Action Quote by Robert Gottlieb
“'Porgy and Bess' has never been thought of as a dance show, and yet it's filled with dance. It uses dance to punctuate the action, or as background, or as atmosphere; even when it's front and center, it isn't crucial.”
About This Quote
Although not labeled a dance work, 'Porgy and Bess' integrates dance throughout, using it for emphasis, ambience, and occasional focus, yet the narrative can stand without it.
In simple terms: Dance is woven into the opera, but not essential.
Key Takeaway
Dance enriches the piece without being a structural necessity.
Themes
theatre
dance
opera
artistic integration
Mood
analytical
appreciative
Type
critical observation
When to use this quote
- stage productions
- musical theater direction
- choreography workshops
Key Concepts
multimodal storytelling
aesthetic layering
Practical Applications
- use dance to highlight emotional peaks
- allow optional dance sections for flexibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a non‑essential element feel integral?
- How can dance enhance narrative without dominating it?
A Different Perspective
Relying on dance may distract audiences if not seamlessly integrated.
![“The mindset of this [“Gangnam Style”] dance is dress classy, and dance cheesy,” quote by PSY](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/301/psy-14824_cheesy_the-mindset-of-this-gangnam-style-dance_483126.jpg)
