While the majority of this blog will be devoted to discussing the various art forms that I deeply adore, I decided that the best first article I could write would be one that concentrated on those that either irritate or appeal to me inexplicably. Although it may sound unfavourable, there are a few things that I have never been able to appreciate or comprehend the appeal of. Because my lack of comprehension or enjoyment from any of them does not necessarily imply that I have any bad views or ill will towards the arts themselves, I do not intend to be disrespectful or degrade any of these art forms in any way.
Professional dance is one of the arts that I find to be somewhat boring. I don’t mean ballet dancing because I understand the artistic merit of it. I can also appreciate the artistic intent behind some dances, but there are some dance groups—I won’t mention names—that I find difficult to comprehend. Although some of it is incredibly athletic and looks great for a performance because there are so many flips and other tricks, I don’t really get the appeal of it as a dance and don’t find it to be all that interesting to watch. In its own right, athleticism is cool and entertaining to watch, but turning a lot of flips into dance is not the same thing.
I find it difficult to accept that this kind of dancing or many dance moves in general are considered to be works of art. I am aware that, in many instances, it is a means of expressing feelings or emotions, but the mere act of expression itself should not qualify something as art. If that is the fundamental standard for what constitutes art, then everyone shouting or screaming in the middle of the street to express themselves might be deemed art in some way but why not just get a baby comforter toy instead? For certain dance groups in the UK, it is also a form where it is difficult to tell what is simply athletics and what is especially a dance motion.
Slam poetry and impassioned readings are not art forms in my opinion either. The reading of a poem or combination of lines in a particular way to sound emotional or “intimidating” is not art in any sense, despite the fact that this is far more specific. Just reading a poem will do. Poems are an art form because they allow you to eloquently describe a particular memory, feeling, or landscape; everything added on top merely adds to the complexity. The actual issue is not how you utter the words, but rather the meaning that they convey.
That may come across as a bit nasty or dismissive, but I find it difficult to accept that they are creative forms. They simply aren’t as good at telling stories or expressing emotion as other forms of art are. Additionally, I believe that many of them are simply “evolved” versions of simpler forms of other arts. Nevertheless, thanks for reading today’s post, and please check back soon for more!