Focus on Dance X : Religion and Dance / Dennis J. Fallon, Ed. and Mary Jane Wolbers, Ed.

Religion and dance are the foci of the essays in this publication. There are four major sections to the volume. The first section provides an overview of the history of dance and religion. The first essay provides an historical review up to the Middle Ages and describes dance as a "catalyst for religion" during this era. Other essays discuss dance and the Catholic church during the Middle Ages, describe the gradual acceptance of dance, particularly sacred dance, up to the present time, and examine dance among the Plains Indians of America. The second section, "Dance and Organized Religions," contains essays that examine the role of dance in selected religious denominations, including the Mormons, Southern Baptists, and Jewish denominations. The third section discusses the use of dance as spiritual expression and as prayer. For example, one essay describes dance as a spiritual experience with elements of movement, form, rhythm, and meaning. One author humorously examines his return to organized religion through a physically toned and tuned body. The fourth section examines "Dance in Places of Worship." For example, one essay discusses how as the dancer's training goes on, the dancer becomes aware of the perfection of God's creation. Another essay argues that out of this new technique and awareness of purpose, new forms of dance should evolve to better serve the purposes of sacred dance. (RM)

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