Man has always reached out to a higher power through prayer.
And what is dance , but prayer in motion?
Everything in the cosmos dances. Nature is constantly
dancing as the birds move around , animals play gaily and flowers reach out to
the skies . Man is in a constant state of motion , always staging their
entrances and exits in life. Dance is a way to exhalt and communicate with God
by using the movements of our body as a temple.
The Natya Shastra , which is
believed to be the fifth Veda of the Hindu Scriptures , states that every stage
that the dancer chooses to dance , is a temple of God. Dance has always been a
way for Man to connect with the Universe or with that special element within themselves
that links their soul to God. Ask any dancer and they will tell you that the
essence of their work is spiritual unity. In our daily lives , the body and
brain usually work together but when one dances , the soul and spirit of man is
also brought forth. Whether it is the swirls of the Sufi dances or the devotion
of our Indian classical forms , dance brings us closer to our spiritual union
with God.
Modern day philosophers and spirituality experts are now
including elements in dance in their practices. The vigourous training that
involves all parts of the body is akin to meditation . Music and meditation are
also integrated and the goals are to attain greater peace and harmony within
oneself. Balance is a crucial aspect which is needed in one’s life and dance
teaches us the importance of centering and anchoring ourselves. The roots of
all dance forms whether they are classical , contemporary or folk in nature ,
have always been steeped in this spiritual union. When any one approaches dance
as an art form or as an interest to be pursued , they are receiving spiritual
direction.
I remember attending a lecture given by Pandit Birju Maharaj , one
of India’s most revered dancers . He spoke about how humanity is caught up in a
complete frenzy of erratic motion in their daily affairs. But peace and harmony
can be attained if they remember that the dance they are currenty dancing is
always for and with the Higher Power. I conclude by asking the reader to
reflect on a powerful saying by the saint Rumi – “Whosoever knows the power of
the dance , dwelleth in God”.
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