“Gliding Steps”: Dance As A Performing Art In Late Antique Egypt

Abstract

Dance Scenes Are Found On Many Coptic Artefacts Of Daily Life Use, Most Prominently Combs, Earrings, Candlesticks, Inlays Of Caskets, Tunics, And Wall Decoration. This Paper Explores These Scenes In The Light Of Contemporary Textual Evidence From Egypt And Elsewhere. It Aims At Reconstructing A Clear Picture Of Dance In Late Antique Egypt As A Performing Art. Through An Art Historical Approach, The Study Explores Dancers’ Movements, Poses, Gestures, And Patterns Of Performance. It Analyses Representations Of Solo, Duet, And Group Dances. It Also Reveals How Dance Was Formalized In Numerous Types Of Performance According To Its Dramatic Context: Bacchic, Pyrrhic, Geranos, Pantomime, And Mime Dances. The Paper Also Sheds Some Light On Everyday Scenarios Which Were Presented In Theatrical Drama And Involved Dance. The Study Proposes A Hypothesis That Dance Scenes On Coptic Artefacts Do Not Merely Represent Mythological Or Imaginary Characters. They Provide Priceless Information About Actual Performance. It Also Highlights How Dance In Late Antique Egypt Was Part Of A Global Profession.