How Russia has played a key role in the development of Modern Western Dance styles, especially Ballet, through the actions of various important figures. Marius Petipa, Agrippina Vaganova, Anna Pavlova, Serge Diaghilev, Michel Fokine, Vaslav Nijinsky, Leonide Massine, Igor Stravinsky, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, George Balanchine, and Mikhail Baryshnikov- these are just some of the names thatContinue reading “The Russian Influence on Western Dance”
A Warning Against Conformity and Tradition
Found in John Milton’s writings are ideas of Freedom of Speech, Religious Tolerance, Individual Conscience, and Democracy that stand as a rejection to the systematic control of the clergy and monarchy that surrounded him. (links to referenced writings at the end of the post) In the summary before Areopagitica is the statement that “Milton defendsContinue reading “A Warning Against Conformity and Tradition”
Obedience or Rebellion?
How English Poet John Donne used powerful and striking analogies to protest against the world of ridicule that he found himself within. (links to referenced poems/writings at the end of this post) The various poems of John Donne are peculiar and strange compared to many of the works of his contemporaries. While writers like ChristopherContinue reading “Obedience or Rebellion?”
A Progression of Freedom and Rights
How the American Abolitionist Movement and the Women’s Rights Movements are connected and intrinsic to one another. At first glance, both the Abolitionist Movement and the Women’s Rights Movement seem altogether separate events. Oftentimes they are taught that way as well; slavery’s abolishment and the addressing of African-American rights occurred with the Civil War andContinue reading “A Progression of Freedom and Rights”
The Purification of the Soul
In the classic tale ‘The Story of Layla & Majnun’, Majnun goes on a journey to find God through love. My Favorite Quotes “If prayers remain unanswered, do we ever reflect that it may be for our good? We feel sure that we know our needs, yet the future is veiled from our eyes. TheContinue reading “The Purification of the Soul”
Pushing the Bounds of Understanding With Hope
Looking at Emily Dickinson’s poem “Hope is the thing with feathers” and just what it says about the emotional human experience within the physical world. Emily Dickinson’s poem “Hope is the thing with feathers” is a composition that focuses on the emotion of hope. What is it? How does it work? The entire poem isContinue reading “Pushing the Bounds of Understanding With Hope”
The Gravity and Power of Christ’s Crucifixion
How ‘The York Play of the Crucifixion’ takes a familiar and well-known scene and displays it in a way that shocks the audience- and how that leads to a new understanding. ‘The York Play of the Crucifixion’ is part of a genre known as the ‘Mystery Plays.’ These plays were Bibilically based stories created andContinue reading “The Gravity and Power of Christ’s Crucifixion”
The Celebration of Thanksgiving
Looking back on the history of Thanksgiving on its 400th Anniversary and seeing how it has changed over time. Thanksgiving is an interesting holiday to ponder. It represents an ideal of love and gratitude, a time for family and friends to gather around a table to eat and enjoy their time together. It is uniqueContinue reading “The Celebration of Thanksgiving”
A Report on Ben Witherington III’s ‘What Have They Done With Jesus?’
Bible Scholar and New Testament Professor Ben Witherington III’s perspective on Jesus Christ through the lens of his early and late followers, the various Gospels, and even controversial manuscripts like the Gospel of Thomas. In the introduction, Dr. Wintherington III lays out in detail the purpose of his book, following the title and subtitle accurately.Continue reading “A Report on Ben Witherington III’s ‘What Have They Done With Jesus?’”
The Salem Witch Trials
How superstitions, lack of scientific knowledge, grudges, fear, and the rule of law led to one of the most well-known events of Colonial America. In the centuries since the Salem Witch Trials occurred, various ideas and beliefs have been spouted about why exactly it happened. The event seemed to grow and develop as part ofContinue reading “The Salem Witch Trials”
Seeking After Knowledge 