I love to tango.
As a single Catholic woman, this isn't always easy. Argentine tango can be danced close -- very close. Its intimacy and passion can sweep me into the romantic ozone layer, obscuring any sense of reality. It lures me into wanting more -- more intimacy, more connectedness, more transcendence.
So why do I tango? Because Argentine tango conceals many profound spiritual lessons. Our relationship with God is meant to be one of intimacy and passion. So it is with tango. In the spiritual life, God leads and we follow. So it is in tango. In the Eucharist, God gives Himself away to us. The same should be true in tango. Argentine tango takes the abstract concepts of our faith and makes them concrete. Let me explain.
In most partner dances, the tempo of the music remains the same and the number of steps is limited. Not in tango. In the same song, the music might change from melodious violins to the up-tempo bandoleon (similar to an accordion). The possibilities for new steps are endless because the structure of the dance can be combined in an infinite number of ways. Thus, I must always be poised, ready to follow.
For years, I begged God to send me a nice, Catholic tango partner. When this didn't happen, I finally realized the virtue of dancing with different men -- it forced me to become! a good follower.
To the observer, following looks like a passive activity. Nothing could be further from the truth. As a follower, I must be ready to go in any direction at any time. My partner might ask me to pivot, step across myself and execute ochos (figure eights), or pause while he crafts figures on the floor by himself like an ice-skater. While the possibilities are endless, the dynamic is always the same: The man invites, the woman responds, and the man receives the woman's response.
This is exactly how God relates to us. He never forces us to do anything. He constantly invites us to take the next step in Him. The problem is that most of us have very little experience following. We don't know how to wait. We don't know how to be sensitive to His lead. We don't know how to remain in the present rather than yearning for the past or racing to the future. Tango teaches all these skills on a very concrete level, skills that transfer wonderfully into our relationship with Christ.
There's another reason tango has been good for my Catholic faith, and it has to do with Pope John Paul II's theology of the body. The pope's fundamental premise is that the body reveals God. When we look at male and female, the very structure of the body tells us that it's made for union. Male and male aren't made for nuptial union. Female and female aren't made for nuptial union. Only male and female are made for nuptial union.
This union, however, isn't self-centered and individualistic. It's meant to be a union and communion of self-giving love. In spousal love, the two are no longer two but one. From the beginning, God designed married love this way!: "This is why a man shall leave his father and mother and cling to his wife and the two shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).
In the new covenant, Jesus elevates marriage to a sacramental sign. Marriage no longer simply represents the natural union of man and woman but makes visible Christ's total and irrevocable gift of Himself to the Church. Just as He gave Himself away to the Church so that He could be one with her (cf. Ephesians 5:31-32), so husband and wife are called to give themselves away so as to image the oneness of Christ and the Church. This self-gift doesn't happen in some ultraspiritual realm but in the body. Christ said, "This is my body, given up for you." So, too, man and woman say to each other, "This is my body, given up for you."
How could this possibly apply to tango? Danced in all its beauty and artistry, Argentine tango expresses the theology of the body: The man gives himself away to the woman, the woman gives herself away to the man, and suddenly the two are no longer dancing as two but as one. Right before our eyes we see union and communion, two and one, giving and receiving. The man and woman are a visible sign of the self-giving union between Christ and the Church.
Despite the many times I've been tempted to throw in the tango towel, this is why I continue: Tango is not just a dance, it's sacramental. It constantly propels me toward my heavenly calling -- union and communion with Christ through a total gift of self.
Katrina J. Zeno is a national conference and retreat speaker and is the coordinator of the John Paul II Resource Center in the Diocese of Phoenix. This article originally appeared in the November 2001 issue of Crisis Magazine.
Readers have left 68 comments. Quote(1) Dancing with GodApril 16th, 2009 | 3:00am
Dear Katrina Zeno:
I have been writing and researching about the Tango & God for the last four years!
Last night I discovered your web site, and read your thoughts!
Praise God for what Yahweh is doing in the World!
