Language is a way to communicate between people — an ability to convey everything or nothing. American Sign Language, however, shows that language doesn’t necessarily have to be spoken. There are certain gestures people can string together that allows another as much or as little into our mind frame as we please. Dance holds a theoretically similar premise. Dance is widely accepted as an art form, but the message dance can send out has meaning in its own right. A dance can tell a story like a person does while speaking. Under the presumption of these guidelines, a conversation in dance would be a dance-off, in which dancers consecutively string moves together. The problem, however, is that dance-offs tend to have competitive tones, as dancers seem to care less about conveying anything more than “Look at me! My extensions are the bomb!” in this situation.
Presuming dance can both speak and be an art form sets the precedent that literature, paintings, and music also have the ability to communicate in some capacity. There are different languages in spoken word, and in a parallel fashion, there are different dance styles. On the surface, dance does appear to have all the tenets of a language. However, dance is a language we observe rather than take part in. At a dance performance, audience members can’t jump on stage and crunk. While observing dance, we will always be left out of the conversation, like going to a bodega. Even if we are dancers ourselves, it is not our conversation to take part in. It is a language we constantly try to crack because even if we cannot take part in it, we know deep down that the language is relatable and understandable in a sense. When we realize this, we are as relieved as when we come to the conclusion that those guys in the bodega aren’t secretly plotting to overcharge us for the twinkies and doughnuts that keep us too overweight to spark a conversation in Dance.
On a somewhat related note, Mr. Adela’s discussion enforced what I knew about dance and dancers. Yes, it is expressive beyond belief. Yes, it rests on passion. Yes, dancers work harder than imaginable. And, most of all, dance is perhaps the most beautiful language on earth — more beautiful than French, more soulful than Italian. In addition, Mr. Adela wowed me on a personal level with his stamina, dedication, and that awesome breakdancing.
In 1968 The Israel Music Institute published a Classical Ballet book of movement notation by Eshkol Wachmann. It was their hope that one could write down each move in space. It failed for lack of translation in both direction. You could write it but you could not read it since it lacked meaning. The word “happy” or “sad” could not be notated.