Modernization of Turkish Folk Dance: A Comparative Analysis of Horon Dance in Traditional and Contemporary Performances
Overview
This paper compares two video performances of Turkish folk dance, specifically the Horon dance, as presented in 'Hoyder Halk Oyunlari' and 'Anadolu Atesi.' The analysis examines movement characteristics, costumes, and performance styles while discussing how modernization and Western influences have transformed traditional Turkish folk dances from village ceremonies into concert stage performances.
What this essay covers
- Comparative analysis of movement techniques in both videos, including footwork, turns, body tremors, and kneeling movements
- Description of costumes, group sizes, and performance energy levels between the two dance performances
- Discussion of modernization and Westernization of Turkish folk dance, including incorporation of ballet and modern dance elements
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The horon dance is known for its peculiar movement of legs and shoulders. The videos “Hoyder Halk Oyunlari” and “Anadolu Atesi” feature both male and female dancers. The dance in both videos features mainly footwork with frequent turns. The dance movements in Karadeniz Halk Oyunlari entailed joining off arms by the dancers and the male dancers opening up their arms like wings (Hoyder halk oyunları). Furthermore, Dancers displayed shivering movements trembling of the entire body from head to foot in both videos. The dancers in Hoyder halk Oyunlari had sudden sharp kneeling on the ground similar to the dancers in Anadolu atesi also strike their knees on the ground suddenly. Furthermore, the dancers bent to the front and vigorously threw legs to the front in both videos while turning heads both left and Right. There’s a difference in the group size performing in the two videos.
There are many performers in the second video of Anadolu Atesi compared to the first one. The costumes worn by dancers in Hoyder Halk Oyunlari are loose-fitting. Females wore more vibrant and colorful clothing than their male counterparts, who wore darker, more neutral attire. Unlike in Fire of Anadolu Atesi, both female and male dancers wore colorful clothes that were more fitting. In the first video, both the male and female dancers wore costumes that entirely covered their bodies; unlike in the second video, the dancers’ heads and belly were not covered.