Mimi Glaes, 4/16/09
Quote(2) I knew I wasn't crazy alone in my understandingOctober 31st, 2009 | 8:54am Thank you for posting this piece from your archives... Katrina beautifully described what I have been unable to clearly articulate. This understanding of what our relationship with God is to be like makes me want to take tango lessons just to sharpen my following skills. You might have guessed by my posted comments that I am not afraid to be out their in front, and very alone in my thoughts! This is a time where He is demanding us to TRUST Him, where He leads us, what He requires of us, and how He moves us in our lives.... In Marriage, perhaps Katrina has not spoken about here, we must be steeped in Him... baptized in Him(as in days of old they would immerse a cloth over and over into the dye until it became the same color as the dye)so may we daily immerse ourselves in Him, in His Word, in His presence individually and as a couple.... then what a tango dance/marriage partner/couple would we make! We even know, and who really could have predicted, that Dancing with the Stars would be so popular! Though many couples barely dance anymore, it seems that show/display/manifestation of oneness, truly inspiring/desirous across the board in America. hmmmmmmmm ![[smiley=think]](http://insidecatholic.com/Joomla/components/com_jreactions/custom/templates/blog/smileys/smiley_think.gif) that makes me think..... I see more tango dancing in our future! Wonder if tango parlors would be as successful as the Bingo parlors are in our Parishes? We could have drawings and contests and winners of money...... and we would all get into such great shape and have fun!!! Heaven forbid! I guess the Irish Caeli... that is not how you spell it, but it is an Irish Community Dance that is regularly held in the villages of Ireland must be in my veins ![[smiley=happy]](http://insidecatholic.com/Joomla/components/com_jreactions/custom/templates/blog/smileys/smiley_happy.gif) Have a wonderful day! Quote(3) Sacramental TangosOctober 31st, 2009 | 1:41pm Mimi:
I remember reading this article by Katrina Zeno about the tango as sacramental when it was first published. It struck be as sentimental foolishness then and, upon re-rereading, it is totally ridiculous.
Also, the Holy See has indicated that the name "Yahweh" is not to be used with reference to God, for theological and pastoral reasons, and therefore it has been eliminated from the trendy hymns and ad-hoc liturgical antiphons. This instruction was published by the Congregation for Divine Worship on June 29, 2008 and communicated to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on August 8, 2008. Quote(4) Erotic dance anyoneOctober 31st, 2009 | 3:45pm Not all Christians have can think about God while two warm bodies are gyrating to sensual music. Please don't kid our self. Satan can easily fool someone into believing that the sensation of two flesh in a very close proximity doesn't arose Lust. This story is very romantic, but sorry to say with out danger. God says that the "wisdom of Men is foolishness to God" Isn't Tango a sensuous dance? It appeals to the adoration of the body? Can you dance to Tango in your loose jeans? With out sexy legs showing? Tight fitting miniskirts? You’re trusting,following to your partners’ every moves to get closer to your body? Do you read their thoughts? Do you lead them thinking about their maker? They will go home thinking how sexy you were! They look nice but please don't endorse it like salvation. They look nice but please don't endorse it like it's the way of the Saints. Count all your blessings and renounce it all for Christ. The way of the flesh is wrong, no matter how good a feeling it gives.... ![[smiley=cool]](http://insidecatholic.com/Joomla/components/com_jreactions/custom/templates/blog/smileys/smiley_cool.gif) Quote(5) Ummm... seriously?October 31st, 2009 | 3:58pm It's a lovely article, but can we seriously just pretend not to notice the highly sexually charged movements in the tango? This dance is meant to arouse and inflame passion -- sexual passion! Let's not attempt to ignore or deny this fact.
I do like the analogy of leading and following, and responding to a desire for intimacy. That is indeed what our relationship with God should be like.
But let's not pretend we didn't realize the tango was about sex. Quote(6) Foolishness and wisdomOctober 31st, 2009 | 4:18pm Brian Saint-Paul kindly sent me a link to this article a while back as a result of something I had written on my own blog. Frankly, I like a lof of what Katrina has to say here.
However, I have to strongly agree with some of the respondents above. Anyone who thinks the physical intimacy of the tango is appropriate, even a good thing, between a man and a woman who aren't married to each other either isn't doing it correctly or is lying to themselves.
I like the metaphor of The Dance, especially regarding marriage. I use it a lot. And what Katrina writes here about the Tango is very good - about the intimacy, the changing and different moods of the dance. The giving, etc. It's all very good.
