Middle Eastern Dance: The Spiritual Connection

According to Delilah, the spiritual side of dance has always been there for her. There was no "first" experience with it. She sees creativity itself as being deeply spiritual. "The need for a spiritual connection with in belly dance is brought about by the individual's search and desire for deeper meanings. It directly contrasts the superficial notions that the dance is only physical culture or that it is something women do to placate men. This dance nourishes the body and the soul."

Delilah sees the traditional Middle Eastern forms of guedra, zar, and the others as applications of movement to spiritual practice. It's not necessary to conform to one of these traditions in order to realize dance as a spiritual practice. Connection with spirituality is not something you have to seek out and put on. It's an everyday thing. Delilah's advice to those who want to explore a spiritual dimension to their dance: "Open your heart."

Mainstream Western Churches

However, the dance can also play a role within the context of mainstream Western religion, and many dancers who practice these religions look for ways to bring together these two things that are very important to them. The Lutheran and Episcopalian denominations of Christianity have both been progressive in introducing liturgical dance to the altar at their church services. Although their liturgical dance workshops focus on ballet and modern dance movement vocabularies, some Middle Eastern dance artists have successfully introduced this art form to their congregations as liturgical dance. These artists usually choose not to wear the midriff-baring nightclub costume, and the mood they portray is usually one of worship.

The Unitarian church has long supported the use of the performing arts at the altar. I've seen folk dances from Eastern Europe performed as part of a church service, and many Unitarian congregations have welcomed performances by Middle Eastern dance artists.

Even more conservative Christian denominations have accepted Middle Eastern dance as part of special events: parish talent shows, shepherdess portrayals in Christmas pageants, and celebratory dances in Palm Sunday services, to name a few. Biblical costumes and moods appropriate to the role being portrayed (such as joy for Palm Sunday) are often the key to earning the trust and respect of the congregation.

Old Roots, New Age

Many modern-day Pagans, who also happen to be part of the Middle Eastern dance community, have brought their dance talents into their spiritual practices. Some have studied the Middle Eastern

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