Abstract
This paper explains that many dance traditions have originated in India and Indonesia, such as the Bharata Natyam from South India, which had an important historical and cultural influence on the history of India. The author points out that important elements of Hinduism, particularly the figure Nataraja, a form of Shiva, are expressed in Bharata Natyam. The paper relates that this dance, as well as many other religious dances, demonstrate the integral relationship between religious dances and the religious themes that inspire them.

From the Paper
"Many dance traditions have originated in India and Indonesia, such as the Bharata Natyam from South India, which had an important historical and cultural influence on the history of India. Important elements of Hinduism, particularly the figure Nataraja, a form of Shiva, are expressed in Bharata Natyam. This dance, as well as many other religious dances, demonstrates the integral relationship between religious dances and the religious themes that inspire them. In terms of specific details of Bharata Natyam, it emerged in southern India and developed over the centuries as a living tradition as generation after generation handed it down from parents to children, and gained ascendancy when the Devadasi system emerged in India."

Tags:religious, dancing, issues

Abstract
Since the beginning of time religion has played an important part in people's lives. How people worship can be as varied as the lands they live in. The Native American Indians are a group that have many beliefs and rituals. This paper discusses how their religion is based on spirits and the belief of a higher power and that the ceremonies they perform can range from ones concerning harvest and giving thanks to Ghost Dances and Death rituals.

From the Paper
"The Indians believe in Spirits and the supernatural. The Hopi Indians describe Spirits as a being that "may have greater than human powers (Geertz)." They feel these powers can be evil or be able to accomplished great things. They believe kachinas are powerful because they can make it rain. A kachina is a powerful supernatural being, or one who possesses the being during a religious ceremony. The Hopi also believe that there are those who are invisible and help them with knowledge. They consider these spirits to have superhuman strength. Some such spirits which perform many feats in their tales are the Old Spider Woman and her grandsons, and the Sun god. The Hopi ask each being to help them in their lives using their own special gifts (Geertz)."

Tags:religious, beliefs, rituals, ceremonies, ancestors, supernatural, spirits

Abstract
This paper examines the age-old tradition of social dancing and its place in society today. The author gives a history of dancing, showing how dance most likely evolved, its primitive roots and religious meaning. The paper continues by pointing out the benefits of dance, such as how it encourages individuals' creative side and allows people to express themselves in a different way. The author states that social dancing is making a comeback today, despite the widespread interest in technology and gadgets.

From the Paper
"Many men and women feel that to connect to society today they must have the newest gadgets and gizmos, which ultimately take them away from learning the art of body language. Historically, social dance was used as methods of prayer, celebration and history lessons or even folkloric messages. It is ironic that mankind has always done two things, danced and build. At the same time since man has strayed from dance, advancements in building culturally strong communities has diminished. Dance relates to the highest form of free movement creativity. So mankind reels around in expressionistic attitude, with the foreboding wonder of what is missing."

Tags:magic, 'Dancing with the Stars', rhythmical movement

Abstract
In this paper, the writer discusses that the Baile, Egyptian Cabaret, and Nritta represent a cross-cultural connection in world dance, which embodies the love that men and women share for each other. In this manner, the religious idioms of the cultures described here represent the manner of movement that depicts love, but through the sacred ideals of commitment and love. The writer points out that although these differ slightly in the accompaniment of dancers, or in the stylistics of the choreography, there is a archetypal cultural unifier that relates the desire and higher love of men and women across the world.

From the Paper
"This study examines the multi-cultural aspects of "divine love" in Kathak, Middle Eastern, and Flamenco dancing. Within these dances there is a greater blend of different cultural values that make up each of the formats of these dances. In this manner, the chain of influence upon the Kathak, Middle Eastern, and Flamenco dances offer a multi-cultural depiction of how dance is not created within the limitations of geographical boundaries. By understanding the cultural similarities based in these dances, one can realize the power of movement that is a commonality within the religious and divine nature of love. The Kathak dance is a religiously based dance that formally uses the divinity of love for Indian gods, and their dance in the Cosmos."

Tags:dance, flamenco, egyptian

Abstract
This essay presents a comparison of Zui and Navajo religious rituals, burial practices, and beliefs in an afterlife as revealed in Tony Hillerman's novel, Dance Hall of the Dead. While investigating the murder of twelve year old Zu'i, Ernesto Cata, who was scheduled to perform an important role in the Zui Shalako festival, "the most holy period of the Zui year," Joe Leaphorn must analyze various facets of Zui religion including gods, Kachinas, rituals, beliefs and dances. He naturally compares these concepts with his own Navajo beliefs. Numerous scholarly sources are utilized to illuminate the comparisons.

From the Paper
Tony Hillerman's long time protagonist Joe Leaphorn is himself a Navajo tribesman. In the novel, Dance Hall of the Dead, Leaphorn, a Navajo policeman, investigates the murder of a young Zui. In the process of his investigation, Leaphorn offers a comparison of his own Navajo religion with that of the Zui. In an Author's Note at the beginning of the novel, Hillerman states that the "setting is genuine." He confirms that the Village of Zui and Ramah Navajo reservation exist in reality side by side and states that his depiction of these two cultures is accurate to the best of his ability, though the characters are fictional. Hillerman further states: "The view the reader receives of the Shalako religion is as it might be seen by a Navajo with an interest in ethnology. It does not pretend to be more than that." What Hillerman is saying is that no one, outside an initiated practitioner in a Native American religion can really comprehend the true significance of it's beliefs and rituals. Modesty aside, however, Hillerman in this novel makes an excellent beginning in differentiating between spiritual beliefs of Zui and Navajo. Thus the thesis of this essay is that in Tony Hillerman's novel, Dance Hall of the Dead, Zui religion can be seen to be extensively different from the religion of the Navajo's in the two tribes' rituals, burial practices, and beliefs in an afterlife. Outside sources will be used to confirm and expand the understanding of these varied spiritual practices.