However, when she writes this, "Danced in all its beauty and artistry, Argentine tango expresses the theology of the body: The man gives himself away to the woman, the woman gives herself away to the man, and suddenly the two are no longer dancing as two but as one. Right before our eyes we see union and communion, two and one, giving and receiving. The man and woman are a visible sign of the self-giving union between Christ and the Church." And still thinks it is appropriate for singles to tango, I can't help but want to scream, "NO!!!!".
What she has described is sex with clothes on. Not something singles should be engaging in, especially singles who inhabit a culture that is already sex-soaked and telling us lies on a daily basis that sex isn't the great good to be reserved for marriage, that it's the kind of good that must be engaged in at whim.
No, no, no.
Kamilla Quote(7) Let's Remember That TOB...October 31st, 2009 | 5:56pm while also having implications for an understanding of the body in states outside marriage, is primarily about the expression of love in the bodily union of husband and wife. I personally would find it a bit problematic to be doing the tango with any woman other than my wife. I would suspect that my wife looking on would not be so well pleased. Besides, the best tango is the one done in the bodily union of husband and wife in the marital embrace. It's not the movements of the body which are so profound so much as what is communicated through them. Quote(8) Wow I could see how you might have been concernedOctober 31st, 2009 | 6:36pm that I was suggesting one big TANGO Party instead of the BINGO parlors..... I always leave something out when I write.... I do like the analogy made for sure..... Of course I was assuming the couples doing the tango would be married; and if single that it was not a prelude to sex! Cultural dances are very demanding and quite a tremendous source of fun and entertainment in the local towns and villages even today throughout the world. I know when the River Dance came through it was widely acclaimed as well..... that is what I was referring to.... I experienced the Irish Dance in a village in Kilty Clogher, Ireland, where everyone came out and we learned a variety of jigs and dances.... It was so much fun.. I am not saying that there wasn't any flirting going on.... I didn't really notice if it was... we were having so much fun and it was contiuous for hours.... I don't recall any alcohol at the family event either.
I was just meaning that kind of activity would create more of a sense of community than BINGO...
Deacon Ed, I hope you and your wife take up the Tango, I would love to see that happen! :)
Quote(9) Beautiful articleOctober 31st, 2009 | 7:25pm This is a lovely article about a dance I knew little about. Moreover, it draws beautiful comparisons to the nuptial union. Thank you to the author for writing it and to IC for printing it.
As for the comments, 'cmon! Sure, the actual nuptial union should only apply within marriage, but the tango isn't an ACTUAl union. It may be a sexually charged dance, but I felt as "tempted" (or more) just SEEING my husband when we were dating (and - ooops, don't tell him!) other boyfriends before him. I'm not an animal, though, and made a choice, (many choices, really, daily for years and years!) not to give in to such temptation. In our society, intentionally charged with sexual images at every turn, we need to teach our children (and ourselves) not to give in to temptation. It is unrealistic, however, to think that we could possibly avoid every semblance of it. Frankly, I'm so uncoordinated and self-conscious that the tango could never BE all that the author describes anyway, so banning it for all but married couples is awfully silly! Quote(10) And that is *precisely* the problemOctober 31st, 2009 | 7:52pm "It may be a sexually charged dance,"
A man and a woman who are not married have no business engaging in something that is so obviously sexually charged. I think Deacon Ed gets hits the right note as to why this is wrong when he writes, "It's not the movements of the body which are so profound so much as what is communicated through them."
Kamilla
Quote(11) Hmmm...October 31st, 2009 | 8:18pm Reading some of the comments, I can only gather that most of the commenters here are not dancers. Dancing closely with a partner for many of you seems to primarily be sexual.
For people who take dance seriously, this is not the case. Dance can involve intimacy, but intimacy doesn't have to be sexual. The tango is an especially interesting dance because, as Katrina points out, it doesn't simply follow steps - each tango is unique to the people dancing it since the "co-create" the dance together.
