Embodying Heaven: The Ancient Philosophy of Dance in China
Journal of Daoist Studies February 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1353/dao.2023.0001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 4 |
| Key points | Argues that dance in Confucian and Daoist philosophies serves to express an individual's ideal "meeting point" and fulfill the Chinese ideal of the heavenly "being." |
Abstract
Abstract:Dance serves an important role in many religious movements, as it facilitates a particularly engaging bodily awareness through one's mind, senses and emotions, allowing them to consciously achieve a higher state of consciousness, interpreted as religious experience. Adopting a diachronic perspective, this study aims to foster a better understanding of the experiential, sensual and performative dimensions of dance in Confucian and Daoist philosophies. The ritualistic choreography of Confucianism and the flowing improvisation of Daoism indicate the ability of dance to literally and metaphorically express an individual's ideal "meeting point," endeavouring to fulfil the Chinese ideal of the heavenly "being."