Dance as a liberating practice into divine darkness?: A systematic theologian re-reads Philo of Alexandria’s descriptions of dance
Laura Hellsten
postmedieval August 21, 2023 DOI: 10.1057/s41280-023-00284-0 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Argues that Philo of Alexandria's descriptions of dancing indicate practices that can be understood as worship, contemplation, and exegetical practice, and that a supersessionist logic in theological discourse on Philo has obscured these dimensions. |
Abstract
Abstract In this article, I show how a deeper understanding of Lived Theology can enrich discussions about historical dance practices. I elaborate on the teachings of Philo of Alexandria (c. 20 BCE–50) and how his descriptions of dancing indicate that such practices may be understood as worship and contemplation. I further suggest that dancing in Philo’s texts, especially On the Contemplative Life, can be understood as an exegetical practice. I describe how a supersessionist logic insensitive to traditions of Lived Theology has operated in the theological discourse on Philo and thus has been unable to recognise these dimensions of the described dancing.