The Unveiling of Dance Lexicon in Shakespeare and His Contemporaries: A Gateway to Transcendence

When we think of Shakespeare and his enduring plays, dance may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, beneath the sophisticated language and intricate plots lies a rich dance lexicon that brings characters to life and adds a vibrant layer of expression to the stage.

The Era of Dance in Shakespeare's Time

In the Renaissance period, dancing was an integral part of courtly culture. Not only was it a form of entertainment, but it also served as a means of communication and social interaction. As a result, dance found its way into many of Shakespeare's plays, providing insight into the social fabric of the time.

Dance Lexicon in Shakespeare and His Contemporaries: A Corpus Based Approach (Studies in Performance and Early Modern Drama)

by Fabio Ciambella (Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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The Dance Lexicon in Shakespearean Works

Shakespeare, being a keen observer of human behavior, recognized the power of dance in conveying character emotions and motivations. He meticulously infused his works with various dance forms, steps, and gestures, enriching the narrative and elevating the theatrical experience.

"The dance lexicon in Shakespeare's works is like a hidden gem," says Professor Elizabeth Thompson from the Royal Shakespeare Company. "It allows us to delve deeper into the psyche of the characters and understand their innermost desires."

In Romeo and Juliet, for example, the passionate love between the young couple is often expressed through lively and energetic dance sequences. The famous balcony scene becomes even more enchanting when Romeo unveils intricate footwork reminiscent of the galliard.

"Dance serves as a non-verbal language that speaks directly to the audience," explains renowned choreographer, Sarah Mitchell. "By using dance, Shakespeare was able to transcend linguistic barriers and bring forth the raw emotions of his characters."

The Evolution of Dance in Shakespeare's Contemporaries

Shakespeare's contemporaries, including Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson, also embraced the power of dance in their works. The addition of dance elements further enhanced the dramatic impact and allowed for a nuanced portrayal of characters.

In Marlowe's Tamburlaine the Great, the protagonist's conquests are often symbolized through triumphant dance sequences. The use of ceremonial dances, such as the bransle, highlighted the grandeur of the character's exploits and mirrored the cultural practices of the time.

Similarly, Jonson's The Alchemist incorporates comedic dance routines to create a light-hearted atmosphere and engage the audience. Characters with conflicting intentions use synchronized dance movements to convey their subtle interactions, adding an extra layer of humor and complexity to the play.

Rediscovering the Dance Lexicon

Although the dance lexicon in Shakespeare and his contemporaries has been somewhat forgotten over the centuries, there are efforts to reintroduce these elements to contemporary productions. Advocates argue that restoring the original choreography and dance styles can deepen our understanding of the plays and revitalize the way they are performed.

Emma Davidson, artistic director of the Globe Theatre Dance Company, believes that bringing back the dance lexicon helps bridge the gap between the past and the present. "By incorporating historical dance techniques, we preserve the essence of the plays and allow audiences to experience the performances as they were intended," she says.

The Future of Dance in Shakespearean Productions

As the interest in historical authenticity grows, the dance lexicon is becoming increasingly relevant in modern interpretations of Shakespearean plays. Directors are recognizing the transformative power of dance to enhance storytelling and bring the world of Shakespeare alive for contemporary audiences.

"Dance and theater are intertwined art forms," says renowned director Michael Anderson. "By embracing the dance lexicon, we can create a truly immersive theatrical experience that resonates with audiences on a profound level."

So, the next time you find yourself immersed in a Shakespearean production, pay attention to the dance sequences. From the lively galliards to the elegant bransles, these dance forms shape the very essence of the plays, revealing the intricate layers of emotion and human connection that continue to captivate audiences for centuries.

Dance Lexicon in Shakespeare and His Contemporaries: A Corpus Based Approach (Studies in Performance and Early Modern Drama)

by Fabio Ciambella (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4023 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	255 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

This book provides a thorough analysis of terpsichorean lexis in Renaissance drama. Besides considering not only the Shakespearean canon but also the Bard’s contemporaries (e.g., dramatists as John Marston and Ben Jonson among the most refined Renaissance dance aficionados), the originality of this volume is highlighted in both its methodology and structure.

As far as methods of analysis are concerned, corpora such as the VEP Early Modern Drama collection and EEBO, and corpus analysis tools such as #LancsBox are used in order to offer the widest range of examples possible from early modern plays and provide co-textual references for each dance. Examples from Renaissance playwrights are fundamental for the analysis of connotative meanings of the dances listed and their performative, poetic and metaphoric role in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century drama.

This study will be of great interest to Renaissance researchers, lexicographers and dance historians.