Alice Walker Beauty When The Other Dancer Is The Self Essay on Alice Walker, Feeling (2024)

In “Beauty: When the Other Dancer is the Self”, Alice Walker writes about her Stevie Wonder, and how she felt when she saw him for the first time. Stevie Wonder is a famous musician who has been blind since birth. Walker describes him as “the most beautiful thing” she had ever seen. She goes on to say that his beauty is not just physical, but also spiritual.

Walker’s perception of beauty is unique in that she sees it in someone who is considered to be disabled. This shows that beauty is not just skin deep. It goes beyond physical appearance to encompass inner qualities as well. Beauty is something that can be found in anyone and everyone, if we just take the time to look for it.

“Beauty: When the Other Dancer is the Self” by Alice Walker examines self-awareness, and that world revolves around our decisions, as well as what we make it to be. The essay moves us from the outer realm where appearance is everything to the internal realm, where looks are only a part of her genuine self.

Stevie Wonder’s lyrics, “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” is the perfect example of how we should look at the world. The lyrics tell us that we should not worry about the material things in life and to focus on what we are feeling inside. Walker uses this song as an analogy to show how we should be looking at the world around us. In other words, Stevie Wonder is telling us to look past the physical beauty of things and to see the inner beauty instead. This is what Alice Walker is trying to get across in her essay, that we need to see things for what they really are and not just what they look like on the outside.

When I first read this essay, I could not help but think about how we as a society are so obsessed with looks and material things. We are always trying to find ways to make ourselves look better, whether it is through dieting, plastic surgery, or even just wearing makeup. We put so much emphasis on looks that we often forget about what is really important in life. This essay made me realize that we need to start looking at the world differently. Instead of worrying about how we look on the outside, we should focus on our inner beauty and what we are feeling on the inside. only then will we be able to see the world for what it really is.

I would recommend this essay to anyone who is interested in self-realization or self-improvement. It is a powerful essay that will make you think about the choices you make in life and how you see the world around you.

Alice Walker, at two and a half years old, demonstrates her self-esteem in her appearance when she wants to go to the fair with her father and tells him, “Take me, daddy. I’m the prettiest.” She also demonstrates that she is fully aware of her looks as well as her abilities on Easter Sunday in 1950.

Stevie Wonder, on the other hand, was born six years after Walker with a condition called glaucoma which caused him to become blind shortly after birth. Despite Stevie Wonder’s blindness, he did not let that stop him from becoming one of the most successful musicians of all time. In fact, his success may have even been partly due to his disability as it gave him a different perspective on life and music.

While Stevie Wonder and Alice Walker both had different perceptions of beauty, they both used their feelings to create something beautiful. For example, Stevie Wonder’s song “Superstition” is full of feeling and emotion. Similarly, Alice Walker’s short story “Beauty: When the Other Dancer is the Self” is also full of feeling. In both cases, it is the feeling that creates the beauty.

Stevie Wonder and Alice Walker both demonstrate that beauty is more than skin deep. It is what is inside that truly matters. Stevie Wonder’s music and Alice Walker’s writing are both beautiful because they come from a place of feeling.

The situation leaves a beautiful, bright, and sociable youngster who no longer believes in her own attractiveness. She now views herself only through the prism of her damaged vision. She was formerly excelling in school; she is now failing. Her classmates make her feel embarrassed when they ask “what’s wrong with your eye.” As a result, she becomes “the girl who doesn’t lift her head.”

Stevie Wonder, who is also blind, becomes an important figure for her. He helps her to see that she is still beautiful, even though she is blind in one eye. Stevie Wonder’s music makes her feel things and she begins to feel again. The feeling of beauty. And she starts to raise her head again. Stevie Wonder helps the girl to see that beauty is more than skin deep, it’s about how you feel.

In “The Beauty of Age,” Alice Walker, the author of “Beauty: When the Other Dancer Is the Self,” holds no different opinions about beauty. Walker employs various stylistic techniques in her writing to show how she has changed her view on her own attractiveness. She also uses a variety of rhetorical methods to tell a coherent and enticing story that keeps readers enthralled as she recounts her life as a flashback.

