Editing Performing arts (section)

===Oceania===
[[Melanesians]] are the [[Indigenous peoples of Oceania|indigenous inhabitants]] of [[Melanesia]], an area stretching from [[New Guinea]] to [[Fiji]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Keesing |first1=Roger M. |last2=Kahn |first2=Miriam |title=Melanesian culture |website=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Melanesia |accessdate=23 April 2023 }}</ref> Melanesian dance often exhibits a cultural theme of masculinity where leadership and a unique skill set are important for sharing with the community.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|title=Oceanic music and dance|url=https://www.britannica.com/art/Oceanic-music|access-date=2021-10-02|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|archive-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008144910/https://www.britannica.com/art/Oceanic-music|url-status=live}}</ref> These dances demonstrate the soldiery of a man; however they can also represent profitability such as encouraging conflict resolutions or healing.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Eves |first1=Richard |title=Material Culture and the Magical Power of Dance Objects |journal=Oceania |date=November 2009 |volume=79 |issue=3 |pages=250–262 |id={{Gale|A213777333}} {{INIST|22159402}} {{ProQuest|222380632}} |doi=10.1002/j.1834-4461.2009.tb00063.x |jstor=40313179 }}</ref> The costumes of impersonating dancers incorporate large masks and unhuman-like characteristics that act to imitate mythical figures. The music can also act as a voice for these magical personas.<ref name=":02" />