Kaitlyn Hall

Dance 261

Edwin Austin

14 December 2015

Personal Treatise on Dance

Dance has been a part of my life for many years, I took my first class at the

age of three, and fifteen years later I have had a varying array of experiences with

different styles of dance, and different methods of teaching. Other factors like my

membership and beliefs in the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Saints, have also played a role in my decisions concerning dance. These different

experiences and this class have lead to the development of my personal definition of

dance. I believe that dance, in its most simple form, is any movement produced by

anyone with the purpose of expressing an emotion. To clarify, dance is an art or

expression of one’s passion and emotion as demonstrated through movements of

the body, either for the benefit of the performer or the audience.

When I dance, I do it for myself. I use it as an outlet for the expression of my

feeling. My decisions in dance are based on whatever will make me happy and most

proud. I think of what Martha Graham said, “I believe that we learn by practice.

Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by

practicing living, the principles are the same. In each it is the performance of a

dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of

achievement, a sense of one’s being, a satisfaction of spirit” (Martha Graham, 1952).

When I read this quote, I learn that it acceptable that I am not a perfect dancer, or

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even one of the best dancers, as long as I feel a sense of satisfaction from what I have

done, what I create is meaningful. What matters is the effort I put into practicing my

art. This idea also guides my decisions in dance. I do not allow myself to feel

discouraged when I feel that I am inferior compared to other dancers, I continue to

put effort into my practice, and if I am truly performing to the best of my ability, I

feel satisfied with my talent.

Elder Maxwell once said, “Creative work is a special expression, ‘a more

excellent way’, of showing our love. Creative expression can also represent the

celebration of our gratitude to God for our gifts and talents,” (Maxwell, 1982),

because of this I believe dance has great importance and relevance in our world

today. When used properly, dance like other forms of creativity has the power to

make a great and positive change in the world. It is important for dancers to use

their gifts and talents that were by their loving, Heavenly Father. We, as dancers at

BYU, have a special responsibility to use our talents to influence the world, and

share the love of Christ through our dancing. Dance is also important for the

individual. Dance can provide a way for people to express their feelings in a positive

and safe way. An example of the importance of dance as an individual experience is

that of Dance Movement Therapy that one of the student presentation groups spoke

about. The ability for patients struggling with mental challenges to work through

their problems without the use of medications is priceless. Dance can do so much

good in the world, and is extremely important.

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As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am blessed

to have a spiritual understanding of dance, built upon the words of modern day

prophets, seers, and revelators. In an address given to an audience at BYU, K.

Newell Dayley posed the questions, “If we seek to center the arts in Christ, will our

artistic endeavors differ from those of others? If so, in what ways will they differ?

How might our efforts also parallel the work of others? For what purposes should

followers of Christ use the arts?” (Dayley, 2001). These questions got me thinking

about what it means to be an LDS artist. As I said earlier, as members of the Church,

and as dancers at BYU, we have an obligation to not only improve upon our talents,

but use them to influence our audiences in positive ways. With Christ at the center

of every artistic endeavor we begin, the results will be noticeably different, and

uplift those who witness it. From my semester dancing at Brigham Young

University, I have begun to see dance in this new, Christ-centered light. I will always

keep these questions asked by Elder Dayley in my thoughts as I continue to create

and perform for not only BYU, but my Father in Heaven as well.

One of the most interesting things I have read this semester was given by

Elder M. Russell Ballard at a Mormon Arts Festival and he said, “Artists have the

unique opportunity to present their opinions, and perspectives on Eternity in visual

and audio symbols universally understood” (Ballard, 1995). He went on to say,

“Great art touches the soul in a unique and uncommon way. Inspired art speaks in

the language of Eternity, teaching things to the heart the eyes and ears can never

understand” (Ballard). This statement by Elder Ballard has made me think about

what I do with dance on a much deeper level. As dancers we can share the love and

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the truth of our Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ with more people than we could with

simple words. I had never thought of dance as a language, let alone something that

could be shared with people all over the world, as a testimony of the Gospel. I feel so

blessed to have this power to bring the joy of Christ to people around the world, no

matter what other language barriers may exist. Elder Ballard stated later in his

address that, “God’s purpose for the artist is to inspire. To give us visions of

ourselves that we might not otherwise see. To make us better than we would have

been. The world is better for the arts and artists in it. Few things bring joy more

fully to the world than the arts” (Ballard). As dancers we are given the special

privilege and responsibility to inspire others to be the best version of themselves

while becoming the best version of ourselves. If I choose to use my talents to bring

joy and truth for the world I will receive blessings, and have a greater influence on

the world.

My fifteen years in dance, and my first semester dancing at Brigham Young

University, have lead to the development of my understanding of dance. I believe

that dance is an art or expression of one’s passion and emotion as demonstrated

through movements of the body, either for the benefit of the performer or the

audience. Furthermore, my participation and belief in the teachings of the Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have lead to a deeper understanding of the

importance and purpose of dance in the world today. Dance, when used correctly

can play a significant role in the Plan of Salvation. Dance should be used to uplift and

share the message of the joy that comes from a genuine love for Christ. As I continue

to dance at BYU I will be able to develop my talents further in a Christ-centered

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environment, and one day I will be able to take what I have learned and use it to

share the fullness and joy of the Gospel with people across the globe.

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Works Cited

K. Newell Dayley, Centering the Arts in Christ. March 6, 2001.

Martha Graham, I am a Dancer. 1952

M. Russell Ballard. The Lord’s Purpose for the Artist in the Gospel Plan. April 8, 1995

Neal A. Maxwell, Creativity. August 1982.

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