In the beginning of the story, Walker starts by discussing how Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” made her feel. Stevie Wonder is known to be a very successful musician who was born blind. Despite his disability, he still managed to pursue his passion and reach great heights. Walker uses this story as an example to show how beauty is not just skin deep. Stevie Wonder may not have been able to see himself, but that didn’t stop others from seeing the beauty within him. This instance foreshadows Walker’s realization that she, herself, is beautiful despite her physical injuries.

As a child, Walker was in an accident that left her with burns on her face. This accident caused her to lose one of her eyes and damaged the other. For years, Walker felt like she was not pretty because she did not look like everyone else. It wasn’t until she heard Stevie Wonder’s song that she realized that beauty is not just skin deep. Walker begins to see herself in a different light and starts to feel more confident about her appearance.

While Stevie Wonder’s story helped Walker realize that she was still beautiful despite her physical injuries, it was her own daughter who helped her see the beauty within herself. Walker’s daughter had been born with a disability that left her unable to walk. Despite this, Walker’s daughter was still a happy and beautiful child. Seeing her daughter made Walker realize that beauty is more than just physical appearance.

Walker’s perception of beauty has changed over time due to different experiences in her life. Stevie Wonder’s story helped her see that beauty is more than skin deep, while her daughter showed her that beauty is more than just physical appearance. These experiences have helped Walker realize that she is beautiful, both inside and out.

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Alice Walker Beauty When The Other Dancer Is The Self  Essay on Alice Walker, Feeling (2024)

FAQs

What's the essay beauty when the other dancer is the self? ›

Alice Walker's essay, "Beauty: When the Other Dancer Is the Self," is a detailed and harrowing account of how the author's life has been affected by a childhood accident that left her disfigured and blind in one eye.

What is the meaning of the title beauty when the other dancer is the self? ›

walker's definition of beauty is self-acceptance. Explains walker's definition of beauty changes over a lifetime, but true beauty is learning to dance like with oneself and not focusing on the physical fleeting things but on qualities of character that matter.

How does Alice Walker define beauty? ›

Answer and Explanation: Alice Walker's definition of beauty is one of self-acceptance and love. She uses her own personal story to fuel her ideas of beauty. Beauty is unique to the individual and found in one's ability to search within the self, rather than on the outside.

Who is the audience of Beauty When the Other Dancer Is the Self? ›

Audience: Walker's essay has a wide audience. Almost every person can relate to her story of not feeling beautiful at times. Although people may not relate to Walker's exact struggle with her damaged eye, they can recall some aspect of their own outward appearance that they have been insecure about before.

How does a dancer express herself himself? ›

For individuals who are non-verbal, dance can be used as a tool to express themselves freely. Instead of using words, dancers are able to use movement to share what they are thinking and how they are feeling. No words necessary!

What does dance teach us about ourselves? ›

Besides expressing one's feelings, message, or desire, dancing improves a person's creativity by letting them express movement on their own during rehearsal. Dancers do not only dance what they've learned but they also need to listen to the music and let their bodies do the talking.

What does the dancing woman symbolize? ›

The dancing girl is featured only in the story "Style," but serves as a poignant symbol for the chaos and meaninglessness of war. Azar is put-off by the fact that the girl keeps dancing, even though her family is dead and her village is burned to the ground—he can't find any meaning in it.

What is meant by the quote Life is the dancer and you are the dance? ›

You then realize that you don't live your life, but life lives you. Life is the dancer, and you are the dance." The joy and vitality that come from being that dance are unmatched by any pleasure you can imagine. What it takes, I've learned, is being committed to experiencing life's spiritual essence.

What does saying the beauty herself mean? ›

1 the combination of all the qualities of a person or thing that delight the senses and please the mind. 2 a very attractive and well-formed girl or woman. 3 Informal an outstanding example of its kind.

What is the meaning behind beauty? ›

: the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit : loveliness.

