a lot of what we learned felt personal to me. The class helped me see dance in a deeper way, not just as performance, but as something that carries tradition, tells stories, and connects people to their communities. It also made me appreciate how different dance forms can evolve over time while still holding onto their cultural roots.

I really enjoyed learning in this class because dance has already been such a meaningful part of my life. Having experience with Kathak, Bhangra, and ballet made it especially interesting because I could relate my own background to what we were learning. At the same time, the class pushed me to think about dance in a broader historical and cultural way, which I had not really done before. It made me feel more connected to dance overall and gave me an even greater appreciation for the meaning behind different styles and traditions.

As a senior at the University of Miami studying finance and business analytics, I think I can apply what I learned in this class by carrying a stronger understanding of culture, discipline, and human connection into my future career. As I get ready to graduate and start working at Blackstone in Miami, this class reminded me that even in business, everything ultimately comes back to people. Understanding different backgrounds, perspectives, and forms of expression is important in any field. Dance has also reinforced qualities like discipline, commitment, and adaptability, which I know will help me professionally as well.

26

Communication is not just about talking

 

 

Chloe Bergman

One of my main takeaways from this class is that dance is more than just movement. It is a way people show their culture, history, and emotions. Learning about different styles like ballet, modern, and jazz helped me see how each one is unique and has its own meaning. Practicing the dances made it easier to understand them instead of just learning the facts. Overall, I learned that dance is a form of communication.

I liked learning about the history of dance because it made the class more interesting. It was fun to actually try the movements and not just sit and listen. Being able to move and be creative made it easier to learn. Some parts were a little hard at first, but it got better with practice. Overall, it was a fun and enjoyable class.

In my future as a speech language pathologist, I can use movement to help with communication. Dance showed me that movement, rhythm, and expression are important for how people communicate. I can use simple activities to keep clients engaged, especially kids. It also helped me understand that communication is not just about talking. I can use what I learned to make therapy more fun and effective.

 

 

27

 

 History, music, and movements

 

Brooke Swope

My biggest takeaway from the course was the way dance reflects culture, values, and history.  Learning ballet, modern dances, and other culture heavy dances showed how movement isn't just a performance but tells a story. I also enjoyed learning how influential people are and how one person can challenge already formed techniques and create new ways to express emotion.

This was one of my only classes where I enjoyed going.  The learning style is very different and enjoyable.  It's creative and engaging, which kept me interested.  Although I only danced when I was really young, I enjoyed being able to connect back to the history, music, and movements.  It was a very refreshing course to take. 

As a health science/public health major, I can take this and apply it when I go into the workforce.  I want to specialize in physical therapy and movement, so being able to connect dance and movement to physical therapy would help a lot of patients. This class helped me realize how important dance is for your body and mind to be connected with your movements and how it keeps you healthy.

 

 

28

 Historical and cultural context behind traditions

 

Jivan Patel

The biggest takeaway from this course was realizing how interconnected history really is. It is almost like a spiderweb or a cloud: every event, every tradition, every movement links back to something else, and pulling on one thread reveals ten more beneath it. A dance form that looks like pure celebration on the surface might carry more meaning and stories behind it. And just like a cloud, two people can look at the same thing and see something completely different based on where they are standing and what they have lived. That idea stuck with me, especially as someone on a Bhangra team, because this class pushed me to stop assuming my experience of a tradition is the only one. Being open to what someone else sees in the same movement and same culture is what actually deepens your understanding of it. History is not a straight line I learned. It is layered, and overlapping, and this class taught me to understand this.

Honestly, this class surprised me. I came in as someone who dances but had never studied it academically, so I was not sure what to expect. What I did not anticipate was how much the historical and cultural context behind these traditions would change the way I experience them. Learning about where certain movements come from, what they meant to the people who created them, and how they traveled across time and borders made me appreciate art forms I had either overlooked or taken completely for granted. It was one of those classes where every time I would walk away feeling more cultured and more knowledgeable than when I walked in. 

As a junior studying Business Analytics and Finance with a minor in Artificial Intelligence, I plan to bring the cultural awareness this class built into the work I do going forward. AI is already shaping how people interact with media, art, and each other on a massive scale, and the people building those systems need to actually understand the communities behind the data. This course reminded me that context and human meaning are not details you can take away from the story. I want to approach my career with the same respect for depth and tradition that this class gave me for dance.