It's unfortunate that so many people think of dance as primarily a sexual thing just because it involves the body. It is an art form, and if treated as such, is not at all "sex with clothes on." That so many of us see dance through this lens makes me realize just how much we need TOB. TOB is meant as a theology of the body, not a theology of sex, and that is a key distinction. Quote(12) The Tango and the Theology of the BodyOctober 31st, 2009 | 8:30pm I respond to a request that I comment on the religious significance of the tango dance. First, I have found that the "theology of the body" is widely perceived as an unsystematic melange of theology, philosophy, and frail romantic poetry, which can be problematic even in skilled hands and is commonly invoked by people who are limited in their knowledge of the subject, Secondly, I am relatively ignorant myself of social activities which cause perspiration. With those advisories, I think I may assume that all of us are familiar with the Kaiser's condemnation of the tango in 1913, for fear of its effects on his Crown Princess. More pertinent to the theological aspect, is Pope St. Pius X's informal condemnation of the tango after he had watched an exhibition performance at the request of Cardinal Merry del Val who thought the Pontiff might approve a sober version of it as choreographed by the Roman dance master Professor Pichetti. The Pope did not at all approve and recommended instead the "Furlana," an Italian folk dance which goes back to the early seventeenth century in Friuli Venezia Giulia and with which he had been familiar in his youth. Quote(13) former dancerOctober 31st, 2009 | 8:59pm Zoe,
Speaking only for myself and as a former frequent dancer and frequent observer of other dancers - I can only say that I think even if you convince me dance isn't overtly sexual, I will still respond that any kind of physical intimacy to that degree between persons who are not married to each other is inappropriate. I've been in healthcare long enough to learn people simply cannot always control how their body responds. And I guess I'll have to leave things at that, I hear burgers sizzling on the grill . . .
Kamilla Quote(14) re: former dancerOctober 31st, 2009 | 9:33pm I can only say that I think even if you convince me dance isn't overtly sexual, I will still respond that any kind of physical intimacy to that degree between persons who are not married to each other is inappropriate. I've been in healthcare long enough to learn people simply cannot always control how their body responds. — KamillaTo what degree do you mean? I have danced tango and found it no more "tempting" than any other couple's dance. If your body has trouble dancing with a member of the opposite sex, then I guess you better not do it. But I don't like the one-size-fits-all approach here. Tango danced well is not inappropriate. Could it be used inappropriately by someone? Well, yes. But is that our measure of a dance form? Dance is not simply a recreation... it can be an art form or means of creative expression, like painting, singing, writing. Because the body is involved, it needs certain boundaries and considerations, but to be fearful of it is surely not the way. We seem so afraid of our bodies and what they might do. The problem is more in our hearts and heads. Quote(15) re: The Tango and the Theology of the BodyOctober 31st, 2009 | 9:37pm With those advisories, I think I may assume that all of us are familiar with the Kaiser's condemnation of the tango in 1913, for fear of its effects on his Crown Princess. More pertinent to the theological aspect, is Pope St. Pius X's informal condemnation of the tango after he had watched an exhibition performance at the request of Cardinal Merry del Val who thought the Pontiff might approve a sober version of it as choreographed by the Roman dance master Professor Pichetti. The Pope did not at all approve and recommended instead the "Furlana," an Italian folk dance which goes back to the early seventeenth century in Friuli Venezia Giulia and with which he had been familiar in his youth. — Fr. George W. RutlerI enjoy reading your views, but I'm not sure if past pope's views of dance are really relevant. There are many things popes of the past have approved or shunned that are certainly not worth holding up as examples. Quote(16) Re: re: former dancerOctober 31st, 2009 | 9:50pm
[/quote]Dance is not simply a recreation... it can be an art form or means of creative expression, like painting, singing, writing. Because the body is involved, it needs certain boundaries and considerations, but to be fearful of it is surely not the way. We seem so afraid of our bodies and what they might do. The problem is more in our hearts and heads. [/quote]
Amen!
Quote(17) Not Theology of the BodyOctober 31st, 2009 | 10:32pm Tango Ladies,
With all due respect, your sublime meditations and refined distinctions do not mean a hoot when it comes to a red-blooded man. Your dance partner is not thinking theology or saying his prayers while grinding with you, I assure you. If he tells you otherwise, he is most likely a cad.
I wish women would not be so naïve about men.