Why was beauty so important? ›

Beauty isn't just superficial, and is actually a key part of how we understand and interact with the world around us. Beauty helps us form relationships with our environment, from food to landscape to art, and even with each other.

How is beauty different from character in a woman? ›

Beauty is the quality of being attractive and pleasing whereas character is the trait that forms the individual nature and behaviour of a person.

Who is the philosopher that stated the purpose of dance is to represent men's characters as well as what they do and suffer? ›

Thus, Aristotle's statement in the Poetics that dance is rhythmic movement whose purpose is “to represent men's characters as well as what they do and suffer” refers to the central role that dance played in classical Greek theatre, where the chorus through its movements reenacted the themes of the drama during lyric ...

Which person is one of the leading figures in modern dance she is responsible for starting it )? ›

Martha Graham, a pioneer in the establishment of American modern dance, was one of the principal choreographers of the twentieth century. Her work, which spanned more than seven decades, resulted in the development of a movement technique and a body of 180 choreographic works.

How does the audience see the dancers on dance monsters? ›

So instead of seeing the contestants in their human form, audiences – and the show's judges – would see the contestants in the form of an animated CG monster, complete with their own superpowers who take to the stage to perform incredible dance routines.

How can a dancer express their emotions and feelings through dance? ›

Generally, wide, swift arcs and rising motions indicate anger, arms stretched toward the front indicate joy, and slow motions with little movement in the elbows indicate sadness.

What are the feelings expressed by a dancer? ›

Dance can be used to express any mood: sadness, joy, anger, fear, and more. Think about the last time you saw a dance performance, and how you knew the emotions being portrayed without any direct dialogue. The word “emotion” comes from the Latin word “emovere,” which means to move, move out, or move through.

What is an example of self-expression in dance? ›

Dancers utilise self-expression to give the audience an understanding of who they are as an artist. They also use it to convey a story or point that is being made. For example, a dancer who has lost a loved one can use dance as a way to convey their emotions and tell a story about that loss.

What is the main message of dance? ›

Basic motives: self-expression and physical release. One of the most basic motives of dance is the expression and communication of emotion. People—and even certain animals—often dance as a way of releasing powerful feelings, such as sudden accesses of high spirits, joy, impatience, or anger.

What role does dance play in your life essay? ›

Dance is also called the hidden language of the soul as we use it to express ourselves when words fall short. The joy which comes with dancing helps us get over our sorrow and adversity sometimes. Moreover, it is simply a translator for our hearts.

How does dance connect us deeper to ourselves? ›

Dance transports us into a state of flow where we forget about our troubles, which is good for regulating our biological systems and nourishing our long-term health. At a deeper level, it's a way of getting in touch with our bodies and our feelings, allowing us to “try on” different emotions and see how they feel.

What is symbolic meaning of dancing? ›

Dance can signify joy, celebration, and/or possession by a higher power, be it good or evil. The act of dancing is also linked with rhythm and transforming time into motion.

What does dancing mean to God? ›

Dancing for God

People who enjoy dancing can use it for God's glory, as a means of celebration and worship and to serve the body of Christ. 2. It is important to remember that, if God put a desire in your heart to dance, sing or create another form of art, you were made to use your talents to glorify God.

How did the dancing girl defend herself? ›

What did the dancing girl say in her defence? The dancing girl said that she had given some gold to the goldsmith to make some jewellery. The goldsmith made many excuses. So she had to walk up and down his house many times.

What does it mean to dance your way through life? ›

In life this is no different, and as a leader it means balancing opposing viewpoints on a situation so that your approach is as well-rounded as possible. One way of seeing or doing things is not going to get you very far as a leader — that is, again, if you want to dance your way through life.

Why dance is an expression of life? ›

Dance is a natural form of self-expression: the body expresses itself naturally and so therefore does the spirit. We are all free willed beings, no matter what our personal situation may be. Through dance, our body expresses how free we actually are, while also highlighting the restrictions our minds impose on it.

