Summary: An Art Form In Transition

What makes a dance technique or movement socially acceptable? Let’s take what is now one of the most common dance moves, twerking, for instance. When twerking first started, I am sure people were pretty disturbed or confused by the new movement, I know I was, but what changed that making it acceptable in our society today? As I reflected on this particular question, I came across an article written by Don McLeod titled, “An Art Form In Transition.” I was curious to find out if this same reaction I experienced when twerking evolved also happened to other audiences when dance styles were created while also reflecting on what changed the style making it acceptable to the viewer. Furthermore, as I read this article I discovered that not only did this identical type of incident occur when Tatsumi Hitikata developed the Butoh method after World War II, but I also received an answer to my question. During the 1960s, the Japanese culture put a fairly big emphasize on dance. The people of Japan loved performing and had lots of different theatre groups that would entertain for community events. With that being said, the citizens were pretty set on their traditions of dance and struggled to change their imagination of what dance could …show more content…
Mr. Hijikata dancers performed some of his work in the community events that took place in Japan and many came to observe. A completely new art form was developed. Although, many found it rather interesting, most did not approve. The society was completely shocked by Tatsumi’s wild, explicit choreography and banned him from performing in the community. So, he then started conducting his work underground. Just as the modern day twerking was first shocking to the viewers, Butoh received the same reaction. But oddly enough, as the group continued to perform, it became more familiar and many citizens began accepting it. In fact, it is a style many still practice to this