I am sure that it is no surprise that I think that dance is one of God’s greatest creations. To stretch beyond the body’s normal breath and boundaries is to connect with the Creator in the most profound and significant ways. I love dance! I am fortunate to be unable to remember a time when I did not dance or see dance.
In theological studies, we learn that the Creator is “transcendent”—our mysterious God is above all and independent of time and mortality. Though the theological reference does not have dance in mind, it still sheds a warm light on dance as a spiritual endeavor.
On this Sunday, I am delighted that the Arts Ministry will explore an aspect of the spiritual expressiveness of dance through the eyes of choreographer George Balanchine’s work The Prodigal Son. Though may be a bit more challenging to find transcendence by watching others dance, this retelling of the parable from the Gospel of Luke pricks the heart particularly because it is embodied. Every time I see the Balanchine’s ending, I have a slight gasp. (and I know the story!)
Another dance piece that causes me to gasp is Alvin Ailey’s Revelations. It is very different from Balanchine—it does not make direct reference to Scripture and uses the music of African American spirituals rather than Prokofiev. Revelations is filled with spiritual drama that Mr. Ailey called “blood memories.” Revelations dances the spiritual autobiography of Black Americans who mostly experience their emancipation through their religion. I try never to miss the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre when they dance Revelations during their annual City Center season.
Dance never fails to take my breath away. Dance on earth somehow puts me in contact with the cosmic and Divine dance. I even love to imagine that my praying can be a dance with God. I pray that this dance will go on forever. |