Primitivism, Modernism, and Dance Theory

by Marshall Cohen

Presented by Luke Borgan

Class Aims

To Identify principles of Primitivism in Dance

To Identify principles of Modernism in Dance

To review and discuss Cohen’s arguments against the two theories

To stimulate discussion about Cohen’s essay.

Class Outline

Review key terms-primitivism, modernism,- 5 min.

Discuss Cohen’s Argument’s – 5 min. Interactive discussion – 5 min.

What is Primitivism?

A Synthesis of Arts? According to Cohen,

Primitivism draws on the most potent rescources of all the major artistic media pg116

What is Modernism?

Art that does not borrow from other art forms

Art that remains within it’s own domain

In Greenberg’s Analysis, what are the three main characteristics of modernism?

Discussion Question

What are some of Cohen’s arguments against Primitivism?

Discussion Question

What are some key points in Cohen’s argument against Levin and Modernism?

Concluding Question

Do you agree with Cohen, that neither primitivist theories nor modernist theories adequately account the central manifestations and achievements of dance as we know it? Why or why not?

Works Cited

Marshall Cohen, “Primitivism, Modernism, and Dance Theory” from What Is Dance? Roger Copeland and Marshall Cohen, Eds. Oxford University Press, N.Y. 1983, pg 161-177