FIRE & MUD

Belonging and togetherness is the natural state of humankind. We were created as social beings and designed for relationship—with the Creator and each other. Those relationships presuppose expression and communication. Human beings have the unique and extraordinary capacity for dealing with symbols which is the integral component in forming and maintaining relationships. Symbols—words, pictures, actions—are the stuff of connection, the glue of civilization. Symbols that transcend the mere mundane levels of existence may be called art in which “...the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others.” At its finest level, art is a skill used to express the artist's creativity, to engage the audience's aesthetic sensibilities, and to draw the audience towards consideration of relationships that rise above self.

Dance is one of those symbols by which the artist attempts to engage the audience’s senses and spirit. At times it may communicate far more effectively than words or pictures. Dance can often transcend the barriers that may have been erected by language, culture, and ethnicity. As we express, communicate, and connect, we relate to and dwell with humankind in our natural state. With communication and connection comes understanding and with understanding the opportunity for relationship, discourse, harmony, and unity.

Rachel Bruce Johnson writes at fireandmud.org about the intersection of dance, art-making and the Christian Life. Read field notes by choreographers and performers making work as well as the hashings-out of ideas that inform current practices of dance on performance, production, and artistic theory as a journey fueling the generative nature of ideas.