Sacred dance encompasses all movement that expresses or enhances spiritual experiences. It may be a part of a worship service, a group experience or a private spiritual practice.
Some examples of sacred dance are:
- Native American Ghost Dance
- Classical Indian dance, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Mohiniattam, and some others.
- The whirling done by Whirling Dervishes.
- The ecstatic dance of the Greek fire-walkers at the Anastenaria.
- Liturgical dance occurs as part of a liturgy or worship service.
- Ritual dance is a type of sacred dance, like Gurdjieff movements.
- (Sacred) Circle dance
Famous quotes containing the words sacred and/or dance:
“Wachusett hides its lingering voice
Within its rocky heart,
And Allegheny graves its tone
Throughout his lofty chart.
Monadnock, on his forehead hoar,
Doth seal the sacred trust,
Your mountains build their monument,
Though ye destroy their dust.”
—Lydia Huntley Sigourney (1791–1865)
“Never since the middle summer’s spring
Met we on hill, in dale, forest, or mead,
By pavèd fountain or by rushy brook,
Or in the beachèd margent of the sea
To dance our ringlets to the whistling wind,
But with thy brawls thou hast disturbed our sport.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)