This Theology of the Body thing has gone off the rails. Quote(18) UntitledOctober 31st, 2009 | 11:00pm With all due respect, your sublime meditations and refined distinctions do not mean a hoot when it comes to a red-blooded man. Your dance partner is not thinking theology or saying his prayers while grinding with you, I assure you. If he tells you otherwise, he is most likely a cad. — Fr. GeigerThe article might be going too far with TOB, but good heavens!... Now couples dancing is grinding? And all men just want to get into a woman's pants when he dances with her? I sure hope a guy isn't saying his prayers while dancing - he should be focusing on leading well and doing the steps! I don't even know what to say to such a statement from a priest. God help us. Quote(19) Another Statement from the PriestOctober 31st, 2009 | 11:47pm The article might be going too far with TOB, but good heavens!... Now couples dancing is grinding? And all men just want to get into a woman's pants when he dances with her? I sure hope a guy isn't saying his prayers while dancing - he should be focusing on leading well and doing the steps! I don't even know what to say to such a statement from a priest. God help us. — Mike S.Mike, The author herself likens the dance to the marital embrace. One description of the Tango says that there are "open embrace" styles and "closed embrace" styles, and that the "closed embrace" may be chest to chest or contact at the upper hip and thigh. It is not hard to understand why the author sees the analogy with the conjugal act. If you don't like the word "grind," I am sure you can find a better one. There is nothing particularly un-priestly about pointing out a dangerous occasion of sin. I don't think most people would dispute that the dance is sexualized. You are free to disagree. I just don't believe its in anyone's best interests for women to theologically romanticize actions which they themselves have related to the marital embrace. God bless you. Quote(20) Erotic dance anyoneOctober 31st, 2009 | 11:55pm A learned Priest with all his past experiences and lessons and reprimands from lots of holy saint knows what he is talking about Of course if those dancers do really not desire to lead a Christian life then, of course touching and flirting with out malice is comparatively saintly. Some can endlessly tease and not meant it. For the unwary, playing with fire and not getting burn is the key! "Wrong"...It's a lie ![[smiley=evil]](http://insidecatholic.com/Joomla/components/com_jreactions/custom/templates/blog/smileys/smiley_evil.gif) Salome by her dancing, got the head of St. John? So Tango ladies, don’t be an instrument of the Devil, for we know What he is up to! Young men are looking seriously at you and can't help themselves for lack of discipline. A little charity can go along way. If you are an Atheist, then of course to you, this is silly. Quote(21) Father Geiger, My Sentiments...November 01st, 2009 | 8:32am exactly. I observe that not a few of the more positive comments regarding the appropriateness of the tango have been offered up by females. I cannot know how a woman's body reacts to such things but I am acutely aware how God wired my body.
While we are are called to this holiness of mind and heart, I am aware that concupiscence exists.
I can only meditate on the possibility that prior to the Fall, Adam and Eve tangoed their way through the garden. Now that's Paradise! Quote(22) Dancing With The StarsNovember 01st, 2009 | 9:56am "Red-blooded" men? As someone who dances professionally, do you really want me to speculate as to how many men involved in dance are straight? It's not sexual, at all, especially after countless hours of preparing, practicing, rehearsing for muscle-burning hours...it's choreographed to make it look easy, but trust me: it's not. I do think there's a different meaning behind dance when it is done in a social setting and maybe there's where you'll get some agreeable understanding; social reasons are different from competitive or performance reasons.
The types of dance I do require male/female contact and in a performance or competitive setting, well, if you haven't done it, don't judge by what it *looks* like it feels like. It's every bit as hard - and similar to - training for a marathon or any other Olympic sport that uses the body, either single or in pairs.
