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date: 21 February 2020

Abstract and Keywords

Dance has accompanied religious ceremonies and sacred rites since prehistoric times. Most religions have included dance as part of worship at some period or in some places. However, because of its association with fertility and its celebration of the body, dance has equally been proscribed at times in different religions. Historical data on the use of dance in Christian rites indicate wide fluctuations in acceptance over the centuries. The presentation of dance as part of worship was highly developed in India, where dancers were employed by Hindu temples for many centuries. Such dances were highly formalized and required long training, and were largely the preserve of a specific community (caste) of dancers and dance-associated musicians. In the last century the movement for Sacred Dance has sought to revive and promote religious dances, creating a diversity of hybrid and innovative movement styles. Dance as a form of sacred art continues to evolve and diversify.

Keywords: dance and religion, devadasis, tribal religion, dervishes, funerals, Hindu temples, Hindu dance, Natya Shastra, processions, Sufism

Anne-Marie (Anjali) Gaston

Anne-Marie Gaston (D.Phil. Oxon) (Anjali) is an internationally recognized performer of several styles of South Asian classical dance (Bharata Natyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Chhau). All of her training has been in India for over forty-five years with some of the greatest hereditary teachers. Her dance repertoire includes both the traditional repertoire and innovative choreography many exploring sacred themes. These mixed media recitals include dance performed in front of video and images taken by Anne-Marie and Tony Gaston taken in remote places. She has published three books: Bharata Natyam from Temple to Theatre, Siva in Dance Myth and Iconography, and Krishna’s Musicians in the Temples of Nathdvara Rajasthan. www.anjalidance.ca

Tony Gaston

Tony Gaston (D. Phil Oxon) is an ecologist, writer, filmmaker and photographer who has observed sacred dances throughout the world. He initiated the founding of the Great Himalayan National Park which is now under review for world Heritage status. www.culturalhorizons.ca.

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