The places of Turkish folk dances

This study examines the concepts of 'place' and 'space' and discusses the process that the place of dance is transformed into a space. It analyzes the contribution of the body to the space as a 'dance place' using a social-psychological dimension. It investigates the conditions under which the interaction between the 'dancing body' and the 'dance place' occur, and explores the reflection of the diversity of relations between the individual and society within the field in terms of reflexivity. In this study the sampling frame of the concept of 'dance-place' is limited by the physical boundaries of the Republic of Turkey. Taking into account the diversity of geographical regions of Turkey, care has been taken to provide examples from the field of dance that includes different regions and types of dances belonging to different cultural groups. This research also covers dance venues used for the purpose of artistic performances and examples are shown of the areas place where the presentations of Turkish Folk Dances are organized in urban and rural environments. The dancer and dancing are established in a sociological way through the concept of 'dance-place'. This study deals with the effect of the dancing 'place' on the dance and dancer both individually and socially, and interprets the ways that the dancer and the dance are affected by the dance place. This study uses comparative methods to focuses on the formation of the concept of 'dance place' and its application by examining case studies of traditional dance. It uses individual interviews and field studies in order to explain the 'dance-place' interaction. The aim of the study is to clarify the concept of 'dance-place' in Turkish folk dances, which will provide a useful source for these ideas to be developed in the future.