Art: what does “lyric,” or “lyrical,” mean as an adjective?
Self-tutoring about art: the tutor mentions “lyric,” and/or “lyrical.”
The following is by my understanding.
I recall when my son was in dance, going to competitions with many acts. My son was typically in perhaps two or three few of the numbers, but the others were interesting, too.
One type of routine that caught my notice was “lyrical dance.” (I recall it being just “lyric dance,” but the Internet seems to think otherwise.) I thought of lyrics as words to a song, so didn’t know what “lyric (lyrical) dance” meant. I had to look it up.
Similar to a lyric poem, a lyrical dance routine is meant to convey emotion. In the case of the poem, a topic will be written about; in the case of the dance routine, the music and lyrics are the “topic.” In either case, the artist reacts, emotionally, to the topic. Such is a lyric, or lyrical, work.
The sources I’m looking at now seem to draw the distinction that it’s “lyric” poem, but “lyrical” dance.
Source:
“What Is Lyrical Dance, and What Is the Meaning Behind It?” (2017). Omaha School of Music and Dance. https://omahaschoolofmusicanddance.com/our-blog/lyrical-dance-meaning-lessons/Luengo, A. (1995). Canadian Writer’s Companion. Prentice Hall Ginn Canada.
Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.