But consider my mind boggled, because if there is outrage at the sexuality perceived in the tango, what must go through your minds when, for example, a male skater lifts his female partner and has his hand smack-dab on her crotch? Does anyone really think that there's a sexual undertone in that? The physics of the lift making hand placement anywhere else impossible. Or for that matter, do you have a problem with a male doctor performing a pelvic exam on a female patient? Not every intimate touch is sexual. Quote(23) from a male dancerNovember 01st, 2009 | 10:12am Fr. Geiger and Deacon Ed,
I am a male, and I have been doing ballroom, latin, and tango dancing for years. Dancing is part of my culture and I don't dance to be sexually stimulated nor do I have a problem dancing with women (and I love women, believe me). The pleasure comes from the movement, from sharing an experience of the music, the dance steps, the fun. I think you are presuming that all touch and closeness between men and women has to be overtly sexual and sinful. It doesn't and isn't. I've tangoed with my 68 year old aunt - she's still quite the dancer! Perhaps the difference in attitudes is more of a cultural thing than a moral thing. Quote(24) fomer dnacerNovember 01st, 2009 | 10:35am Having attended a college where we regularly had dances and I nearly always participated in I can safely say that not all dances are the same. Dancing can be an excellent form of courtship. Certain ones are an expression of culture. Certain ones respect the natural arousal that can occur between men and women and others do not. Yes, the weak can turn the safe ones into an occasion of sin, but some, objectively speaking will arouse the healthy individual. I do not see how one can honestly say that the tango respects the natural arousal that will occur from two bodies coming together so closely. The tango seems to be inappropriate intimacy for the unmarried and an expression of the over-sexed culture. Quote(25) Yes Like Adam and Eve before the FallNovember 01st, 2009 | 11:41am If Christians can't get their own heads off their genitals how do we expect anyone else to follow us..... Yes we are in an over-sexed culture..... so over-sexed that we cannot even enjoy dancing..... When will we take up our authentic Christian experience, if He redeemed us than His Grace is sufficient to help us to usher in the innocence of the Garden... at least in our own tent! but maybe you all are satisfied to die before seeing that level of restoration in our Church and Christian communities! The tango is a very difficult dance.... especially to do well.... but it is a demonstration of what level of oneness can be achieved, and it is beautiful! Quote(26) Pray for priestsNovember 01st, 2009 | 11:47am When one reads Fr. Rutler's swipe at the "theology of the body," one should bear in mind that for a long time (perhaps still), Fr. Rutler kept a photograph of himself with George W. Bush, prominently displayed in the sacristy of Our Saviour Church in NYC.
Quote(27) Ridiculous articleNovember 01st, 2009 | 12:21pm "I remember reading this article by Katrina Zeno about the tango as sacramental when it was first published. It struck be as sentimental foolishness then and, upon re-rereading, it is totally ridiculous." William Russell (above)
Mr. Russell's comment most correctly reflects my own thoughts about this article. I gave a sigh of relief when I read his comments.
For those who wrote about professional dancing, it is clear the author was not talking about professionals.
Here's a thought - why not incorporate teaching the tango into "Evenings for the Engaged"? Couples could learn a lot about the theology of the body, and welcoming God into their marriage. Oh, no, that might make it harder for them to actually wait until marriage...
Quote(28) Dance is sportNovember 01st, 2009 | 1:23pm I think people are reading too much into the sexuality of dancing. The body is to be celebrated and respected as a gift from God. We use our bodies in dance and in sport. Dance is a form of sport, just like baseball or gymnastics. It takes skill and practice to dance the tango. If you're out there tango dancing or figure skating, you're using a great deal of energy and concentration to get things right. It's a perfectionistic endeavor. Not everything is just about sex. Quote(29) Dancing with the Stars?November 01st, 2009 | 2:41pm Next time my wife forces me to watch Dancing with the Stars, I will try to keep all of this TOTB business in mind. Perhaps I will learn something? Since I have two left feet, I have always thought of Dance as being less sexual, and more of an opportunity to humiliate myself. I think perhaps men and women have a different view of dance, etc. Women seem to enjoy it more than men. Most men seem to tolerate it at best, and fear it as worst. Interesting article. Quote(30) Erotic dance anyoneNovember 01st, 2009 | 3:43pm "Women seem to enjoy it more than men. Most men seem to tolerate it at best, and fear it as worst. Interesting article." Honestly speaking, God wired men to behave differently than women. Smart and Honest men know their capabilities and limitations. For those professional Christian dancers they are most probably developed the required discipline and can performed with out a problem. The emotional, romantic side of Tango can't also be ruled out and women are probably the most affected by this so to most of them, yes it’s beyond sex! But just the same, we are playing with God given hormones. Don’t push it and elevate it to a kind of salvation aid? Satan already succeeded in convincing many that he doesn't exist! The occasion of possible sin is what we Christian people should avoid... Quote(31) Re: Pray for priestsNovember 01st, 2009 | 4:41pm When one reads Fr. Rutler's swipe at the "theology of the body," one should bear in mind that for a long time (perhaps still), Fr. Rutler kept a photograph of himself with George W. Bush, prominently displayed in the sacristy of Our Saviour Church in NYC.
