'What's in a Name?' Taxonomic Choices in the Field of Dance Studies. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mollenhauer, Jeanette
• Is Part Of: Dance research. Volume 39:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 89
• Page End: 105
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: taxonomy -- folk -- ethnic -- world -- traditional; Dance -- Research -- Periodicals; Dance -- Periodicals; 792.8
• DOI: 10.3366/drs.2021.0322
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-2875

Abstract

Abstract : Dance genres sometimes require categorisation and this article addresses a collective for which no universally-accepted terminology has been located. Using the example of the author's doctoral research in Australia, four alternatives are examined in turn: 'folk', 'ethnic', 'world' and 'traditional', with analysis of the advantages and problems embedded in each term. Discussion of the Australian social and political environment exemplifies pertinent location-specific issues that need to be addressed when making taxonomic choices. The article aims to stimulate further discursive commentary and encourage epistemological and linguistic clarity among dance scholars.