ANTIQUITY'S PHILOSOPHY AS A METHODOLOGY FOR CONTEMPORARY DANCE SCHOLARSHIP

Abstract

Abstract. The art of antiquity, including dance, has long captivated human fascination with its timeless perfection, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary art. This influence is evident in the scholarly pursuits of those studying ancient Greek history. Dance held a significant position in ancient Greek life, as attested by surviving artifacts such as sculptures, reliefs, depictions on Greek vessels, and a wealth of written sources. Renowned philosophers, historians, and writers of antiquity, including Socrates, Plato, and Lucian, paid heed to dance as an art form. Even the epic poems of Homer, the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," mention various forms of dance more than 20 times. Today, more than 300 types of Greek dances can be counted, and according to some sources, "there are more than 10,000 traditional dances that come from all regions of Greece." As research methods, the author uses an analytical review of surviving artifacts and ancient written sources, testifying to the important role of the art of dance in the life of the ancient Greeks. The author also made an analysis of the literature, which testifies to the important role of art, including dance in ancient Greece, which to this day has a huge impact on the development of modern art of choreography. And the “Apollonian” (conscious) logical and “Dionysian” (unconscious) free creative beginnings in art, which are widely discussed today, also originate from ancient Greek art. The author also emphasizes the epistemological significance of dance education and advocates for the revival of the classical tradition of mandatory dance instruction in schools.