12-12-2009, 05:32 AM
Quote:He even suggests that in Crete, dancers in the Neioi (new young men) who were in the "front rank" ie closest to the judges were most likeily to be chosen for the elite military organizations and the best "clubs."
If you go to any high school theatre club, I am willing to bet that there is a high correlation between the kids who are near the front of the stage getting into better colleges than the kids in the back of the chorus line. Why? Because in order to be standing there they have probably benefitted from parents who provided them with additional training, pushed them harder, or even pulled strings to get them the part. This could be the same for Neioi. The whole thing could be a social construct that is fore-ordained.
In Sparta everyone danced in group dances, even the girls. They also sang in groups. It is these group dances more than the armed dances that to my mind determined success in a phalanx due the learned ability to move in unison. Was it Plato who said:
“Those who honor the gods most beautifully with choruses are best in war.”?
Paul M. Bardunias
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
