Ancient Greek and Roman Dance Quiz

Ancient Greece

• Ancient Greek dance was highly organized and structured
• There were 95,140 different body movements used in these dances
• These movements were maximized, incorporated symbolic gestures, and were accompanied by music and singing
• Dance was a vital part of religious celebrations, entertainment, and theatrical performances
• The Greek army even performed a dance to "inflame courage and give strength"
• The terms phorai and cheironomia describe the carriage of the body and mimetic gestures in Greek dance
• Many dances were similar to present-day classical ballet, incorporating leaps and pirouettes, and dancers used the tips of their toes
• Schemata refers to the form and shape of gestures
• Deixis was a solo dance performed by a male dancer, who portrayed the essence of a human character, an animal, or a natural element

Ancient Rome

• Roman dances were generally performed for religious, social, and entertainment purposes
• Roman dances often incorporated burlesque, erotic, comedic, and frightening elements
• Many Roman dancers were slaves imported from Greece and other conquered nations
• Wealthy Romans did not typically dance but instead hired dancers for entertainment
• The Salii, a college of 24 dancing priests, performed war dances in full armor during religious celebrations
• Pantomime and mimes were popular forms of entertainment
• Pantomimes portrayed stories through gestures and postures
• They sometimes used masks with closed mouths and elaborate costumes

Prehistoric Period

• Prehistoric dance was basic, incorporating everyday movements
• It was an important means of communication
• It revolved around life events such as birth, puberty, courtship, marriage, and death
• Dance was incorporated into religious ceremonies and festivals
• Shamans or Babaylans, believed to possess magical powers, performed dances and rituals to combat environmental forces and appease gods and spirits

Ancient Egypt

• Egyptians primarily used dance to express religious services and teachings about ancient myths
• Dance was also a popular form of entertainment
• The major dancers were the King, Priests, and Virgin Dancers
• There were categories of dance that included:
  • Pure Movement or Spontaneous Dances
  • Acrobatic Dances
  • Imitative Dances
  • Pair Dances
  • Group Dances
  • Dramatic Dances
  • Lyric Dances
  • Grotesque Dances
  • Funeral Dances
  • Religious Dances

Ancient Crete

• The Cretan civilization, which existed from 3000 to 4000 BC, was a cultural link between Egyptians and Greeks
• Cretan dances intertwined religious ceremonies, fertility rites, myths, and symbols
• The Cretan civilization was sophisticated and rich in arts and culture

The Middle Ages and The Renaissance

• Dance was a vital part of life in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
• It was used to show manners, as a form of celebration, and for amusement and entertainment
• Dance was associated with either the church (liturgical or sacred) or society (secular)
• Themes included sacred dance and life-span events connected to religious activities
• Priests and clergy performed ritual processions during Eucharistic celebrations
• Bishops led sacred devotional dances around altars on feast days and Sundays

Test your knowledge of the structured and symbolic dances of Ancient Greece and Rome. Explore the intricate body movements, gestures, and their significance in religious and entertainment contexts. This quiz covers key terms and practices from these influential cultures.