Review Number One - Caveat on Causes and Correlations

Abstract

It has been a recurring observation that dance reflects everyday behavior. It was suggested by Franziska Boas (1944), Holt and Bateson (1944), Kurath (1960), Waterman (1962), and by Lomax and his choreometrics staff (1968). This is a valid observation, but it must be accepted with a caveat. It is valid and of primary importance if, by this observation, it is meant that there is a "relationship between dance and the way of life" as Franziska Boas states (1944:3), but it may not be valid if it implies cause and effect.