Abstracts
Abstract
This article investigates the possible role of improvised, conscious dance movement in nature as a way of reclaiming our direct experience of the metaphysical. I first discuss some aspects of the body and embodiment, not as contradictory with but absolutely essential to spirituality. I briefly touch on the possibility of embodied ecstasy, as well as various elements of embodiment such as awareness, alignment, presence, and connection. Then, after introducing some notions of dance and spirituality in various contexts, I zoom in on the ingredients of improvised movement as a way of negotiating the unknown, unpacking the possibilities of movement improvisation as a spiritual practice. Thirdly, I consider the potential for waking up to the sacred all around us, when movement practice is brought out into nature. Finally, I weave these threads together in some concluding thoughts on the role that dance can play in enhancing mystical participation in an enchanted world.
Résumé
Cet article explore le rôle possible du mouvement dansé, conscient et improvisé, dans la nature, en tant que moyen de nous réapproprier une expérience directe du métaphysique. Je discute d’abord certains aspects du corps et de l’incarnation qui ne sont pas contradictoires, mais plutôt essentiels à la spiritualité. J’aborde brièvement la possibilité de l’extase incarnée, ainsi que les divers éléments de l’incarnation, tels que la conscience, l’alignement, la présence et la connexion. Puis, après avoir présenté certaines conceptions de la danse et de la spiritualité dans divers contextes, je me focalise sur les ingrédients d’un mouvement improvisé en tant que moyen d’aborder l’inconnu, en dévoilant les possibilités de l’improvisation en tant que pratique spirituelle. Ensuite, je considère les possibilités de réveiller le sacré autour de nous, lorsque la pratique du mouvement est portée dans la nature. Enfin, je rassemble ces éléments en concluant sur le rôle que la danse peut jouer pour stimuler une participation mystique dans un monde enchanté.
Appendices
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