dance research

This paper is not a biography of the artist but states a thesis about his/her work(s). The paper utilizes primary source material through artist statements/essays and video documentation; secondary sources are allowed to complement the research but primary sources are preferred. Scholarly texts, articles, journals, magazines, and newspapers are all possible sources for your research.

The research paper requires you to gather information and evidence about the chosen artist and synthesize it in a personalized way. The paper is not merely a collection of what others have said before on your topic. It is a thoughtful shaping of evidence to support your thesis. You should ask and answer an intriguing question in your research paper. For example, “Was George Balanchine influenced by African dance forms in his choreography? How does the choreography of Katherine Dunham draw from the time she spent in Haiti and what significance did that have for modern dance in the mid-20th century?” If you have difficulty formulating your research question, please ask for help.

The structure of your research paper must follow the format of introduction (topic and thesis statement), body (main ideas and arguments) and conclusion.

A successful research paper will include these characteristics:

Introduction incudes a context for the topic and an interesting assertion
Thesis statement indicates topic and author’s attitude toward it, with an original insight. Your thesis must be the title of your paper. THE NAME OF YOUR ARTIST MUST NOT BE THE TITLE OF YOUR PAPER, for example:

Wrong: George Balanchine

Correct: How did African dance forms influence Balanchine’s choreography?

Ideas and development include supporting details, appropriate research, synthesis of information, and a unique perspective on topic
Paper flows smoothly and logically while maintaining reader’s interest
Conclusion ties the paper together
Conventions of English language are followed accurately
References are appropriate, reputable and adequate in number; documentation includes proper use of citations and format. Do not reference websites such as About.com, Wikipedia, etc. in your papers. Although secondary sources are allowed (i.e. commentary on primary sources), primary sources are preferred.
Here is the grading rubric for your reference:

this paper will be graded on a) the accuracy of their research (40%); b) the quality of their writing (diction, grammar, and syntax (10%); c) the critical thinking they demonstrate in interpreting the facts (30%); d) their understanding of the different cultural perspectives (20%)

1. Accuracy of your research (___/20) – paper is illuminating and individual; direction of paper is clearly indicated in the introduction and well developed in the body of the paper; ideas develop flexibly and fluently, yet with control and purpose; patterns of exposition, analysis and/or argument are fully unified and proceed with authority and/or originality; connects knowledge to other ideas/experiences/knowledge; there is a logical progression of ideas; paragraphs or sections fully realize their portion of topic ideas and supporting details.

Paper fails to flow in predictable and logical sequences (lacks transitions between paragraphs and sections. Exposition, analysis, and/or argument proceed without an obvious connection to purpose of thesis (lacks unity). Paragraphs or sections do not cohere with topic ideas and supporting details or lack topic ideas and supporting details.

2. Quality of writing (___/20) – Words are used effectively and with clarity; clear, concise, polished prose; works cited with correct method; references are complete; spelling and grammar. Sentences supple, varied and clear. MATURITY OF THOUGHT AND SOPHISTICATION OF VOCABULARY

Problems with grammar, syntax, and/or vocabulary distract the reader and detract from overall presentation. Sentences frequently unsound in construction and/or lacking economy, variety and clarity. Frequent major editing errors, awkward phrases, repetitive sentence structure and duplicate words, short choppy sentences or all long complex ones.

3. Critical thinking (__/20) – Supporting details are accurate, relevant and helpful in development of main ideas and arguments; evidence of synthesis; illuminates topic in unique way and offers an original insight

Lacks supporting details or accuracy; uses little appropriate research, little evidence of synthesis

4. Understanding of the different cultural perspectives (__/20) – contextualizes research and summarizes ideas effectively and appropriately.

Demonstrates weakness in understanding and or ability to analyze/discuss the topic in its historical/cultural context.

Please read through the grading rubric and avoid mistake mention in the grading rubric Thanks!

After choosing the topic please send me a message before you start working on the essay, thanks!