Sacred Women Sacred Dance
There is no form of expression that nourishes me as deeply as dancing, as it is my greatest offering to the Universe. Through dance, my body becomes a vessel for Divine Creation to manifest and through transcendence of space and time, I am one with the Divine. Within this space, I am able to break the barriers within my being that separate me from connection with others and vibrate at my highest frequency. It is in this space that I am my authentic self and become full enough to invite others into an expansive space where they can nurture their expression. The interconnectedness of all creation cannot be ignored when beings are illuminated by their Divine Creativity and together we can embody a wholeness only present with the awareness that we are one. The foundation of our collective reality can then be reimagined and transformed.
Movement possesses this sacred power that interlaces mind, body and spirit which encourages growth and transformation personally and collectively. Iris Stewart (2000) illustrates in the text Sacred Women, Sacred Dance, that “in its sacred form, dance is a language that reunites the body, soul and mind” (p.5). A deep self-awareness is cultivated through this connection and the dancer can express their innate sacredness. “Dancing is an elemental, eternal form of human expression. To dance, at its simplest, is to let the body express itself rhythmically” (Stewart, 2000, p.5). Expression of the body is crucial to the human experience as it unfolds layers of our internal and external realities that the mind cannot perceive. Stewart (2000) writes, “movement, our first language, touches centers of our being beyond the reach of vocabularies, of reason or coercion. It communicates our innermost soul that which cannot truly be expressed through words” (p.5). Through expressive, rhythmic movement dance begins to embody the natural ebbs and flows of the Universe. This embodiment of the Universe tap into an internal light possessed by all that expands to every corner of existence.
The Spiritual Awakening conjured by dance is why I have chosen to make it apart of my life long journey. Dance has been a great source of healing, community, connection and love throughout my life and I believe in its transformative powers to manifest change within our world. Dance has the capacity to affect all who partake, and I believe it is especially important for the empowerment of women. For centuries women were the conductors of ritual and sacred dance and it served as “the principal form of worship of the Goddess” (Stewart, 2000, p.15). Throughout the history of the world dances in honor of the Goddess can be found. In ancient Greece, there were ceremonial dances in honor of the goddesses Persephone and Demeter. In Egypt, Hathor, Goddess of the Moon and Goddess Bast, were representative of dance, celebration, and music. In India, Sarasvati and Bharti, showed the people music, poetry and ritual. Hawaii host dances using the rhythm of clapping and banging of sticks to honor Tutu Pele, the Goddess of Fire and Volcanoes (Stewart, 2000). The lineage of dance runs deep within our Womanly blood and when we move from the heart, we connect spiritually to the power of our ancestors and the goddess within.
I believe I have been gifted with a deep spiritual connection to dance and it is my duty to share and give the sacred art back to the world. Through Dance and Movement Therapy, Nia, and all forms of movement, I hope to help empower, inspire and provide safe space for women and all to explore themselves and grow into their fullest potential. Stewart (Stewart, 2000) talks about the dance of priestess’, who were earthly women dancing and teaching the sacred dance. “The function of the priestess is to facilitate the group’s and the individuals' process and to teach them how to be perceptive” (p.45). This is how I hope to function as a teacher and facilitator of dance and help others open their hearts and minds. Stewart (2000) also writes, “the creative forces that pour through the priestess vitalize the lives of those in the group. That ability to transmute divine events into spatial configurations is her power and service” (p45). As a dancer, teacher and priestess, I hope to remain open as a vessel for divine creation to manifest and offer space for others to do the same.
Resource:
Stewart, J Iris. (2000) Sacred Woman, Sacred Dance: Awakening Spirituality Through Movement and Ritual. Inner Traditions.
