Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn: Foundations

I

 

 

 (00:00 - 5:25)

 

Confucianism

The Confucian Creation of Heaven by Robert Eno (Page 202, J)

A “Confucian” is truly known as a “Ru” or “Ruist” as well as “Confucianism” being accurately known as “The Ru Tradition” or “Ruism” to describe its knowledges, understandings, practices, and holistic sense of lifestyle.

 

 

II

An Introduction to Confucianism (Page 21)

 

Question 1

 

Explain in your words the main ideas behind these three schools according to the information shared in the video above. 

 

 

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III 

 

(00:00 - 6:00)

Zen

Dōgen Zenji (1200 – 22 - 1253), also known as Dōgen Kigen and other names, was a Japanese Buddhist priest, writer, poet, philosopher, and founder of the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan.

 

 

The Zen Master's Dance by Jundo Cohen

(Search for the word dance and read the frames. There is no preview of this book.)

 

 

 IV

 

Mahayana Buddhism

This is a ritual performing art that has played a vital role in intensifying the religious experience in the various Buddhist rites. Mystic expression through aural and visual media had indeed been one of the characteristics commonly found in the countries whose belief system was based on the Mahayana Buddhism.

Reference

Won Lee, Byong (1985). The features of the Mahayana Buddhist ritual performing arts of Korea. World of Music, VWB - Verlag für Wissenschaft und Bildung, .27 ( 2), 49-62 https://www.jstor.org

Question 2

After watching the video above (min 00:00 - 6:00), what is the emphasis of Zen according to Zen teacher Jundo Cohen?

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V

 

 

 

 YOGA

 

 Question 3

 

After watching this piece of video, in what way did Ted Shawn integrate Eastern principles into his piece Cosmic Dance.

 

Chamber Dance Company: Selection from Ruth St. Denis' "The Incense"

 Question 4

Based on the video above, how is ritual integrated into this piece choreographed by St. Denis in 1906?

 

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VI

 ACTIVITY 1

 

 

Students study the space and the creation of a sacred space within the general space, in which they create ensemble and solo compositions tableau style.

 

 

VII

 

Link

Dance Was Her Religion

 

 

 ACTIVITY 2

 

Students add one phrase to their ensemble's previous phrases towards their final dance piece. This new phrase follows the ritual aspect of dance developed by St. Denis and Ted Shawn.

Make Up Students

RECORD AND POST YOUR MOVEMENT PHRASE ON DISCUSSION BOARD

 

 

 

 

 Students' Work

Jiaming Cao

1 Three schools are Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. These three teachings are the bedrock of China's ancient culture and explain a lot of things in China. The main difference among these three teachings is that Confucianism is mainly concerned with political ideas in social harmony; Taoism is mainly concerned abou the health of human body; Buddhism is mainly concerend about the psychology and the nature of the mind. 

2 He created a feeling. He takes a traditional koan and then he fleis with it. And he kicks it into high gear but the Koan the message there is still embeded in every word of dogen. This koan can be understood and explained. It never stops as an intellectual ideas but the practice brings it to the life. 

3 He made up to be a Eastern god in Eastern culture. So he has an important role in Eastern culture as has been adopted into the mystical stories and the folk cultures. I might hear the voice played by the Eastern instruments. His steps follow the rhythm of the music. 

4 The incense is a sacred religion ceremony. Her facial emotion looks so devout, respectful, and honest. She uses two hand to hold the incense, and it is an important detail to reflect her respect. The music is also graceful and soft. I like this music so much. It sounds so comfortably. And my heart feels peaceful and quiet. She looks up and wishes to be blessed. All these movements reflect her respect for the ritual.