For an Aesthetic of Dance. Commentary on Paul Valéry's "Philosophy of Dance"

Abstract

In this paper I propose some ideas that approach an aesthetics of dance from the commentary on Paul Valery's text entitled "Philosophy of dance". The outstanding place that dance occupies among the arts and in all cultures is undeniable. However, the comprehension of its meaning is still deficient in many circles. Turning to a certain type of spectator –in this case a philosopher– in dialogue with those who are professionally engaged in dancing can help move forward in this comprehension, which must be called aesthetics, since dance, like the other arts, is perceived, felt, imagined and thought.