Edwards 1 Megan Edwards Ed Austin Dance 261 January 21, 2014 Dance Ethics for the LDS Artist

For a dancer there are certain expectations. You are trying to express yourself through movement and music. As a performer you are also trying to entertain others. Because dance is an artistic expression, it is rooted in the beliefs of the soul. Because of the changing value systems in society, the idea of dance being an expression of the soul and not just the body is becoming more and more lost to us. As members of the church, we have been given specific and direct counsel on how to maintain the spiritual side of dance as an art and must then find ways to apply this to the current application of dance. Some of the areas where this presents a challenge include the purpose of dance, costuming and presentation, and partner relationships. By addressing these issues, we can establish how an LDS dancer can participate in the sport while being in the world but not of the world (Cook). One question I think is important for a dancer to consider is why do I dance? What is the intent behind dance? Being LDS, my reasons for dance primarily involve self-expression, exercise, and a hobby where I can set and achieve goals. If I look at the question from a more spiritual perspective, we use dance as an expression of love and as a celebration of the miracle of our bodies (Maxwell). However, some forms of dance make it hard to adhere to some of these principles. For example, in ballroom dance the rumba is a dance of seduction and can easily be portrayed in inappropriate ways if the couple is not trying to hold to their values. On one hand the expression of love in this dance can be an uplifting and beautiful artistic portrayal. On the

Edwards 2 other hand it is very easy to substitute love with Satans counterfeit, lust (Scott). It is important for the couple to maintain the essence of the dance while doing so in a way that [they] can have the Spirit to be with [them] (Bednar 2006). Dance is all about the body; how it moves, looks, responds to music, etc. Being LDS, we are taught by our church leaders that the body is a sacred temple and that we are to treat it with care and respect (Nelson). This includes modesty in dress and appearance and righteous behavior. Doing so allows for artistic expression that entices us to do good, radiates light, and invites the Holy Ghost (Dayley). The world does not see the body in this way anymore. It expresses the body in ways that are sensual, vulgar, and profane (Dayley). Because of this, the world views dance as being good or valuable when the dancer wears immodest clothing and moves in sensual or inappropriate ways. Costumes become very skimpy and reveal as much skin as possible. As an LDS dancer, it is my responsibility to find the balance between maintaining my values and yet still being competitive and current in a world that is drawing away from church values. We have been specifically counseled on this by leaders of the church. For example, Elder Wirthlin stated that our actions should consist of always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences (Wirthlin). Although this seems very direct, it can be very difficult to apply in the real world. Being a ballroom dancer, I am partnered off when I dance. For my individual competitions, I have a set partner that I practice and compete with. Because so much work is required, I spend a great deal of time with my partner. There have been many occasions when I am approached by a non-dancer and asked about my relationship with my partner. Some of the first questions usually include, are you dating? or what does your husband/boyfriend think of you spending so much time with another man? I am not married yet, so this hasnt been too

Edwards 3 much of a problem for me; its ok for me to be pairing off. However, many dancers begin dancing in their youth or at very young ages. The church counsels the youth not to date or pair off until they are at least sixteen (For the Strength of Youth). The question becomes does so much time spent practicing together with one other person constitute as a date or not? Another problem would be for a married couple, when one of them competes with someone other than their spouse. Is it a healthy relationship to spend so much time alone with someone other than their spouse, especially where there is so much physical contact and connection in dance? This could be unhealthy to the relationship or could even lead to adulterous behavior. These are just a few examples of the teachings of modern prophets concerning the arts. It is important as one starts and progresses through their career as an LDS dancer that you have these values established in your life. It is not easy to maintain them; to have the approval of the world is very tempting and seems very glamorous. But you have to remember that in order to retain the Holy Spirit in our lives we must be living in such a way that invites His presence. If we remember and live the teachings of the prophets we will find true happiness and be able to be in the world, but not of the world (Cook).

Edwards 4 Bibliography: Being in the World but Not of the World. N. p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2014. Cook Making the Right Choices. N. p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2014. Scott Personal Integrity. N. p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2014. Wirthlin That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us. N. p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2014. Bednar Twelve, Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the. Creativity - New Era Aug. 1982. N. p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2014. We Are Children of God. N. p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2014. Nelson "For the Strength of Youth" The First Presidency of the Church "Centering the Arts in Christ." Dayley