Konner Johnson - Van der Leeuw on Art: Dance

Van der Leeuw is a Dutch theologian who writes a lot about how art is a form of worship. He speaks about five types of art specifically and how they are a means of worship for praising God. I will be writing a blog on each of the five types with this being the second type.

Van der Leeuw says this: "The sharp rhythm, the monotonous movement, the furious temp, all put the dancer beside himself.. the negation of self has brought him closer to a higher life. Whoever has lost his self has room for God." What he is saying here is that when we dance we leave ourselves and become something else. Because we leave oursleves we are able to become closer to God. He says that dance reflects the highest movement of God. Is dance different than just regular walking? They are both just movements. It is interesting though because I grew up in a family that had a fondness for the arts. I was involved in theater and my sister was involved in dance, specifically ballet. So I was very exposed to it all. I think that after reading this I can see it. Ballet especially displays a grace to it that is almost representative of God. It is a loving sort of dance that is gentle and makes you feel safe. Goes God have a specific type of dance? I don't know if he does. That would be something that could be explored further. But it is worth thinking about.