For the next few days let’s take a look at appropriation and how it impacts the arts. Today, let's contemplate appropriation in dance. Here are some questions to contemplate.

What do you consider “fair use” in dance? When is it OK to “borrow” choreography? Should the movement be reinvented or different entirely? What about reproductions of other’s work, and the quality of the dance. Is there a problem is the dancers can’t execute the movement in the way it was originally intended? Or perhaps there is there something interesting and unique about that failure? If someone is inspired by the work of another choreographer, should it be acknowledged? If so how should this acknowledgement take place?

To read more about this issue check out this article on choreographer Julia Rhoads and her position on the use of copyright and appropriation.