GodsofDance

The Dance is universal. Dance has been a part of human life right from the beginning of the civilization and there are many archaeological evidences to support the idea. Dance as way of ritualistic practice as well as for recreation were in existence. In India we have a saying “Devo Bhutva Devam Jayet” which promulgates to worship God by becoming God. Indian dances are deeply interwoven into religious practices and great aspect in their evolution being divine interventions. In Indian culture Shiva is the God of Dance, and we take pride in our dances for we believe it as way to salvation. Shiva in India is known as “Natraj” or the King of Nat (Dance and Drama). But it’s a fact that apart from India many other cultures too have God or Godesses of Dance, Music or Arts. This International dance day let us look into the divine beings that are considered as deities of Dance.

India

Shiva is the cosmic dancer, he is the part of the Hindu trinity comprising of Brahma Vishnu and Shiva. Shiva as the Natraj is the inspiration behind the Indian Classical Dance forms. There is great symbolism for Shiva is considered as the destroyer among the trinity yet the Natraj who holds Damru, fire , serpentine locks and trident, also keeps his hands in Mudra of Abhay and Daanand slays the demon Apasmara. He is the one who dances Tandava, often considered fierce dance of destruction. But many don’t know Shiva’s Tandav are also of many types and he danced at variety of occasion. His consort Parvati danced Lasya which was feminine and full of grace and elegance. Hindu Gods Kali, Krishna, Ganesha danced and many gods played music. Goddess Saraswati is considered as Goddess of Art ad Knowledge. Celestial being like Gandharvas and Apsaras were fully devoted to creation and performances of dance and music.

Mayan and Aztec

Mayans revered Ah-Xoc-Xin as god of poetry and dance. Xochipilli was an Aztec god of poetry and dance. Xochipilli is typically represented with flowers around his body. They worship their gods because they wanted their protection. The flowers on the left leg of Xochiplli were eaten by the Aztecs in order to acquire knowledge.

Greek and Romans

Hermes was the son of Zeus who was considered as God of dance or the guardian of Dancers, whereas his Son “Pan” was considered Lord of Dance or dance Master. Greek Goddess Terpsichore was one of the 9 daughters of Zeus who were begotten and considered to be Goddesses of the arts in Greek mythology. Terpsichore got her name from the fact that her field was choruses and dance. It is considered that she delights her followers with the good things that come from education. Dioysus often known as Bacchus among Romans was God of Agriculture, fertility, fun and dance.

Japan

Goddess Ame-No-Uzume-No-Mikoto is a Shinto goddess. According to legends when the god of the underworld, Susano-o, rebelled against his sister, the sun goddess Amaterasu went into hiding, causing darkness in the world. All the other Gods put up efforts to bring her out the hiding but. Ame-No-Uzume-No-Miko came to the world’s rescue through her dance. It worked, Amaterasu got over her anger, and the sun shone again She is considered as daughter of Heaven.

Statue_of_Xochipilli _(From_the_Nationa l_Museum_of_Anthr opology,_Mexico_Cit y)

Syria

In the Cannanite culture, Baal Marqod was the deity of dancing. He was the chief god of Deir el-Kala in Syria, he loved to spin around. He was nicknamed “Lord of the Dance". According to evidences available believed him to be inventor of dance. His temple was on a lone mountain and was a solo God.

Cambodia

Cambodia: Mera was a celestial dancer who married Kambu, who founded Khmer. Apasaras are nymphs who appear in many Asian mythologies. Mera was honoured through court dances. Apsara dances are still very popular form of dance in Cambodia, famous around the world for beautiful costume, ornaments and synchronisation.

Egypt

Bastet was the Goddess of fertility in Egyptian mythology, she was represented by the cat, and she was considered goddess of Joy, dance, music and celebration. Hathor was another Goddess who was considered as deity for Love and dance along with sexuality and maternal care. She was the symbol of Egyptian femininity, often called Eye of Ra. Her ministry was formed by dancers, singers, actors, and acrobats.

Hawai

In Hawaiian Mythology Laka is known as Goddess of Hula which is the traditional dance of Hawai. She is also the Goddess who looks after the forest and vegetation. A hula dancer prays to Laka for the inspiration for the movements. Laka Inspires and teaches respect, commitment, diligence and commitment to nature.

Europe

St. Vitus is considered as the patron saint for dance. St. Vitus was a martyr for catholic church. In many places across Europe there are dance processions held in his honour on his day of martyrdom which falls on 15th June.