Inspirational and Trance Dance

Inspirational and trance dance are not quite the same.The former may become trance dance but the latter is always inspirational. However, improvisational dance(where there is no set choreography) can lead to higher forms which only happens when mind, body and spirit are in perfect harmony. This form of movement can safely be undertaken alone, in a group, and in any venue. The dancer is on another plane but not out of control even when the movement is strongly energetic. This dance form leads to a feeling of " being at one" with the universe and ones fellow men. The dancers own body carries on a "conversation" with him or her which can result in unexpected insights for that person. There is a release through the heart which has nothing to do with the intellect. This enables a deep connection with the World and its' People to take place. The energy of the dance must suffuse the whole of the dancers body from head to toe. Both forms of dance can be categorized as therapeutic dance.

I would like you to try an experiment. Stand with your arms at your sides. Now lift up one arm to shoulder height in a way which expresses first joy,then fear, anger, defiance, tenderness and finally love. Does each emotion give rise to a different quality of movement? Poetry, a single word, an object, a visualization or music can all provide the motivation for this form of dance.

Both forms of dance have nothing in common with a chorus line or corps de ballet where dancers follow fixed choreography and are told to "make your face" which too frequently becomes a grimace. Any facial expression will be a true representation of the energy of the dancer. They are not putting on a performance for an audience.

Sacred dance is closely associated with ritual robes, special colours, regalia, music,trance and taboos. Such dance seldom occurs when the person is alone. In fact it is dangerous to undertake this solo.The support of people in a non-trance state is essential to prevent the participants hurting themselves and to bring the dancers round and back to this level of existence. This form of dance needs to be undertaken in a group and in a controlled setting. Most usually it is a form of worship and the participants are believed to be possessed by spiritual powers.The form of expression may appear frenzied as in certain African and Asian shamanic dances,or very contemplative and calm as in the dances of the whirling dervishes of Turkey and the Middle East. A dancer usually has no recollection of the dance. He or she has so to speak "vacated" their body allowing it to be a vehicle for a spiritual power that wishes to manifest itself. This form of expression should not be undertaken by people on their own or by those in a fragile state of mind.

In this heightened state the person is aware of the movements they are making and also of the associated physical and emotional sensations. The dancer in this case acts as a vessel into which energy can be poured but the person is aware of this happening. Inspirational and Trance Dance has much in common with Sacred dance but sacred dance acknowledges a spiritual element which is not necessarily the case with inspirational dance. Both inspirational and trance dance can develop into highly effective therapeutic dance


DANCE TO HEALTH