The Differences in the Mentalities between the East and the West Evident in Dance

Abstract

The Differences in the Mentalities between the East and the West Evident in DanceMalborg KimProfessor of DanceEwha Womans UniversityThe underlying assumption of this study is that difference between the East and the West in perspective towards man?s relationship with nature, the world, and art are reflected in dance activity. The comparison is centered around ontological, epistemological, and art theories. Ballet and traditional Korean dance are reviewed as typical dance genres to clarify how different manners of viewing and understanding result in disparities in basic posture, movement, movement perspective, and methodology. Fundamental aspects shared by both dance is the most human expression of man?s view through movement.