Virtual Powers & The Magic Circle by Susanne Langer Prepared by Dr. Kay Picart Edited by Jessica Labbé and Dr. Kay Picart

Review Question: How does Langer define what the “fantastically diverse theories” of dance are? How does Langer define what the “fantastically diverse theories” of dance are?

Review Questions: How does movement convey meaning? How does movement convey meaning? What is the difference between a natural and a virtual gesture? What is the difference between a natural and a virtual gesture?

Review Question: What is meant by the word ‘virtual’? What is meant by the word ‘virtual’?

Review Question: According to Langer, when is movement merely movement, and when is it an artistic expression? According to Langer, when is movement merely movement, and when is it an artistic expression?

Review Question: What makes a dance a work of art? What makes a dance a work of art?

Discussion Questions: Do you agree with the common doctrine that “an artist gives us insight into actualities, [and] penetrates to the nature of individual things…”? (34) Do you agree with the common doctrine that “an artist gives us insight into actualities, [and] penetrates to the nature of individual things…”? (34) Moreover, is it inappropriate to assume, as Langer suggests, that self-expression is related to dance expression or that they are one and the same? Moreover, is it inappropriate to assume, as Langer suggests, that self-expression is related to dance expression or that they are one and the same?

Review Question: How is the self expressed in Modern Dance? How is the self expressed in Modern Dance? Martha Graham

Review Question: For what purposes were ancient dances originally intended? For what purposes were ancient dances originally intended? What part did Divine Powers play in the dances? What part did Divine Powers play in the dances? Indian Dance—Jatayuvadham Koodiyattam

Review Question: How does Langer claim the first recognition of ““Powers”— divine or semidivine Beings” (38) was made in ancient culture? How does Langer claim the first recognition of ““Powers”— divine or semidivine Beings” (38) was made in ancient culture? Indian Dance—Soorpanakhangam Koodiyattam

Discussion Question: Langer believes that dancing is considered the most serious intellectual part of savage life, going beyond one’s animal existence. (38) Langer believes that dancing is considered the most serious intellectual part of savage life, going beyond one’s animal existence. (38) Do you agree that dance is the “human spirit’s participation” (39) in the greater forces of the world? If dance isn’t, what is? Do you agree that dance is the “human spirit’s participation” (39) in the greater forces of the world? If dance isn’t, what is?

Review Question: What is the Reigen? What is the Reigen?

Review Question: Can dancing have magical effects? If so, how? Can dancing have magical effects? If so, how?

Discussion Question Why do people continue dancing without the motives of worship or magic making? Why do people continue dancing without the motives of worship or magic making?

Possible Answers: Because people have held onto the image of Powers Because people have held onto the image of Powers To those with a “mythic consciousness,” it presents a reality To those with a “mythic consciousness,” it presents a reality To the secular mind, it presents a romantic world To the secular mind, it presents a romantic world To the psychologist it presents a dream world To the psychologist it presents a dream world

Concluding Quote: Today, we know the Power that enchanted ancient dancing sites was an illusion, and dance with a completely artistic intent. Today, we know the Power that enchanted ancient dancing sites was an illusion, and dance with a completely artistic intent. Alvin Ailey's Revelations

Concluding Question: Do you agree with this remark? Why or why not? Do you agree with this remark? Why or why not?