dance - my philosophy

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Chiloe Alius

Dance 261

December 9, 2009

Dance: My Philosophy

In the world today there are many different views and philosophies about dance. Debates

about whether or not dance is an art form or simply a means of entertainment or exercise rage all

around us. Although universally, most would agree that dance is, indeed, a wonderful form of

keeping in shape, a fun recreational activity, and a great way to socialize with others, I believe

that dance serves a deeper purpose.

This belief has evolved and grown over time. In the beginning of my dance career at the

young age of five, I did not recognize the deeper value or influence that dance played in my life

or those around me. If someone had asked me then what my philosophy about dance was I very

well might have responded with something along the lines of, Dance is moving to music. It is

fun and helps me make friends. However, now at the age of 17 and presented with the same

question, my answer is more profound and rooted in personal experiences, as well as influenced

by different interactions with other dancers, my teachers, and professors.

When I was younger, I danced because of the enjoyment it brought to me. As I matured, I

danced not only for my own pleasure and enjoyment, but because I knew that when I performed

it made those watching, such as my family, happy as well. I grew even older and gradually

moved beyond the entertainment aspect of dance. I recognized different emotions that dance can

evoke, and appreciate and love the feeling that dancing gives to me as well as the viewer. I have

now come to believe that dance is in fact a form of art that communicates with others accessing


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deeper emotions that words alone cannot express. Dance connects peoples spirits on a very

individual and emotional level.

During the panel presentation by Chase and Katy, Chase said that when dance is viewed

as an art form it gives a person an experience (Panel Presentation). Similarly, Chrystelle Bond

stated that art, in this case, dance, does something to you (Bond 121). I completely agree with

these statements, in that dance is so powerful and can influence and affect people in many ways.

I find that when I use dance as a means of expressing emotion and conveying a message, I feel

and hope the audience feels emotionally drawn into the movement as well as the music, and find

the intent and significance of the dance.

A personal example of having true intent on portraying a message was when I

choreographed and performed a dance for my dance teacher. It was the last recital before she and

her family would move to Arkansas. Ever since I was five, I had danced at her studio and after

almost eleven years of my life being spent with her and her family my feelings for them ran deep

into my heart. I could not think of a better way to express my sincere gratitude, appreciation, and

love for her than by creating a dance, hence my belief that dance conveys messages that words

alone are not sufficient to describe. The song I chose to dance to was titled Because You Loved

Me by Celine Dion. As I along with three other dancers created this dance, then surprised our

teacher by performing it as the last number in our recital, emotions were definitely present, and I

believe that everyone watching had an experience. My mom, although her opinion may be

somewhat biased, said that our dance was one of the most beautiful and touching dances she had

ever seen. I believe something that made this dance so meaningful not only for us as the dancers,

but even for those watching, was our intent. We invested every ounce of not only our energy, but


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true feelings as well into this dance and as a result the dance communicated and expressed our

love for dance and our teacher.

Elder M. Russell Ballard stated that inspired art teaches things to the heart that the eyes

and ears never understand (Ballard 1). Our form of art touched hearts that would not have

understood our love for dance or our teacher in a way that without it we would not have been

able to communicate. I love this humbling yet divine power.

This realization of dances emotional power is something that drives me to continue

dancing. I truly love the feeling that comes when I choreograph, practice, and perform. I believe

that everyone involved in dance, not only the performer, but choreographer and director

included, can take part in this power, and help bring an experience to a studio, stage, or

anywhere else dance is witnessed. Dance is powerful.

Now setting aside the more in-depth perspective of one of the reasons I enjoy dance so

much, let us discuss an aspect that generally everyone can relate to whether they have had

specific dance training or not. Dance is fun, and offers a place for interaction with peers. In the

For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, even the First Presidency of our Church recognized that

dance provides an opportunity to meet new people (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day

Saints 21). As I stated earlier in my philosophy, I agree that dance is enjoyable and creates

wonderful openings for friendships to develop.

Many of my closest friends are those whom I have associated with during dance class. I

believe this is because everyone has the same intent on improving themselves and is willing to

help build each other to the best of their ability. Also considering the amount of time dancers

spend together in classes and rehearsals, increases their chances of building close ties with one

another. Friends are a very important, and in my opinion, an essential part of this life and as such


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we should appreciate and take advantage of every opportunity we are given to create and nurture

these bonds.

Through dance I also believe one can learn important life skills that can be used in

everyday life. As Robin stated in our class discussion about dance advocacy, through dance we

learn and develop important attributes that help us become not only better dancers but better

contributors to the world and environment in which we live (Class Discussion). Through

participating in class, dancers learn how to work well with others in a respectable manner, as

well as accept being wrong. By having this willing to learn attitude, dancers are able to adjust

and adapt our ways in order to make them more efficient and productive. We also learn

self-discipline as we personally work on improving ourselves, which brings another desired

attribute, self-motivation. Although all of these values are enhanced in a dance setting, they are

instilled into us as dancers and we integrate them into our daily lives.

Dance provides people with so many opportunities and life skills. It is a meaningful way

of communicating thoughts and feelings, and creates a place where even those not involved are

touched by its power. If we allow ourselves to be touched by dance I know it will inevitably

enrich many lives. Besides the pure enjoyment dance brings to people, it is a beautiful and

enjoyable way to remain healthy. Even so, health and communication are not the only aspects of

life that are influenced by dance. Through my interactions with teachers and reflection on my

own life and attitude, dance has helped me learn important skills that I incorporate into everyday

activities and choices, even ones that are not dance related. Simply stated, I believe dance is a

meaningful practice in which every part of the human: body, mind, and spirit is edified and

blessed.


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Works Cited

Ballard, M. Russell. In the Language of Eternity. Aug. 1996.

Chrystelle Trump Bond. An Aesthetic Framework For Dance. Resource and Selected Readings

Packet. p. 121, n.d.

Konie, Robin. Class Discussion. 4 Dec. 2009

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. For the Strength of Youth. Nampa: Pacific

Press Publishing Association, 2001

Rogers, Katy and Chase Thomas. Panel Presentation. 18 Nov. 2009
http://www.lds.org/http://www.lds.org/

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