Megan EdwardsDance 261Philosophy of DanceEd Austin

Dance: A Window to the Soul

I have seen many different definitions of dance. Most carry elements that are quite

similar to each other, such as stylization, force, flow, and social, ritual, or other purposes. But

most also have components that make them unique. Everyone has different ideas and opinions.

From these opinions and based upon my own personal experience in dance, I have created my

own definition of what dance is. Dance is movement of the body through time and space

combined with musical elements to create a doorway for the soul to express its passions and

creativity while reaching out to others.

Martha Graham once said the human body “is a miracle. And the dance is a celebration

of that miracle.” The gift of life truly is an incredible gift. The way that our bodies move-the fact

that they’re able to move-is exquisite. The body is intricately connected, heals when damaged,

and can become stronger and better. When we dance, we are celebrating the way that the body

moves. A good dancer will push his or her body to become the best that it can be. But they will

also take care of the gift they have been given when they are injured.

The celebration of the body can be shared with oneself or others. When one dances for

oneself the dancer will move in whatever way they feel can express the emotions and feelings

within their soul. When it is shared with others the dancer wishes to make their movement

aesthetically pleasing to those watching. An audience member can share your love of dance so

much more when they find your movements beautiful. This is the reason for dancers to train and

shape their bodies and movements through technical training and practice.

Training and gaining technical knowledge and experience increases a dancer’s

possibilities to perform for others. When your movement is aesthetically pleasing to an audience

you are able to invite those watching to share the feelings you are trying to convey. But although

technique is necessary, if the dancer allows competitiveness and technical elements to become

the main focus of their dancing, then their movements become hollow; an empty shell that moves

nicely. The body is a tool of expression. But the essence of dance, what fleshes out the

movement and reaches out to an audience, is the dance artists desire to express some thought or

emotion.

Choreography is a large part of dance. It can be a helpful tool to express yourself and

convey your feelings or a story to your audience. However choreography is just that:

choreography. A coach of mine has often reminded me to not move because I was told to, that’s

not what makes a dancer. A dancer is born when you move because you want to; because it feels

natural and instinctual. If I am only dancing for choreography’s sake, then I don’t dance well.

It’s when I put feeling and some reason behind the movement and choreography that I am able to

completely give myself to the dance I’m performing.

Personally I have been both the technical and emotional dancer, and I can honestly say

that I am at my best when I focus on the emotional. When I have focused on competing to be the

best technical dancer I lose the sole purpose of why I dance; that being that I love it. My wise

mother told me that “When you dance because you feel something and let your personality shine

through, then your dancing is beautiful and no one else can compete with you.” She is absolutely

right in this. Dance is the expression of who you are and what you feel. When this is what you

strive for, you are a beautiful dancer. This is what I seek in my own dancing.

When I present my inner or true self as I’m dancing, there is a change in me. I was given

this body and my abilities as a gift. I have found over the years that gifts are most satisfying

when shared with others. I believe I am most satisfied and happy as a person when I share my

talents with others. All artists feel their best when they do this, be it a painter displaying a piece

on a wall or a musician playing his instrument for an audience. An artist finds most satisfaction

when they inspire others and bring light to their eyes. By sharing my dancing capabilities with

others I find more joy and satisfaction in what I do.

My personal philosophy of dance is a reminder to me of why I dance. Sometimes,

especially with all of the training and technical elements I focus on at BYU, it can be very easy

to get caught up in the competitiveness and I forget why I continue to dance. But when I think of

my dance philosophy I am reminded why I do what I do even when it gets hard. Sometimes I

dance for myself, but most of all I seek dancing for others. Dancing is not just for the glory and

fame. Dance brings others to life; helps them forget their troubles and aspire to do better, be it in

dance or many other areas.

Dee Winterton said that, “Dance is for reaching out…and gathering people in.” I would

say it like this: Dance is for letting the soul soar and letting other souls fly with you. Dance can

be so many things, but for those that use it as a window to their soul it is life-bringing, and not

just for themselves. Dance is not just about one person; it’s about many.

I believe in helping other people, and through dance I am able to do this. I once had the

opportunity to dance for some elementary school kids in California. Most, if not all came from

broken homes. I was asked to share a personal trial with them, as encouragement. I haven’t been

through much, but one thing I thought most of the kids could relate to was being extremely shy.

It was difficult for me to come out of the shadows and do anything for anyone. I felt alone. I

shared this with them, and from there I shared how I found myself through dance. Some dancers

performed for me when I was in school, and one even took a moment to dance with me. I

decided then that I could do more than hide in shadows. It took work, but eventually I gained

enough courage and confidence in my abilities to share my talents with others. I shared this

experience with those kids, and then my partner and I performed a solo cabaret piece for them.

Their eyes lit up. After the show there was a small girl lingering in the shadows of a doorway. I

could see that she was, as I used to be, very shy and lonely. I went over to her and asked her

name. She didn’t answer me, but instead gave me a hug.

Because I was willing to share dance with this little girl she was able to find hope. I don’t

know what happened to her, I still don’t know her name. But I know that dance helped her.

Dance truly is the doorway to souls. It unites us and brings us together. Through dance we can

share each other’s burdens and invite others to find themselves. Dance is the doorway to helping

others and thus helping ourselves.