Tags:American, Indians, religion

Abstract
This paper explores the social, artistic, and religious aspects of dance throughout history and how these forms of dance have been a part of human society since prehistoric times. The paper also looks at the health benefits derived from dancing and how dance has been used to tell stories, to record history, and as a form of therapy.

From the Paper
"The skill of dance today is often thought to be reserved for the participants of higher arts such as ballet or for young participants in hip-hop and rave dances. However, dance is an integral part of the history and culture of all humans, and remains alive in many forms within people of all walks of life. "It is the wedding of movement to music. It spans culture from soaring ballet leaps to the simple swaying at the school prom," (Burke) and every kind of human movements, from walking to breathing, are elements that make up dancing. However, dance actually "goes beyond the functional purposes of the movements used in work or athletics in order to express emotions, moods, or ideas; tell a story; serve religious, political, economic, or social needs; or simply be an experience that is pleasurable, exciting, or aesthetically valuable." (Art) Dance is an important and beneficial art in which to participate and to support because of its rich cultural history and diversity, spiritual significance, and health benefits."

Tags:storytelling, explain, tribe, battle, celebrate, commeorate, prayer, choreographers

Abstract
This paper provides information shared between two friends, a Cree Indian from Canada and a Nigerian. It describes the writers' backgrounds and their various cultures. The paper focuses on two very important aspects of their cultures - one being dance as it relates to their relevant religions and the other being the social order of their cultures and societies.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Outing
My Culture: Cree
My partner's culture: Nigeria
Cultural Exchange
Beliefs, Values and Assumptions
Ambassador Comments
Examples Of An Open Question To Further Conversation
Examples Of Closed-Ended Questions To Prompt For Specifics
Use Of Body Language And Expression
Examples Of Stating What Was Heard
Active Listening
Conclusion

From the Paper
"It is also important to realize that we can learn a lot from other cultures. For example, we can learn from a culture that may be more relaxed and less stressful about daily activities. It may be helpful for people in the United States to take an hour break after lunch to relax rather than going back to work right away as some cultures do."
"We all talk about the world becoming flatter, and communication between countries expanding through the Internet and other such vehicles. Soon, it will not matter where you live in relationship to someone else. You will be able to communicate as easily with that person across the world as someone next door. It is hoped that this will make the world a better place with more understanding. Many of the problems that exist between countries are due to the fear of something different. Once one sees how similar a group of people are, this mistrust can go away along with all the negative effects this has."

Tags:Nahiyuwys, communication, ethnic, ceremony

Abstract
This paper is a comparison of Hopi Indian traditions with Hindu religious practices, centered on the treatment and view of women by these communities. Although the Hopi society is much more willing to develop gender equality, their religious practices often exclude women from the most important dance rituals. Likewise, Hindu women are seen as a step below men in traditional hierarchies of reincarnation. The section on Hinduism specifically mentions the practice of suttee, or widow-burning, which demonstrates the low worth of women who are not expected to produce children.

Abstract
Discusses conflicts between religioius practitioners of Peyotism and American laws and society. First Amendment protection vs. traditional use of psychedelic drug (peyote/mescal). History of Peyotism; its rites & ceremonies. Its religious significance. Its social & cultural characteristics. The Ghost Dance. Sense of identity. Actions of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) & traditional Christian missionaries. Current legal status of the religion of Peyotism.

From the Paper
"Peyotism is the largest religion started, organized, and directed by and for Native Americans and gets its title from the fact that members of the religion use the peyote - sometimes referred to as mescal - in their ceremonies, a point that has caused fascinating legal challenges between those supporting the First Amendment protection of freedom of religious practice in the United States and those who wish to prohibit the use of hallucinogenic drugs for what they see as recreational (or at least on-medicinal) purposes. Peyotism has also brought the Native Americans into conflict with mainstream society, and one might speculate that part of the reason that the followers of peyotism have been so adamant in their insistence on using it is the Indians wish to wrest some control of ceremony and cultural identity back from the society that tried so hard for so many years ..."

Abstract
The paper examines the cultural underpinnings and history of one of the most popular dance and music styles in Brazil - Samba. The importance of this music in daily life is emphasized, as well as the religious and popular overtones, such as the annual Carnival. The paper also includes an interview with Jon Agasse, a guitarist and percussionist with a samba ensemble living in Los Angeles.

From the Paper
"The crowd of almost one hundred thousand is restless. The night is moist, hot, and alive with a feeling in the air so palpable you can almost trace it with your finger. The bleachers are filled to maximum capacity, along a mile-long stretch of paved roadway adjacent to an old brewery. People from all races, classes, and countries are celebrating together at the culmination of the orgiastic, pre-Lenten, hedonistic festival of Carnival. Soon, the first marchers proceed down the corridor to the booming cacophony of bass, snare, and friction drums. The rattling of tambourines, bells, and scrapers add flavor and accent. Like a bird set free, the singing cavaquinho (ukulele) emits its high pitched cries, adding to the frenzy. The marchers and dancers, with their quick, physical movements, undulating hips and heel steps, embody the living sound. It is time for the annual celebration once again in Brazil, time for Carnival, a time once again for the ultimate physical expression of joy: Samba."

Tags:african, black, jazz, mamba, merengue, rhumba, rio