How is life connected to dancing? ›

Dance allows people to be more active, socialize and develop creative and physical skills. Just a few of the benefits increased exercise dancing can give you are; reduced stress levels, improved relaxation, stronger bones & muscles, weight control and a healthier brain!

What does she is being herself mean? ›

be​/​feel​/​seem herself ​Definitions and Synonyms

phrase. DEFINITIONS1. if a woman or girl is herself, she is in her normal mental or physical state.

How do you define a woman's beauty? ›

Feminine beauty ideals are mainly rooted in heteronormative beliefs, but they heavily influence women of all sexual orientations. The feminine beauty ideal traits include but are not limited to: female body shape, facial feature, skin tones, height, clothing style, hairstyle and body weight.

What is beauty two meanings? ›

Definition of 'beauties'

1. the combination of all the qualities of a person or thing that delight the senses and please the mind. 2. a very attractive and well-formed girl or woman. 3.

What is the main point of beauty? ›

Beauty isn't just superficial, and is actually a key part of how we understand and interact with the world around us. Beauty infuses our inner life and helps us form relationships with our environment, from food to landscape to art, and even with each other.

What is the concept of beauty essay? ›

Beauty is defined by a combination of qualities existent in a person or thing that fulfills the aesthetic feels or brings about profound gratification. Many people define beauty as a term to describe a person's physical appearance; they often think that beauty comes from magazines, video girls, or even models.

What makes a human beautiful? ›

“Beauty is skin-deep” the saying goes, and it seems most of you agree when you describe what you consider most beautiful in a person. Confidence, kindness, happiness, dignity and intelligence all ranked in the top five out of 19 attributes that people said make the opposite and same sex beautiful.

What effect does beauty have on us? ›

It provides happiness and moves away all the depression and sadness. The nature has several beautiful things to remove our suffering and pain, all beauty is worth treasuring. Was this answer helpful?

Does beauty matter in life? ›

Yet beauty is not always advantageous, for beautiful people, particularly attractive women, tend to be perceived as more materialistic, snobbish, and vain. For better or worse, the bottom line is that research shows beauty matters; it pervades society and affects how we perceive ourselves and others.

What is the conclusion of the beauty standards essay? ›

Conclusion. In conclusion, beauty standards are a very complex social process that are perpetuated through many forms of social status. While scientists may hold the stance that evolution has caused beauty standards, many other aspects of society have impacted the ideal appearance.

Is beauty an appearance or feeling? ›

Beauty, unlike most emotions, entails no concrete behavioral goals. It reflects the mind's more abstract, overarching epistemic goals. Beauty is the exhilarating feeling that something complex, perhaps to the point of being profound, might yield to understanding.

What makes a woman more attractive than others? ›

According to science, men find women more attractive when they are smart, intelligent, caring, confident, humorous, kind, independent, and supportive. Although these qualities may generally apply, what one man may find the most attractive may differ from another.

How does beauty affect personality? ›

For example, a psychological concept called “the halo effect” that has strong ties to beauty; upon a first impression, highly attractive people are presumed by others to have a variety of positive personality traits, such as altruism, stability, and intelligence, compared to less attractive people, as though an ...

What are the 7 elements of dance? ›

The separation among concepts here serves as a means to think about, plan, and discuss dance.
  • SPACE. Where is movement. performed? ...
  • TIME. When is movement. performed? ...
  • FORCE. How is movement. performed? ...
  • BODY. What is being used to. perform? ...
  • FORM. How is dance. structured? ...
  • Vestibular. Move off balance with swings and spins.

What are the benefits of dancing? ›

10 Health Benefits of Dancing
  • Improved Flexibility. The movements associated with dance can increase flexibility and reduce stiffness. ...
  • Minimized Stress. ...
  • Reduced Depression. ...
  • Weight Loss. ...
  • Increased Energy. ...
  • Improved Cardiovascular Health. ...
  • Better Coordination Strength & Balance. ...
  • Improved Social & Emotional Health.

