Posted by admin 23rd 2008 July
Categories: Dance
Posted by Admin on behalf of Helen
Hello :) I am emailing to enquire if you would know of any books, journals or people that would be able to bring me insight on the area of my dissertation. In this piece of work I will be looking at the tensions between law and freedom within Christianity and the effects this has on dance whithin a denomination. For example some churches may discourage dance whereas others will encoporate it into the service. I am at the early stages so any information will be greatly appreciated! God bless, helen
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Dear Helen,
I think your project is an exciting one and I should be quite interested to know what you come out with at the end of it all. Eighteen months ago I wrote a paper for the Worcester Theological Society entitled ‘Current Trends in Christian Art.’ My main focus was Visual Art but I did come across a few things about dance. You may be aware of the Christian Arts project at Ridley Hall headed up by Dr Jeremy Begbie. It seems to have much to do with Performing Arts. Dr Begbie has published a number of books. Among them is ‘Beholding the Glory’ which contains an article by Sara Savage. Sara is a dancer and has also studied psychology. She is a lovely lady, accustomed to leading Christian groups and speaking. I am sure she would have much to offer. I have a precis of her chapter with a few thoughts of my own on my PC which I will forward if given an email address where I can make an attachment. Pleased to help in any way. David.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:49 am
dear david, thankyou for your reply. I think this assignment will really be insightful and already I am so encouraged at how much dance is used as a form of worship/ outreach within christianity today. I would very much like to read Sara Savage’s views and your own.
God bless, thankyou once again, helen.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:09 am
One or two more thoughts.
Spring Harvest always has dance as part of the Big Top worship so someone on the planning committee must have some ideas about how dance appeals or not to various Christian groups.
It would be worth exploring the annual magazine of Association for Promoting Retreats. You would pick up on a variety of retreat centres and individuals exploring dance.
“Creating Uncommon Worship” by Richard Giles, Canterbury Press 2004 has some interesting comments on p58 about bringing ‘movement’ back into our worship. David.
July 30th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
thankyou david, the book sounds really interesting and it would definately be an idea to get hold of spring harvest and various other big christian festivals. God bless and thankyou once again
August 13th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Dear Helen,
Our church is part of the Newfrontiers family of churches. There is a lot of freedom for people to jig and clap during worship, but few people actually dance in the more public sense. Although musical excellence is well accepted in most churches,there is perhaps a feeling that dancers call too much attention to themselves. I have recently started waving flags in a space at the side of the meeting and there is definitely an element of dance in it (provided I am not too close to other people!).
I do battle with myself at times, because I find it so hard to know my own motives. I really want to praise God, yet sometimes wonder whether I am too concerned about not looking foolish. Am I keeping one eye on God and one on the “audience”? I can’t honestly tell. I guess if I was really good at dance there might be the temptation to “perform”, which is also a problem.
Surely musicians must struggle with these very same issues?
I am fortunate that people generally say nothing at all about my flagwaving, though I have had one or two encouraging comments. I guess if I had a few negative comments, it would very soon put me off doing it altogether.
Actually, the surest way to put paid to Christians stepping out into new areas is to question whether their motives are pure! The recognition that “the heart is deceitful above all things” can actually lead Christians into doing nothing risky at all. Dance is surely one of the riskiest areas of creativity in church!
I didn’t mean to write an essay, but it seems that I have! Hope my musings haven’t put you to sleep!
August 15th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Admin: This comment has been sent to me by e-mail from Amanda.
Dear Helen,
My Pastor has sent this to me, I hope it is of some help. All Nations Christian College is at Easneye, Ware, Herts, SG12 8LX 01920 443500 www.allnations.ac.uk
Folly’s End is at 9 South Park Hill Rd, Croydon, Surrey CR2 7DY 0208 6499121 www.follysend.org
Hi Amanda
One interesting slant would be to consider the position of many Romanian churches, who forbid dance. I wonder why? Another great person to chat to would be Jill Ford at All Nations Christian college - dance is her area of expertise. Perhaps the lady could write her a letter. Also, maybe get in touch with somewhere like Folly’s End who have a big emphasis on the arts.
Roger
September 11th, 2008 at 9:47 am
wow guys!! thankyou all for taking your time to reply back. They are all useful comments and i now have more people to contact. I find God is helping me through this and I know there is going be a lot that I get out of this. What is so lovely is that your main concern is not even dance its art, thankyou so much! God bless, Helen