Final answer:
The question deals with the historical significance and representation of dance across various cultures and periods, highlighting its role in society and the arts through the writings of a dancing master, classical mythology, and descriptions of paintings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question focuses on dance as a form of expression and entertainment in different historical contexts, with references to Italian, Greek, Roman, and other European traditions of dance. We see the role of dance in expressing love, storytelling, and social customs through the passages provided. Noted figures such as Guglielmo Ebreo of Pesaro and Degas offer insights into the art form's evolution from the late fifteenth century through the nineteenth century, illustrating the enduring nature of dance as an integral aspect of cultural practices.
Couple dancing is mentioned as an important element in the genteel society of fifteenth-century Italy, while Telethusa, the dancer from Cadiz, highlights the passion and skill involved in dance performances. The passage mentioning Venus's dance before Paris alludes to the dance's power to convey promises and seduction, emphasizing its role in storytelling and myth.
Moreover, the descriptions of various paintings, like The Wedding Dance and The Ballet Class by Degas, highlight dance's visual representation in art. These artworks showcase the social and cultural significance of dance, its connection to fashion, and its ability to convey emotion and narrative. All these excerpts collectively paint a rich historical tapestry of dance as an essential facet of human expression across different periods.