What is the difference between dance and movement? ›

Difference between movement and dance? --is that movement is physical motion between points in space while dance is a sequence of rhythmic steps or movements usually performed to music, for pleasure or as a form of social interaction.

Who is believed to be the first people to dance? ›

The earliest findings have pinpointed the origins of ancient dances in 9000-year-old India or 5300-year-old Egypt. Still, the records of more common infusion of dance into modern culture can be found in Ancient Greece, China, and India.

What makes modern dance so unique from all other styles of dancing? ›

The main characteristic of modern dance is that it encourages dancers to use their emotions and moods to design their steps, combinations and dances instead of following a structured code of technique as in the ballet.

What is the person who creates the dance called? ›

Choreographers also must have artistic ability and innovative ideas, to create new and interesting dance routines. Leadership skills. Choreographers must be able to direct a group of dancers to perform the routines that they have created.

How can the movement of dancers tell a story? ›

Combining emotions with movements helps to create that story. So if someone is angry, the use of a serious or angry look with sharp and strong dance moves will portray this. Or a happy person who just had great news will have that bounce in their step and smile on their face.

What is the point of dance monsters? ›

In this feel-good competition, amateur dancers disguised as CGI avatars bring their best moves, hoping to win $250,000 — and a second shot at their dreams.

What is the energy the dancer uses to connect with and draw in the audience? ›

Projection. The energy the dancer uses to connect with and draw in the audience.

What is the poem dancer about? ›

The speaker of this poem is praising her mother, her mother's beauty and her skills as a dancer. But it's also not a typical praise song in that it ends on a sad note. The speaker would have preferred to compare herself favorably with her mother. But the times have changed and she dances at funerals.

How is beauty able to dance in the poem leisure? ›

Answer. Answer: Buties of nature dances as trees swaying, birds flying, waves in ponds, bees dance, etc.

What is self-reflection about dancing? ›

What is self-reflection in dance? Self-reflection in dance is the same as it is in any other context- an opportunity to assess one's own performance and determine an action plan for further growth.

What is the meaning of dance in my life? ›

Dance helps to increase your self esteem and confidence through mastering new skills. Dance offers a creative outlet for people to express their personalities in a safe environment. Dance is a fun way to open up new possibilities, keep healthy and enjoy yourself.

What is the reason of dancing in the poem beauty? ›

Why did people start dancing in the poem? Answer: People were dancing for their good harvest as they worked very hard on their fields.

How does the poet describe the dancing girl? ›

How does the poet describe the dancing girl ? Answer: The dancing girl was very beautiful. She was all decorated with shining jewels.

Can you ever really separate the dancer from the dance? ›

In William Butler Yeats' poem "Among School Children" the poet famously asks "How can we know the dancer from the dance"? Many interpret this line as an observation that some creative acts are so intimately connected to the artist who created them that separating the two is almost impossible.

What do you learn from the poem beauty? ›

The poet is trying to say in this poem that beauty is in everything. All the small things we do or the environment around us, everything has beauty in it. Everything has its own importance. All things are beautiful in their own unique way.

What was the theme of the poem? ›

The theme of a poem is the message an author wants to communicate through the piece. The theme differs from the main idea because the main idea describes what the text is mostly about. Supporting details in a text can help lead a reader to the main idea.

What is the meaning of the poem beauty? ›

Doing good deeds and having happy thoughts while working, dreaming, and resting will make us even more beautiful. Thus, the poem describes how beauty is present around and within us.

What is self-reflection in an essay? ›

It is a way of assessing yourself, your ways of working and how you study. To put it simply 'reflection' means to think about something. Reflecting and composing a piece of self reflective writing is becoming an increasingly important element to any form of study or learning.

What is the message of self-reflection? ›

Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful. Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves. It is always our own self that we find at the end of the journey. The sooner we face that self, the better.

What are reflections about the self? ›

What is self-reflection? At its heart, self-reflection is setting aside time to think deeply and evaluate your thoughts, attitudes, motivations, and desires. It's examining your emotions and behaviors and then asking yourself, “Why do I feel and act this way?”

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