Dance and style concept

Abstract

The use of the term “style†is examined in relation to dance and the paper explores how style is related to structure, form, and social context. The largest conceptual dimension considered is form (that is, the content entity), which consists of structure plus style. Motifs and choremes are explained as the building blocks of dances, and are impor tant for the study of both structure and style. Structure and style are then examined as aspects of competence and performance. Polynesian dance is described in terms of canon, structure, and style, and four versions of a Hawaiian hula pahu callled Kaulilua are used to illustrate stylistic differences. An underlying concept of the paper is that structure and style are both “emicâ€.