Every art has its mystery, its spiritual rhythm.
– D. T. Suzuki
At heart, we are all mystics searching for the divine.
Whether we perceive this divinity to exist in religion, culture, spirituality or some other form of human tradition, we all seek to be united with that which is beyond our limited minds and fragile bodies.
Dance is perhaps one of the oldest and most widespread practices known to man, which not only fulfills our need for free expression and leisurely catharsis, but also bridges a gap between the finite and infinite.
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While most of us skim along the surface waters of life, superficially navigating our efforts here and there, we all tend to have a deep craving to plunge into the depth of the ocean of life and experience its true fluidity, its true mysticism. Dance in many ways is the ultimate route to the truth of who we are beyond our names, beliefs, titles, achievements, memories, and identities.
Dance, in many ways, is the ultimate surrender.
If you would like to explore spiritual dancing, if you would like to open the door to experiential ecstasy and pure presence, keep reading.
Spiritual Dancing: 5 to Explore
I have never been much of a dancer. In fact, one of my earliest memories was of me crossing my arms and angrily refusing to dance the “Chicken Dance” because I thought it looked stupid (I was 5). But although I wasn’t born with tap-dancing feet, I have experienced the whirlwind bliss of dancing wildly and freely before.
Whether you are a graceful swan or an awkward elephant like me, spiritual dancing has something very valuable to offer.
1. The Mystical Dervish Dance
2. 5Rhythms Dance
Created by dancer, musician and author Gabrielle Roth in the 1970’s, 5Rhythms is a fusion of gestalt therapy, transpersonal psychology, shamanism and eastern philosophy. The five rhythms included in this kind of dance include “flowing,” “staccato,” “chaos,” “lyrical” and “stillness.” When combined, these five elements form a “Wave” which can be clearly seen in the movements expressed in this kind of free-form dancing. Roth described the 5Rhythms Dance as a journey of the soul to freedom through the releasing of the heart, mind and body.
3. Folk Circle Dance
Circle dancing is perhaps one of the most primitive forms of spiritual dancing included in this list. Many cultures have some form of circle dance from the Native American Indians to the Grecians. As its names suggests, circle dancing is undertaken in a circle of people (whether open or closed) to rhythmic beats or folk tunes. Such a type of dancing fosters a deeper sense of interpersonal connection with others and a heightened state of consciousness. Circle dancing is sometimes structured and often free-form.
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4. Middle Eastern Belly Dance
“Goddess” is the very first word that comes to mind for most of us when we picture belly dancing. With its undulations, shimmies and sinuous movements, this form of dance brings you directly in touch with the power of feminine energy. Many women report embracing their sexuality and accepting their bodies more after belly dancing.
5. 21st Century Trance Dance
When we think of trance dancing we think of rave parties and LSD, but trance dancing is much older than it looks. Having its roots in shamanistic tribal healing, trance dancing is always performed to the “trance like” beat of a drum (or in modern times, a DJ). By dancing free and unbridled, those who trance dance connect with the primal energy of life and often reach “spiritual” states of being characterized by inner freedom and expansiveness.
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By allowing our minds to stay fully centered in the present moment; in the rhythm of the drum, in the thrust of the hip, in the catch of the breath, we shed away every thing we think we are just for a few moments. This opens up a doorway to fully experience what is beyond thought and form; a path to merge with our eternal nature.
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Don’t forget hula and t’ai chi.
To be fair, not as an insult to spiritual dances or this article, just wanted to add something to it, is that even non-spiritual dances can teach certain spiritual lessons as well. Look up “Benefits of dance,” and you’ll see what I mean. Dance teaches you creativity, physical exercise, expression, discipline, being present, and so many other things, that it doesn’t really matter what type of dance it is. It could be ballroom dancing, the tango, ballet, tap dance, waltz, contemporary dance, and even hip-hop dance. All types of music and all types of dance have their lessons. Not saying it’s better or worse to spiritual dances, but thought I’d make that clear.
Since there is no information:
It’s the Sufi Muslim Mevlevis’ (whirling Dervish’s) spinning in circles is in an attempt to reach heaven in a Nirvana state to communicate with Allah while being alive. They spin to block out all thought except Allah. Before begining they pray and begin spinning with prayer, and they end spinning with prayer then finish with a prayer. Their right hand pointed up to the heavens their left to the earth while they spin. Every bit of what they do has meaning. Some Sufis use dances other than this too, some move back and forth as a group, some Sufis use Music to achieve a trance state to reach God
The thing that really gets me about belly dancing is the CULTURE that it belongs to practices it among women. AND believes me when i say they embrace their sexuality yet they are constantly told they are oppressed or ashamed of their bodies because they cover themselves. Belly dancing troops who charge money, dress up and “culturally appreciate” are nothing more than culturally appropriating the fun side of being an Arab or Persian woman without having to live with the fears or negativity Arab and Persian women live with in the same societies that “appreciate” their culture. – This also goes for Bollywood dancing.
I wholeheartedly agree with you that Persian and Arab women, as well as women of other ethnicities with ties to cultural dances people refer to as belly dance, experience prejudice against them that they cannot hide from the way white dancers can.
Men also practice belly dance, both currently and historically. It’s actually become significantly gendered by western cultures cultivating it into the divine feminine goddess narrative.
It’s also worth pointing out that “belly dance” is not a solely Arab or Persian dance. It’s an umbrella term for many different cultures’ dances. Turkish, Greek, North African, and more.. The most common styles seen in US restaurants and other similar public venues is Egyptian derived.
Personally, I think fetishizing cultural dances that are not inherently spiritual or practiced by only one gender as “spiritually channeling the divine female” or whatever is also racially ignorant.
Aletheia,
My hope is that one day Covid cures will be common and reliable so as to meet in person and perhaps participate in a retreat that you may organize.
I’m sure it would be very interesting and an opportunity to dive deeper into simplicity
That would be lovely Michael, hopefully one day ♡
Solitude is often healthy because it keeps us in touch with God. There is content you spoke about here that I don’t understand. I need dancing lessons but self love sharply enhanced my ability to quickly forgive, love others, and everyday life.
Solitude is a path to the divine and so is dancing. There are many paths to divinity, but it all depends on your preferences and willingness to explore new routes.