How do we classify dance? Should we classify dance? Feb 1, 2011
Jody Kuehner of The Cherdonna and Lou Show contacted us to let us know that a big discussion has begun about the question of what classifies as dance and the importance of classification in reponse to their performance at The A.W.A.R.D. Show!. Early in the weekend she posted:
"I really just don't understand why there is still debate around whether The Cherdonna and Lou Show is dance... It really blows me away, really. Is it because I don't do the splits on stage? I can start adding that in to every piece just so everyone is clear that I'm a dancer."
Some sample comments from the thread right now:
“A better question is does it matter? Why do we need to categorize and define everything?”
“Categorization and classification are important tools for making sense of the world generally and art specifically; dismissing them out of hand is, frankly, unhelpful and anti-intellectual.”
“hmmm - in 4'33" was John Cage playing the piano? I feel classification and categorization are helpful from an organizational stand point, but can be a liability for the artist in their own practice.”
If you're on facebook, click here to see the whole conversation. How do you classify dance? Do you think its important to try and classify it?