2014/02/03 by Anne-Marie Gaston, Tony Gaston · 1 citation
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Diversity and Impact of Dance #Sport and Mega-Event Impacts #Martial Arts: Techniques, Psychology, and Education #Dance #Worship #Contemporary dance #Hinduism #Art #Aesthetics #Modern dance #Concert dance #History #Visual arts #Religious studies #Philosophy #Theology
paper · doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195176674.013.010
openalex publication_date 2014/02/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
Abstract Dance has accompanied religious ceremonies and sacred rites since prehistoric times. Most religions have included dance as part of worship at some period or in some places. However, because of its association with fertility and its celebration of the body, dance has equally been proscribed at times in different religions. Historical data on the use of dance in Christian rites indicate wide fluctuations in acceptance over the centuries. The presentation of dance as part of worship was highly developed in India, where dancers were employed by Hindu temples for many centuries. Such dances were highly formalized and required long training, and were largely the preserve of a specific community (caste) of dancers and dance-associated musicians. In the last century the movement for Sacred Dance has sought to revive and promote religious dances, creating a diversity of hybrid and innovative movement styles. Dance as a form of sacred art continues to evolve and diversify.