 

 

29

  Something new and different

Morgan Downs

A key takeaway I took from this class was how connected dance is to history. It was fascinating to see how the different dance styles and cultures have evolved over time. Before I took this class, I didn’t know much about the history of the dances I had practiced. Being able to learn about their background and understand where the dances came from was very fascinating.

I had a really great time in this class. I loved learning different dance styles and techniques that I will be able to use in the future. I liked how interactive the class was and how we learned different types of dances through our group projects. This class was a nice change from my traditional business classes and allowed me to explore something new and different.

In this class, we saw how history and cultural trends evolve over time. This connects to my majors, finance and business analytics, because both rely on understanding patterns, behaviors and historical trends. I will be able to apply what we saw in class about how dance changes over time to analyze financial data and trends. This class helped me get a better understanding of how looking at past patterns in history might be able to help you predict what might happen in the future.

 

 

30

 Where dances came from or what they meant

 

Jessica Abboud

One of the main things I took from this class is understanding how dance connects to culture and history. I learned about different types of dances, their movements, and how they’ve changed over time. Before this class, I didn’t really think about where dances came from or what they meant, so it was interesting to learn the background behind them.

I honestly really enjoyed this class. It was different from my usual classes, especially because I’m an architecture student, so it felt like a nice change. I liked how we got to actually learn through movement and not just sit and listen. It made the class more fun and engaging.

Even though I study architecture, I feel like this class still connects to what I do. In architecture, we think a lot about space and how people move through it, and dance is also about movement and space. Understanding that helps me think more about how people experience the spaces I design. Also, seeing how dance reflects culture made me realize architecture does the same, so it’s important to consider that in my work.

 

 

 

31

 

 My understanding of a tradition

 

Dhruv Kantamsetty

The biggest takeaway from this course was realizing how interconnected history really is. It feels less like a straight timeline and more like a web where every event, tradition, and movement ties back to something else, and following one thread reveals layers beneath it. A dance that appears to be simple celebration can carry deeper meaning and history that is not immediately visible. And much like looking at clouds, two people can interpret the same thing differently based on their perspective and experiences. That idea stayed with me, especially as someone on a Bhangra team, because it challenged me to move beyond my own perspective and recognize that my understanding of a tradition is only one of many. Being open to how others interpret the same movements and culture ultimately leads to a deeper and more complete understanding. This class reinforced that history is not linear but layered and interconnected.

This class genuinely surprised me. I came in as someone who dances but had never studied it academically, so I was unsure what to expect. What I did not anticipate was how much learning the historical and cultural context behind these traditions would change the way I experience them. Understanding where certain movements originated, what they meant to the communities that created them, and how they evolved across time and geography made me appreciate art forms I had previously overlooked or taken for granted. It became one of those classes where I consistently left feeling more informed and more aware than when I walked in.

As a junior studying Accounting and Finance with a minor in Business Analytics, I plan to carry the cultural awareness this class developed into my future work. Finance and accounting often focus on numbers, performance, and efficiency, but behind every dataset or financial statement are people, decisions, and contexts that shape those outcomes. This course reinforced that context and human meaning are essential, not secondary. I want to approach my career with the same level of thoughtfulness and respect for complexity that this class encouraged, recognizing that understanding the full picture leads to better decisions and more meaningful impact.

 

 32

Dance is deeply connected

 

Parth Agarwal

One of the biggest takeaways from this class was realizing that dance is more than performance, it is a way of understanding history, culture, and identity. Looking at traditions across regions, from African diasporic practices to classical forms like Ballet, showed me how movement reflects social structures, belief systems, and historical events. Whether it was the role of ritual in early theater tied to Dionysus or the blending of traditions in Caribbean dance, the class made it clear that dance is deeply connected to broader historical forces.

I found the class more engaging than I expected. At first, I thought it would be more focused on memorizing styles or history, but it turned into something more analytical and reflective. I started to appreciate how each form of dance carries meaning beyond what you see on the surface. Learning about the cultural and historical context behind different styles made the material feel more relevant. There were moments where it challenged how I usually think about art and history, especially in understanding how identity and power show up in performance. Overall, it made me more open to perspectives I had not really considered before.

As a biomedical engineering student preparing to go into medicine, this class gave me a different lens for understanding people. Medicine is not just about biology, it is also about culture, communication, and human experience. Seeing how traditions like Bhangra or African diasporic performances carry meaning tied to community and history made me think about how patients bring their own cultural backgrounds into healthcare. This class reinforced the importance of being aware of those differences and approaching people with more context and empathy. It also connected to my interest in movement and the body, especially through projects like my work with balance and neurological tracking, where understanding human movement is key.