Bringing movement and dance to worship service is rather new in some congregations. How curious is that since dance is one of the oldest and most humanly widespread forms of worship and appreciation of the divine and Great Mystery.
During my internship at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, I brought a group form of Tai qi which was used during the joys and sorrows portion of the service. (click on Tai qi to see the Youtube). This slow form enhanced the experience for many. Some thought it distracting since it was too interesting and ought to have been its own piece. It is designed to be used on multiple occasions and therefore becomes less distracting to regular attendees. For those who are first-timers to the service, they are not going to know the persons mentioned in the joys and sorrows, but they will get the spiritual message of the movement.
In another dance piece, a pregnant friend who dances wanted to share with the congregation and I thought it would be great for her to dance with a belly bulging. A powerful Goddess dance display. It was beautiful! The kids were around and then joined in the dance with their own style. A few of the elderly women thought the bare belly was inappropriate. Most thought it was a delightful display of life. The settled ministers supported the dance and dismissed the criticism as, "You can't please everybody". Take a look yourself and let me know. Goddess dance display.
I finished my M.Div. at PSR last May, but not one of the specialty certificates I was hoping for. I still have one class and one paper to finish to receive my special certificate in liturgical dance. I am by no means an accomplished dancer, yet I can help create space, choreography, and organization for fostering more of this ancient ritual movement for expression of wonder in the Great Mystery.
Blessed Be.
During my internship at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, I brought a group form of Tai qi which was used during the joys and sorrows portion of the service. (click on Tai qi to see the Youtube). This slow form enhanced the experience for many. Some thought it distracting since it was too interesting and ought to have been its own piece. It is designed to be used on multiple occasions and therefore becomes less distracting to regular attendees. For those who are first-timers to the service, they are not going to know the persons mentioned in the joys and sorrows, but they will get the spiritual message of the movement.
In another dance piece, a pregnant friend who dances wanted to share with the congregation and I thought it would be great for her to dance with a belly bulging. A powerful Goddess dance display. It was beautiful! The kids were around and then joined in the dance with their own style. A few of the elderly women thought the bare belly was inappropriate. Most thought it was a delightful display of life. The settled ministers supported the dance and dismissed the criticism as, "You can't please everybody". Take a look yourself and let me know. Goddess dance display.
I finished my M.Div. at PSR last May, but not one of the specialty certificates I was hoping for. I still have one class and one paper to finish to receive my special certificate in liturgical dance. I am by no means an accomplished dancer, yet I can help create space, choreography, and organization for fostering more of this ancient ritual movement for expression of wonder in the Great Mystery.
Blessed Be.
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