— Stephen WiseAnd what does that mean? I suppose that totally invalidates his opinion because he is in a photograph with President Bush? Ridiculous. His point about Pope St. Pius X is quite valid...as is the point that it is an intimate dance. The Theology of the Body applies to married love...in singles things like the Tango, while they may not necessarily be sinful in and of themselves, are occasions for Sin. Does anyone honestly believe that most people can be that close, do all those moves (not just the Tango but other "dances") and view it with indifference? Nonsense. Professional Dancers are not the majority. Bumping and grinding and humping on the dance floor as well as strutting in a passionate embrace is not mere mechanics. I don't oppose the Tango necessarily, but I think honesty needs to prevail here. The above point stands. The Church is not wrong in it's positions about such things. Quote(32) UntitledNovember 01st, 2009 | 5:35pm Have any of you people actually ever watched a tango performed well? Or danced one? Why don't you do that before you get your knickers in a twist, as my Nana used to say.
The tango originated in Argentinian brothels, so it was at first condemned by moral folks. Over time, it developed and changed and became a cultural dance. When you watch people perform it today, it is a very striking dance, and certainly no more overtly sexual than most other partners' dances. It actually always reminds me of horses strutting their stuff.
Quote(33) well this is itNovember 01st, 2009 | 5:54pm The more I read about TOB, the more I have to shake my head. The Tango is a great dance but let's be honest, it's essentially foreplay. A thrust, wrigge, grind and drag has nought to do with heaven. No offense to the author but what is in TOBers heads? Quote(34) UntitledNovember 01st, 2009 | 6:03pm American puritanism is alive and well. Quote(35) Pray for priestsNovember 01st, 2009 | 9:34pm D.B.
My comment on Fr. Rutler has nothing to do with Tango but everything to do with John Paul II's "theology of the body."
Fr. Rutler is correct in asserting that TOB has been misused in the hands of some, who are "limited in their knowledge of the subject." But at the same time, he seems to be dismissing the work itself -- failing to understand its mystical source -- which is what you would expect from someone who is proud of being in a photograph with George W. Bush.
Quote(36) Re: Untitled post #32November 01st, 2009 | 9:36pm Having taken a few moments to untwist my knickers, ![[smiley=shock]](http://insidecatholic.com/Joomla/components/com_jreactions/custom/templates/blog/smileys/smiley_shock.gif) I have to ask: Whatever the tango developed into, that it originated in brothels might tell us somethin'...mightn't it? Wow...smiley emotigrams are fun. Quote(37) To Mr. WiseNovember 01st, 2009 | 10:13pm Father Rutler merely stated that it is percieved in such ways...which in many quarters it is used as a cover for doing all manner of wild wacky stuff in the bedroom as long as you can declare that it is "unitive"...which in itself can be a sticky word. Clarity is important.
Theology of the Body only holds water within the larger picture of Catholic Tradition. There is nothing wrong with pleasuring your wife/husband...but we need to be real and honest when looking at dancing or any other activity. For the record, I have nothing against the Tango, and find some dances to be impressive (and I do watch Dancing with the Stars, I'm no Hypocrite...but I have no illusions about such dances either). Quote(38) And....November 01st, 2009 | 10:14pm ...the nonsense about President Bush's picture is a silly cheap shot. Quote(39) Definition TimeNovember 02nd, 2009 | 4:21am American puritanism is alive and well. — AnnaAnna, Perhaps you would like to define puritanism for us, so we will know to correct our defect. You must know some nuance of the word that I am unaware of. Quote(40) ContextNovember 02nd, 2009 | 4:33am D.B.
My comment on Fr. Rutler has nothing to do with Tango but everything to do with John Paul II's "theology of the body."
Fr. Rutler is correct in asserting that TOB has been misused in the hands of some, who are "limited in their knowledge of the subject." But at the same time, he seems to be dismissing the work itself -- failing to understand its mystical source -- which is what you would expect from someone who is proud of being in a photograph with George W. Bush.
— