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Kayla Bagshaw

Learning Outcome 1.1 - An examination of major courses where content was presented in a waythat meaningfully integrated gospel principles and values !-" pages#

Learning Outcome 1.1

$here is one specific dance major course that stands out to me when % thin& a'out gospel

 principles 'eing integrated in the curriculum. $his class was (ance )istory (ance *+1# with

,raham Brown and aroline rohos&y. /ithin my (ance )istory class0 % was as&ed to 'oth

watch and read a variety of excerpts tal&ing a'out different religions and how they choose to

incorporate dance within their culture and lifestyle. One assignment in particular stands out to

me the most0 which involves comparing and contrasting Ancient )e'rew ulture and ormon

ulture. %t was very interesting to see what things were different and what things were similar

 'etween these two different cultures.

 The ancient Hebrews had such a great interest in and respect for

dance. For them, it was a way of life and nobody could live without it.

Although dance can be found in our Mormon culture today, it is not as

popular or necessary within religion as it was back then. Instead, our culture

today uses other forms of worship and celebration to honor dierent aspects

of our religion.

Although we have no evidence of this passion for dance in paintings or

murals found among the ancient Hebrew culture, we are given many

references within the bible of this need for worship and honor through dance.

For e!ample, a circular, or ring dance, is the dance around the "olden #alf

portrayed in $!odus %&' (, )*. The ancient Hebrews danced on every

possible occasion, both in daily life and for special occasions and

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ceremonies. These dances would include ring dances, hopping dances and

whirling dances.

+ithin the ancient Hebrew culture, it is stated that at a religious

festival the performers danced a ringdance to musical accompaniment

around the idol of the god who was being worshipped. In our Mormon culture

today, you probably wouldn-t nd people ringdancing around the idol that

we worship, however, you could nd us worshipping in other artistic ways

such as singing.

/omething that the Mormon culture today has in common with that of

ancient Hebrew is the importance of the priesthood and the idea of it being a

very powerful tool and in0uence in our lives. In our culture, we honor the

priesthood by supporting them, asking them for blessings and helping them

to be worthy of their great gift. For those in the ancient Hebrew culture,

1dance was the chief medium of religious e!pression,2 therefore, they

honored the priesthood through dance.

3ance in our Mormon culture today is used for healing, celebration,

entertainment, en4oyment and grieving. It can be used to overcome trials,

build selfcondence, strengthen happiness and stay motivated. 3ance

teaches us responsibility, trust, how to work with a team and challenge our

creativity. It also allows us to make new friends, set and achieve goals as well

as learn the value of hard work. In comparison with the ancient Hebrew

culture, dance was also rituals, tradition, ceremonies, worship, etc.

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% appreciated 'eing a'le to tal& a'out our religion and other religions in these different

ways. % enjoyed learning a'out how dance is incorporated in our cultures as well as other cultures

throughout history. % thought 'oth aroline and ,raham did a great jo' incorporating gospel

 principles within this class. % appreciated 'eing a'le to feel the spirit in this major course even

though it was specifically created for dance history.