Van Der Leeuw’s chapter on the
“Enmity Between Dance and Religion” was quite thought provoking. His previous
chapters linking the relationship between artistic expression and religion
would have led me to think that dance would be a fundamental and constant part
of religious experience, however, it is absolutely not. Many sects and
denominations of conservative Christianity, and Islam frown upon dancing.
Perhaps it is viewed as a fundamentally carnal and bodily joy and pleasure that
such prominent religions have tended to frown upon it. On the other hand, I
find the exceptions to this trend very interesting. Hasidic Jews, for example,
are very conservative but have a rich tradition of ceremonial dances. The
Sufi’s in Islam are renowned for their whirling Dervishes. I think this
contrast is indicative of a rejection of the flesh as holy, and an
understanding that the flesh is part of Creation. If the flesh is part of
Creation, then God made it with purpose and significance. If this is so, then
even the flesh, by His grace, can exist to bring God glory and praise. I think
from that perspective, dance can be a part of religious worship.
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