Kristine Penningroth-- Dance and Religion

We've been doing a lot of talking about the corrolation between Dance and religion and how they are dependent and united with each other. Dance is a vital and fundemental part of religion. It has been there from the very beginning and will continue to be a very important part of religion. Dance has very different meanings for different types of religions as well as being used in many differnt tribal traditions. Many tribes use dance as a way to speak with the Gods and to ask for help and for differnt things. Many tribes used fertility dances to ensure that the women of the tribe would be albe to bear children. Other tribes used dance as a way to celebrate any special occasion whether it be marriage, or a ceremony honoring a tribe member. Dance not only is a form of recognition and asking for help, or celebration, but also a way to express joy and have fun. Different religions use music in different capacities. Looking at the religions that are common today, you have the Catholic church that has very traditional songs that are sung during mass. The masses are very strict and straight forward, there is no danceing, maybe a little bit of swaying. Looking at the Baptist church though there is a complete different interaction with the music. The baptist are very into their music and dance, clap and pariase the lord while singing. Their music is very upbeat and can be seen as a form of entertainment or just as a all out acceptance of music and dance while worshipping God. Dance is a formal or an informal way of expression and can be done at any time with every occasion. It allows a person to have a different connection with God and talk to him in a different way. Dance allows a person to be free and be able to be on their own and not have to worry about anything. One can do it alone or in a group. It shows that everything is going well, or can show that there is a problem and that something needs to be done to help another person. Dance and religion could not exist without the other since they feed off of each other and one always needs the other to go on.