The contradictory messages we receive in society, said Adair, are illustrative of dualism, which concentrates on two independent principles of perception. Dualism in dance restricts the dancer with its notion that the body is separate from the mind. Instead of the body being merely an instrument, the dancer should think of himself or herself as a 'living body.' In this way, dancing can no longer be thought of as only physical training, but must be considered a study of the body and mind as one.

While feminists have sought to re-evaluate the female body to an 'essential' self, Adair claimed that it is difficult to see clearly when our sights have already been tainted. While people have tried to reject the idea of fixed gender differences, women have become generalized without being seen for the differences they have. Women dance not according to their physical femaleness, but are affected by the process of learning to become women, claimed Adair. Since the perceptions of women and sexuality often change, the dance is affected by it.

As society and times change, the body's movement will reflect the extent of the freedom of expression in a culture. Dancers' bodies, without the restrictions of society's expectations, will gain new potential in allowing expression without the influence of gender roles.

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The eternal question is whether body behavior is biological or learned. Biological theories

Some common words found in the essay are:
Wex Adair, Women Dance, Victorian England, adair claimed, differences women, women dance, according adair, perceived notions, body mind, contradictory messages,
Approximate Word count = 666
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)