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+++++My Diary++++++

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Dancing for God

As a ballet dancer and former student at Franciscan University who was moved and led to deeper prayer by the humility, grace, and love for God shown in the dancers' movements, I was saddened by the recent article "Dance has no place in liturgical context." I was saddened by the lack of appreciation of the beauty of dance and the lack of understanding of the experience of the congregation lifted up in worship through the movements of the dancers.

The emphasis is not on the body but the act and movements of worship appealing to the senses in a natural and concrete way. In Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake the dancers are performing a dance which is a story. Like the artist's paint and brushes, the singer's voice, and the author's words, the dancer's body is merely the tool. The body itself is not the focus; although the agility, grace and control are inspiring, they are not the end.

We are called to love God not just in the silence of our minds and hearts (though that is where love is inflamed and the Divine Lover meets us) but also in our actions and movements in service of those who surround us. The movement of the dancer is a metaphor of this reality. Her movement and _expression of love for God encourages us to define ourselves and our lives toward concrete and real action for God and His Kingdom.

As to its place in the liturgy, dance should never compete with the Holy Eucharist, which is the saving act of divine history. Liturgical movement, like music which unites the Body of Christ in the celebration of the liturgy, is important, vital and dynamic in leading the congregation to a fuller participation. Franciscan University has a place within the Church in providing and celebrating the Mass in a vibrant, holy and respectful manner.

There is much movement already present in the liturgy: we sit, stand, genuflect, kneel, bow, process or walk forward to receive Holy Communion. These concrete acts which we engage in as a body unify and lead us to understand that our faith is and should be an active faith. Liturgical movement which underscores the inherent movement already in the liturgy plays an important role in leading the congregation to a deeper experience of the liturgy and of worship.

A good example of this is in the procession and the standing of the Body of Christ in preparation for the reading of the holy Gospel. Arm movements (by the body) lifted up to heaven as a sign of our longing to hear God's Word and to receive Jesus (Come, Lord Jesus!) are powerful and appropriate. This is a concrete act which gives form to the feelings and desires of the heart, which the Church intends. The movements evoke an openness, a longing for Christ, simply and effectively.

Is there a time when liturgical dance is not appropriate? Yes, when it detracts from the flow of the Mass. Like a musical piece or musical solo after communion, a liturgical dance that does not include or involve the participation of the congregation is inappropriate in the liturgy. Any art form--music or dance----which draws attention to itself (regardless of how beautiful it is) and does not involve the congregation, is not acceptable because it is not a communal act. The liturgy is primarily a communal act that reaches a climax in the sacrament of the Eucharist or Holy Communion. Mass is not a time to be entertained but rather a time to express (as one Body) our love for God in worship and prayer. However, a formal dance which tells a story, such as a meditation on Mary's life or on St. Francis consumed with joy, in which the whole Body cannot participate, should and can take place before the Mass as a form of preparation for what is about to occur. As a prelude like organ music, liturgical dance prepares us for the act of worship and focuses us on what is to come.

We are creatures and we learn not only through our minds but our senses and our hearts as well. The beauty of a flower, its scent, its form, its color, raises our minds and souls to the Creator, the Author of the flower. So too, the actions of the dancer's body in a prayerful and meditative manner lift the mind and soul to the Creator, the Author.

Freedom in movement, the vivacity and spontaneity, bespeak the ecstasy the soul experiences in having encountered the most profound reality the human can and ever will know--Jesus Christ. We have been set free and all that we are and can be is realized in Him. Does this not move the heart to express with movement and _expression the profound love it feels, as David did before the Ark of the Covenant?

Jesus and me @1:22 AM
+ I live by FAITH and not by sight+
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Thoughts about the Summer Art Exhibit “Dancing With God”

I’ve been thinking about entering something in the summer art exhibit because I love the theme: “Dancing with God.” It’s a beautiful image that inspires me even though I’m not really an artist.

I’m not a dancer either. Don't get me wrong, I love to dance but the people watching me know that I am not a dancer. Things that look stylish, hip, and suave when other folks do them, just make me look like a chicken with hiccups. I couldn't be smooth if the floor was buttered. And the worst part is I have a mental picture of how dumb I look the whole time I'm dancing.

But sometimes, the familiar beat of a really great song starts throbbing and takes control. That beat draws me like a siren's song to the center of the dance floor and I forget the mental mirror. It's just me and the music swirling, and even if I look like all elbows and knees, I feel graceful and light and full of joy.

