When it comes to dance, the Christian church has had much to say. Ambivalence reigns. In discussing the divinely created human body, its importance, how it should move, and its relationship to sexuality we cannot overlook dance in light of Canon law. As embodied creatures, proper movement has a storied past steeped in two millennia of Church history. As with most things, Paul has much to say. And, in terms of American history, the last hundred years cannot be underestimated in their influence in changing the tide towards positive viewpoints. The prevailing issue is control, control over believer bodies, and physical expression. Through analysis of antidance literature, dance historians, and Biblical narratives, I hope to propose a rationale behind the Church’s ambivalence towards dance while also proposing it as a valid and beautiful artform and worship tool.
I think this is really great, Cosette. I think it parallels your paper nicely, and just from reading the abstract, I feel like I have a clear idea of where you are trying to go/what you intend to accomplish in this paper.