DANC 150 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Mevlevi Order, Maypole, American Bison
Document Summary
Dance became a way to connect with the spirit world of ancestors and god"s, a means of ensuring health and good fortune, and a vital part of ceremonies for major events in the community. Movements of other living things and natural phenomena were one of the earliest inspirations for dance. Honor qualities of a particular animal, like courage or empathy. Belief that the depiction would make the desired outcome more likely to happen. Shamans or priests perform dances to restore the health of an individual by warding off evil spirits or by pleasing a specific god or goddess. Can also be preventative, to protect an individual, family, or entire community from danger or diseases. Elaborate serpent rituals in india are used to prevent blindness, skin diseases, and bad fortune. Arranged for families by a special caste of priests and can last for several weeks.
