History of Body Expression: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Practices
History of Body Expression: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Practices
Evolution of Expression
From the origins of humanity, body movement has been used as a means of expression. Bodily activities developed by different civilizations and cultures have been connected with dance, theater, and music, practiced spontaneously, and used for magic, religious expression, entertainment, or amusement.
Prehistory
Dance and representation appear as magical expressions, through which humans seek to exert control over natural elements.
Ancient World
With the emergence of ancient civilizations came a ruling class and a working class, each creating its own forms of expression. Dance performances were observed by the ruling class. Theater performances, such as the tragedies and comedies of the Greeks and Romans, also emerged.
Middle Ages
The spread of Christianity and its dualistic view of humanity led to activities focused on the physical and pleasurable being seen as obstacles to salvation. These were frowned upon and even banned. Theater, and other expressive activities, remained mostly festive:
- Folk Dance
- Mummery
- Pageants
Renaissance
Characterized by a decline in the Church’s power and a resurgence of interest in earthly life, beauty, and pleasure. Performances included:
- Carnival
- Intermezzi
- Fêtes
- Ballet
- Commedia dell’Arte
The Enlightenment
Socially, this period was characterized by the triumph of the bourgeoisie and the emergence of new ideas resulting from the dominance of reason over authority. One man proposed dance reform, suggesting it should be natural and expressive—what we might call pantomime. Several elements from the past were critiqued:
- Masks
- Costumes
- Technique without meaning
19th and Early 20th Centuries
A differentiation of expressive activities appeared. Dance and theater continued as performing arts, while a school concerned with the educational use of movement emerged, initially called expressive gymnastics, then modern gymnastics.
Modern Gymnastics
Rudolf Bode considered gymnastics expressive. He believed movement is a manifestation of the individual and has a natural rhythm. When designing exercises, the trainer should consider three principles:
- Holism
- Rhythmic variation
- Economy: Natural movements are the most economical and should be prioritized.
Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries
Body expression strengthened, recognized as an educational medium for rhythmic and dance activities, body language, and performance. 1968 was a key moment in its emergence. Key concepts included:
- A return to Rousseau’s idea that humans are born healthy and balanced.
- A kind of return to Christian dualism.
- A critique of sport.
Fundamentals
Currents and Concepts of Body Language
The term bodily expression is polysemous; it can be viewed from different perspectives, each with its own conception.
Psychological Current
Views bodily expression as a technique to help individuals achieve self-actualization. It involves techniques focusing on immediate physical sensations and feelings, aiming to awaken elementary sensations and emotional release.
Scenic or Artistic Current
Considers physical expression as it relates to the training of actors and dancers. This involves body control techniques that allow for better expression.
Metaphysical Current
Views body expression as a means to connect with the spirit. Often rooted in Eastern philosophy.
Pedagogical Current
Considers the body as a means of expression that contributes to students’ education, helping achieve various educational objectives.
Issues in Body Expression
Three categories of themes in bodily expression were established:
- I, the person, express myself to another person.
- I, the person, identify with the beings of the universe.
- I, the person, remember and think.
Expressive Capacity Through Body and Movement
Expressive capacity is the potential to communicate through posture, gestures, and movements:
- Possession of disinhibition and spontaneity.
- Knowledge of one’s inner world and what it represents.
- Knowledge and mastery of body language elements and body expression techniques.
Elements of Body Language
These are postures, gestures, and movements—the possibilities of action and relationship of various body parts. They are voluntary. Components include the body area where the movement is situated, postures, etc.
Body Areas
Movement of body parts conveys specific information:
- Center of force: abdomen
- Center of expressiveness: shoulders and neck
- Center of personality: chest
- Center of shade: face
- Center of detail: hands and fingers
- Center of roots: legs
Positions and Attitudes
Position refers to the overall position of the body; attitude refers to muscular tension.
Temporospatial Characteristics
Related to space, movement can be curved or straight; related to time, it can be fast or slow; related to power, it can be soft or strong.