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Moncur
Megan Moncur
Dance 459
Karen Jensen
4 April 2016
Personal Treaties
I have been asked many times why I dance and the answer is simple, because I love it.
Dance has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. As I have gotten
older and studied dance at a collegiate level I have learned more about myself and how I
approach my personal philosophy of dance. Being a student at Brigham Young University, Ive
had the unique opportunity to study dance while integrating gospel principles.
My journey with dance began at a very young age. I was six years old when my mother
first introduced me to dance classes and I was hooked from the start. I have been blessed as a
natural mover and learned quickly. While I am thankful for the years I spent training at a studio,
it was in college that I transitioned from a technical dancer to an artist. In Martha Grahams, I
am a Dancer she writes:
It takes about ten years to make a mature dancer. The training is twofold. First
comes the study and practice of the craft which is the school where you are
working in order to strengthen the muscular structure of the body. The body is
shaped, disciplined, honored, and in time, trusted. The movement becomes clean,
precise, eloquent, truthful Then comes the cultivation of the being from which
whatever you have to say comes. It doesn't just come out of nowhere, it comes out
of a great curiosity. The main thing, of course, always is the fact that there is only

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one of you in the world, just one, and if that is not fulfilled then something has
been lost (Anita).
Martha understood the process it takes for dancers. We are not just born master
technicians and artists. We must have a passion and love for what we are doing to continue and
grow. College has been a time for me to grow and become the artist I am today. Though I
understand that the study of dance is not for everyone, it has been a crucial and necessary path
for me.
I believe that our bodies are a sacred gift from our Heavenly Father. With our bodies we
are able and encouraged to develop our own unique talents and abilities. Our Heavenly Father
expects us to foster our talents and use them to build the kingdom of God. I have often thought of
the phrase, where much is given, much is required. I feel I have been extremely blessed in my
life and it is my duty and pleasure to share what I have been given. I can use my talents for good
in a world that can seem seemingly bad at times. In the Doctrine and Covenants 60:13 it says,
Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be
known (Smith 110). My Heavenly Father has blessed me with a talent to dance and I must
share that talent in any way that I can. Elder M. Russell Ballad of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said, The greatest artists have
been humbled in acknowledgement of the source of their inspiration and the power behind their
creation (Elder Ballads Tuacahn Address). I feel it is important that we give thanks to our
Heavenly Father for providing us with physical bodies. When we cultivate our talents, we are
acknowledging Him and His creation.
I believe that dance allows an interesting perspective into any given culture. From an
outsiders stand point or etic perspective, we can learn and better understand the world around us

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through dance. Different cultures around the world connect and associate themselves with one
form of dance or another. People participate in dances at many different events or celebrations.
No matter your status, religious belief, or gender, dance has a way of bringing people together.
Joan Kealiinohomoku, a dance ethnologist said,
Dance is a transient mode of expression, preformed in a given form and style by
the human body moving in space. Dance occurs though purposefully selected and
controlled rhythmic movements; the resulting phenomenon is recognized as dance
both by the performer and the observing members of a given group
(Kealiinohomoku).
This definition refers to universal application to all forms of dance. In other words, dance
is everywhere and affects everyone. We can all relate to dance and the joy it brings to ones life.
When we dance with others it helps us to feel a sense of community and oneness. We can better
know and understand our identity.
I believe that dance allows us to communicate and express ourselves in a way that
nothing else can. I feel this is a fundamental tool especially for children and believe that when
children learn how to communicate and express themselves, they develop a greater self-esteem.
Dance allows our bodies to say what our mouths can not. Creating movement that not only tells a
story but expresses emotions can be therapeutic and invigorating. There are no limitations on
what dance can do or how it can be taught. Formal or informal training, young or old, everyone
can dance and everyone can find reason to dance and express themselves.

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I believe that dance enriches the lives of all those who let it. When we participate,
whether it be performance or spectator, our minds are enlightened. With or without formal
training, we are able to recognize the gift we have been given: our wonderful bodies. With our
bodies we develop talents with the ultimate goal and purpose to bring other unto the kingdom of
God. It is our obligation and responsibility to prompt art that resonates goodness. I also feel the
need to learn of other cultures and their perspective of dance. When we take the time to
understand other cultures and other forms of dance, I believe our lives can be enriched it
countless ways. Our love for others will grow as well as our respect and appreciation. I believe
that dance is a special form of communication. Through dance, we are able to speak with our
bodies and say things we might now say otherwise. I agree with Agnes De Mille when she said,
The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music. Bodies never lie (De Mille).

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Works Cited
65 quotes on dancing. Psychology Today, 1991. Web. 12 Apr. 2016.
Anita. A dancers journal. 2008. Web. 9 Apr. 2016.
Elder Ballards Tuacahn address. n.d. Web. 9 Apr. 2016.
Kealiinohomoku, Joann W. (1976). A comparative Study of dance as a constellation of motor
Behaviors among African and United States Negroes (with a new introduction). In A.
Kaeppler (Ed.), CORD Research Annual 7 (pp. 1-13), NY: CORD; Kealiinohomoku,
Joann W. (1969-1970). An anthropologist looks at ballet as a form of ethic dance. In M.
Van Tuyl (Ed.), Impulse (pp.24-33). San Francisco, CA: Impulse Publications.
Smith, Jr. Joseph. The Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints. United States: Kessinger Publishing Co, 2006. Print.