Top 10 Questions for Dance Historian Interview

1. How do you approach researching and analyzing dance history documentation?

• Start by identifying relevant sources of information, such as books, articles, journals, and archival materials.
• Critically evaluate the sources for their accuracy, reliability, and bias.
• Develop a research plan that outlines the scope of the project and the methods that will be used to gather and analyze data.
• Collect data from various sources, including interviews, observations, and participant observation.
• Analyze data to identify patterns, trends, and relationships.
• Draw conclusions and develop interpretations based on the data.
• Write up research findings in a clear and concise manner.

2. Describe the key periods in dance history and the major developments that occurred during each period.

Ancient Period (c. 3000 BCE – 500 CE)

• Emergence of dance as a form of ritual and entertainment.
• Development of various dance styles in different cultures around the world.

Medieval Period (c. 500 – 1500 CE)

• Rise of courtly dances and the development of ballet.
• Influence of religious and social customs on dance.

Renaissance Period (c. 1500 – 1600 CE)

• Revival of interest in classical dance forms.
• Development of new dance styles, such as the gavotte and the minuet.

Baroque Period (c. 1600 – 1750 CE)

• Emergence of professional dance companies and the development of codified dance techniques.
• Rise of ballet as a major form of dance.

Classical Period (c. 1750 – 1830 CE)

• Emphasis on form, structure, and technique in dance.
• Development of new dance genres, such as the waltz and the polka.

Romantic Period (c. 1830 – 1900 CE)

• Emphasis on emotion, expression, and individualism in dance.
• Development of new dance styles, such as the romantic ballet and the modern dance.

Modern Period (c. 1900 – 1950 CE)

• Break from traditional dance forms and the development of new, experimental styles.
• Rise of modern dance as a major form of dance.

Postmodern Period (c. 1950 – present)

• Continued experimentation with dance forms and techniques.
• Emphasis on interdisciplinary collaborations and the use of new technologies in dance.

3. Discuss the different methods used to preserve and transmit dance heritage.

• Documentation: Writing down dance steps, sequences, and patterns.
• Notation: Using symbols to represent dance movements.
• Video and audio recordings: Capturing dance performances for future reference.
• Oral transmission: Passing down dance knowledge through generations through teaching and performance.
• Reconstruction: Re-creating historical dances based on documentation and research.
• Repertoire: Maintaining a collection of dances that are passed down through generations.
• Education: Teaching dance to new generations to ensure its continuity.

4. How do you evaluate the credibility of dance history sources?

• Consider the source’s age and provenance.
• Examine the author’s qualifications and biases.
• Compare the source to other sources on the same topic.
• Look for corroborating evidence from multiple sources.
• Be aware of the limitations of the source.

5. Describe the role of dance in different cultures and societies.

• Religious rituals and ceremonies.
• Social gatherings and celebrations.
• Entertainment and artistic expression.
• Education and training.
• Communication and storytelling.
• Healing and therapy.

6. Discuss the ethical considerations involved in dance history research.

• Respecting the privacy of individuals and communities.
• Avoiding harm to participants.
• Ensuring informed consent.
• Protecting cultural heritage and intellectual property.
• Maintaining confidentiality.
• Avoiding conflict of interest.

7. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in dance history scholarship?

• Reading academic journals and books.
• Attending conferences and workshops.
• Engaging in online discussions and forums.
• Following dance history organizations and institutions on social media.
• Subscribing to dance history newsletters and email lists.

8. What are your thoughts on the current state of dance history as a field of study?

• Dance history is a growing and vibrant field of study.
• There is increasing interest in dance history from scholars in other disciplines.
• New technologies are providing new ways to research and document dance.
• There is a growing awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in dance history.
• The field is facing challenges, such as the lack of funding and the need for more research on non-Western dance forms.

9. What are your research interests in dance history?

• The history of ballet.
• The history of modern dance.
• The history of dance in non-Western cultures.
• The relationship between dance and other art forms.
• The use of dance in education and therapy.

10. What are your career goals as a dance historian?

• To teach dance history at the university level.
• To conduct research on dance history.
• To curate dance history exhibitions.
• To write dance history books and articles.
• To work as a dance critic.

Dance Historians specialize in the preservation, documentation, and interpretation of the history and culture of dance.

1. Research and Documentation

Investigate the history of dance, specifically focusing on specific genres, periods, and cultures.

• Conduct archival research, interviewing dancers, choreographers, and other experts in the field.
• Collect and analyze primary and secondary sources to build a comprehensive understanding of dance history.

2. Preservation and Curatorship

Work with museums, archives, and other institutions to preserve and curate dance artifacts and materials.

• Organize and maintain collections of dance-related items, such as costumes, props, and manuscripts.
• Develop and implement conservation plans to protect and preserve these artifacts for future generations.

3. Interpretation and Analysis

Interpret dance history and communicate it to various audiences through writing, teaching, and public presentations.

• Publish articles and monographs, present at conferences, and give lectures on dance history topics.
• Develop online resources and databases to make dance history more accessible to the public.

4. Collaboration and Advocacy

Collaborate with other professionals in the field, including dancers, choreographers, and historians.

• Seek funding for dance history projects and advocate for the preservation and promotion of dance.
• Network with organizations and institutions to foster interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

To ace your interview for a Dance Historian position, it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly and demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and passion for the field.

1. Research the Organization and Position

Before the interview, thoroughly research the organization you’re applying to and the specific responsibilities of the Dance Historian role. This will help you tailor your answers to the interviewer’s questions and show that you’re genuinely interested in the position.

2. Highlight Your Research and Analytical Skills

Emphasize your ability to conduct thorough research and analyze historical sources. Provide specific examples of projects you’ve worked on where you demonstrated these skills. Discuss your knowledge of different dance genres, periods, and cultures.

3. Showcase Your Communication and Outreach Abilities

Discuss your experience in effectively communicating your research findings through writing, teaching, and public presentations. Highlight your ability to engage different audiences and make dance history accessible to a broader public.

4. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

At the end of the interview, asking thoughtful questions shows your engagement and interest in the position. Questions about the organization’s collection, research initiatives, or future plans demonstrate your curiosity and enthusiasm.