Moments like these are rare and almost holy. It's like being Ginger Rodgers in the arms of a debonair Fred Astaire. You know he's going to make you look good. You are safe and cherished. And if people are staring, it's because you are in perfect step together and it's beautiful to watch.

I am not a perfect Christian. Not because I don't want to be, but again, I'm self-conscious, awkward, and often out-of-step. I hate to pray out loud because my prayers seem childish, emotional, and false. I feel like people are staring at me, even with their eyes closed. I envy the people who seem to drop soothing, sincere sounding words in flowing, healing phrases. I can't do that. But as pitiful as my praying is, it's probably better than my day-to-day actions. Of course, I try to live up to God's expectations but life often seems to get in the way of my good intentions.

Sometimes I get a little down on my "performance" in God's drama, but lately, it has occurred to me as I’ve thought about “Dancing with God,” that God is not interested in my "performance." This is not about me. It's about us. It’s about me and God as a team, in step. I just need to let him lead and stay with the music. He will control the dance. With him, I feel graceful and light, and full of joy. With God as my partner, life is an irresistible dance.

Jesus and me @1:21 AM
+ I live by FAITH and not by sight+
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Dancing for God

It is 8:23 a.m. The sunlight is just starting to creep up the walls through the large-paneled windows. The hardwood floor feels gritty and cold against bare feet. Glancing around this space, you are overwhelmed with a distinct feeling of serenity.

Today, on the second floor of the Performance building, it is quiet. In the dimly-lit room, a number of students are already gathered. Every morning, they file into this small dance studio to practice.

On this particular morning, one dancer stretches by herself in the middle of the floor. While the other students exchange the latest gossip, she remains centrally focused. Facing forward, her eyes never veer from the front of the room as she gracefully flexes her body.

Melissa Harris, 19, is an intern with the Mid America Dance Company, one of the oldest performance companies in the United States. She, along with ten other dancers, arrives at this tiny studio every morning to rehearse for company recitals. Aside from her internship, Melissa is a full-time student in her third year at Missouri Baptist University, where she majors in mathematics. She is looking forward to graduating with a B.S. in Math this spring.

Initially, however, Melissa was not interested in attending MBU. In fact, during her senior year of high school, she was admitted to Webster University, where she planned to major in Dance Performance. Then, at the last minute, Melissa reconsidered Missouri Baptist. Through her conversations with God, she came to realize that although Webster was her plan, Missouri Baptist University was God’s plan.

In addition to school, Melissa is involved with her church, the Park Baptist Church in Florissant. Since becoming a member three years ago, Melissa has been dedicated to serving the church community. She teaches Sunday school, participates in the youth ministry group, and is a member of the Outreach Team, which is a door-to-door witnessing program.

Now, the major contradiction in Melissa’s life becomes apparent. Melissa is a Baptist and she is also a dancer. Thus, there appears to be a conflict between her passion and her faith.

Actually, Melissa’s passion for dance began sixteen years ago. Up to that point, Melissa’s older brothers (she has two) had always played sports – hockey, baseball, football, and so on. Melissa’s mom, Pagette, strived to find an activity to suit her daughter. Hopeful, she enrolled Melissa in a dance class at a local academy.

Instantly, Melissa fell in love with dance; as she explained, “it was fun.” She fervently explored all types of movement – ballet, jazz, tap, and modern forms. She was always serious about her lessons, devoting time to perfecting her craft. Of course, it was not long before she became recognized as an exceptional talent.

In fact, Melissa had such advanced skills that her instructors urged her to teach her own classes. When she was just thirteen, Melissa accepted her first job as a dance teacher. She began educating young girls – some not much younger than she – in the art and technique of dance. Through her example, they also learned that dancing was fun.

It is generally understood that, in the Southern Baptist tradition, such forms of creative dancing are discouraged. Many Baptist theologians maintain that dance is a social form of sexuality, and cast it as a sin against God. Melissa, however, defends her passion for dance, maintaining that it is neither shameful nor blasphemous.

On the contrary, she argues that dance can actually be a viable alternative to sin. In Melissa’s life, dance is much more than a creative outlet for _expression. It is also a means through which she can worship God on a more personal level. Just as choirs praise God through song or preachers praise Him through word, Melissa praises God through dance.

Melissa concludes: “God has given me this talent and a passion for it. The best I can do is try and honor Him.” As Christians, we are called to love the Lord with all our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength. Melissa Harris is answering that call…with a passion.

Jesus and me @1:20 AM
+ I live by FAITH and not by sight+
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