By means of all created things, without exception, the divine assails us, penetrates us and molds us. We imagined it as distant and inaccessible, whereas in fact we live steeped in its burning layers. — Pierre Teilhard, The Divine Milieu. Many years ago I received an invitation to dance at a church service. Unbeknownst to me, accepting that invitation would set me on a course that would irretrievably change my life. The experience would lead me on a path in which I would nourish something within me that would lean into a unique perspective on prayer and the body as an instrument for what I can only define as sacred work. Although the terms liturgical dance and sacred dance are often used interchangeable the context and manner of presentation in various venues are different; stimulated by creativity and attention to the holy. By no means codified or standardized I do consider sacred dance to be an art form and consequently have several criteria for the work I do.
Your opening quote really resonates with me as a non-dancing, double left footed clutz, who appreciates the dwelling of the divine in all of us. It's just front and center more in some folks than in others.
Diana! Thank you for the beautiful and necessary reminder of the dancer as ritualist. And of your devout wisdom and expertise!
Well said, Diana!
Beautifully written. Thank you Diana!
Your opening quote really resonates with me as a non-dancing, double left footed clutz, who appreciates the dwelling of the divine in all of us. It's just front and center more in some folks than in others.