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Kaitlyn Hall
Dance 261
Edwin Austin
14 December 2015
Personal Treatise on Dance
Dance has been a part of my life for many years, I took my first
class at the age of three, and fifteen years later I have had a varying
array of experiences with different styles of dance, and different
methods of teaching. Other factors like my membership and beliefs in
the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have
also played a role in my decisions concerning dance. These different
experiences and this class have lead to the development of my
personal definition of dance. I believe that dance, in its most simple
form, is any movement produced by anyone with the purpose of
expressing an emotion. To clarify, dance is an art or expression of ones
passion and emotion as demonstrated through movements of the
body, either for the benefit of the performer or the audience.
When I dance, I do it for myself. I use it as an outlet for the
expression of my feeling. My decisions in dance are based on whatever
will make me happy and most proud. I think of what Martha Graham
said, I believe that we learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to
dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living, the
principles are the same. In each it is the performance of a dedicated

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precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of
achievement, a sense of ones being, a satisfaction of spirit (Martha
Graham, 1952). When I read this quote, I learn that it acceptable that I
am not a perfect dancer, or even one of the best dancers, as long as I
feel a sense of satisfaction from what I have done, what I create is
meaningful. What matters is the effort I put into practicing my art. This
idea also guides my decisions in dance. I do not allow myself to feel
discouraged when I feel that I am inferior compared to other dancers, I
continue to put effort into my practice, and if I am truly performing to
the best of my ability, I feel satisfied with my talent.
Elder Maxwell once said, Creative work is a special expression,
a more excellent way, of showing our love. Creative expression can
also represent the celebration of our gratitude to God for our gifts and
talents, (Maxwell, 1982), because of this I believe dance has great
importance and relevance in our world today. When used properly,
dance like other forms of creativity has the power to make a great and
positive change in the world. It is important for dancers to use their
gifts and talents that were by their loving, Heavenly Father. We, as
dancers at BYU, have a special responsibility to use our talents to
influence the world, and share the love of Christ through our dancing.
Dance is also important for the individual. Dance can provide a way for
people to express their feelings in a positive and safe way. An example
of the importance of dance as an individual experience is that of Dance

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Movement Therapy that one of the student presentation groups spoke
about. The ability for patients struggling with mental challenges to
work through their problems without the use of medications is
priceless. Dance can do so much good in the world, and is extremely
important.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I

am blessed to have a spiritual understanding of dance, built upon the
words of modern day prophets, seers, and revelators. In an address
given to an audience at BYU, K. Newell Dayley posed the questions, If
we seek to center the arts in Christ, will our artistic endeavors differ
from those of others? If so, in what ways will they differ? How might
our efforts also parallel the work of others? For what purposes should
followers of Christ use the arts? (Dayley, 2001). These questions got
me thinking about what it means to be an LDS artist. As I said earlier,
as members of the Church, and as dancers at BYU, we have an
obligation to not only improve upon our talents, but use them to
influence our audiences in positive ways. With Christ at the center of
every artistic endeavor we begin, the results will be noticeably
different, and uplift those who witness it. From my semester dancing at
Brigham Young University, I have begun to see dance in this new,
Christ-centered light. I will always keep these questions asked by Elder

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Dayley in my thoughts as I continue to create and perform for not only
BYU, but my Father in Heaven as well.
One of the most interesting things I have read this semester was
given by Elder M. Russell Ballard at a Mormon Arts Festival and he said,
Artists have the unique opportunity to present their opinions, and
perspectives on Eternity in visual and audio symbols universally
understood (Ballard, 1995). He went on to say, Great art touches the
soul in a unique and uncommon way. Inspired art speaks in the
language of Eternity, teaching things to the heart the eyes and ears
can never understand (Ballard). This statement by Elder Ballard has
made me think about what I do with dance on a much deeper level. As
dancers we can share the love and the truth of our Lord, and Savior,
Jesus Christ with more people than we could with simple words. I had
never thought of dance as a language, let alone something that could
be shared with people all over the world, as a testimony of the Gospel.
I feel so blessed to have this power to bring the joy of Christ to people
around the world, no matter what other language barriers may exist.
Elder Ballard stated later in his address that, Gods purpose for the
artist is to inspire. To give us visions of ourselves that we might not
otherwise see. To make us better than we would have been. The world
is better for the arts and artists in it. Few things bring joy more fully to
the world than the arts (Ballard). As dancers we are given the special
privilege and responsibility to inspire others to be the best version of

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themselves while becoming the best version of ourselves. If I choose to
use my talents to bring joy and truth for the world I will receive
blessings, and have a greater influence on the world.
My fifteen years in dance, and my first semester dancing at
Brigham Young University, have lead to the development of my
understanding of dance. I believe that dance is an art or expression of
ones passion and emotion as demonstrated through movements of
the body, either for the benefit of the performer or the audience.
Furthermore, my participation and belief in the teachings of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have lead to a deeper
understanding of the importance and purpose of dance in the world
today. Dance, when used correctly can play a significant role in the
Plan of Salvation. Dance should be used to uplift and share the
message of the joy that comes from a genuine love for Christ. As I
continue to dance at BYU I will be able to develop my talents further in
a Christ-centered environment, and one day I will be able to take what
I have learned and use it to share the fullness and joy of the Gospel
with people across the globe.

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Works Cited
K. Newell Dayley, Centering the Arts in Christ. March 6, 2001.
Martha Graham, I am a Dancer. 1952
M. Russell Ballard. The Lords Purpose for the Artist in the Gospel Plan. April 8, 1995
Neal A. Maxwell, Creativity. August 1982.