Embodying the Feminine in the Dances of the World’s Religions (Liturgical Studies)

Dances that embody the «feminine» teach the dancer and the observers inside and outside the faith tradition about women’s experiences, expressions, and understandings within their respective faith traditions. In __Embodying the Feminine in the Dances of the World’s Religions__, the author immerses herself in four dance traditions and explores what their dance teaches about women’s experiences in their faith tradition. Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance stemming from the devadasi system; kabuki onnagata are Japanese male enactors of «female-likeness»; the Mevlevi Order of America allows women to train as «whirling dervishes»; and Gurit Kadman created folk dances for Jewish women and men. «Angela M. Yarber is asking questions about the role of dance in religious life that have never been more important. Beginning with descriptive accounts of four performances of traditional dance that she witnessed in the San Francisco area, Yarber proceeds to investigate the social and historical roots of these transplanted forms, focusing on the messages each dance conveys about the experiences of women in these traditions. Weighing the effects of globaliza-tion and the possibilities for interfaith communication, Yarber cautiously celebrates the transgressive power of dancing the 'feminine'» (Kimerer L. LaMothe, Author of' Nietzsche's Dancers: Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, and the Revaluation of Christian Values')«Angela M. Yarber creatively reimagines the language of dance as a vehicle for women to articulate the essential insights of four spiritual traditions. By giving form to the rarefied reaches of her tradition, the dancer embodies the spiritual and historical truths of her faith, and in so doing shares its highest aspiration and most cherished beliefs. Yarber's experience as a dancer adds depth to her insightful multidisciplinary and cross comparative study. She has succeeded in expanding our academic and spiritual horizons.» (Ronald Nakasone, Professor of Buddhist Art and Aesthetics, Center for Art, Religion, and Education at Graduate Theological Union)«Angela M. Yarber's insightful and inspiring book engages the idea that the major world religions do not only provide systems of thought about the Holy. Rather it is in the practices that a knowing of the Divine emerges. By engaging dance traditions such as Bharatanatyam, kabuki onnagata, Israeli folk dance, and the dances of women in the Mevlevi order, Yarber shows how women touch holy ground. I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in learning more about dance and religion.» (Andrea Bieler, Professor of Christian Worship, Pacific School of Religion)«This fascinating study probes an array of religious faiths through the lens of dance. Both interreligious and interdisciplinary, this book should have wide appeal for all those interested in the role of dance for performer and audience, the faith that these dances communicate and evoke, and the complicated and tragic roles gender can occupy in religious traditions. The author concludes by offering important feminist analysis of what the dance reveals about women, their experience of faith, and her own involvement in th .. Dances That Embody The 'feminine' Teach The Dancer And The Observers Inside And Outside The Faith Tradition About Women's Experiences, Expressions, And Understandings Within Their Respective Faith Traditions. In Embodying The Feminine In The Dances Of The World's Religions, The Author Immerses Herself In Four Dance Traditions And Explores What Their Dance Teaches About Women's Experiences In Their Faith Tradition. Bharatanatyam Is A Classical Indian Dance Stemming From The Devadasi System; Kabuki Onnagata Are Japanese Male Enactors Of 'female-likeness'; The Mevlevi Order Of America Allows Women To Train As 'whirling Dervishes'; And Gurit Kadman Created Folk Dances For Jewish Women And Men.--p. [4] Of Cover. Introduction -- Contemporary Entry Points -- Dance And The Dancer Who Performs The Feminine -- Dance And The Observer Within The Faith Tradition -- Dance And The Outside Observer. Angela M. Yarber. Includes Bibliographical References. "Dances that embody the 'feminine' teach the dancer and the observers inside and outside the faith tradition about women's experiences, expressions, and understandings within their respective faith traditions. In Embodying the Feminine in the Dances of the World's Religions, the author immerses herself in four dance traditions and explores what their dance teaches about women's experiences in their faith tradition. Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance stemming from the devadasi system; kabuki onnagata are Japanese male enactors of 'female-likeness'; the Mevlevi Order of America allows women to train as 'whirling dervishes'; and Gurit Kadman created folk dances for Jewish women and men."--Page 4 of cover Dances that embody the «feminine» teach the dancer and the observers inside and outside the faith tradition about women’s experiences, expressions, and understandings within their respective faith traditions. In Embodying the Feminine in the Dances of the World’s Religions, the author immerses herself in four dance traditions and explores what their dance teaches about women’s experiences in their faith tradition. Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance stemming from the devadasi system; kabuki onnagata are Japanese male enactors of «female-likeness»; the Mevlevi Order of America allows women to train as «whirling dervishes»; and Gurit Kadman created folk dances for Jewish women and men.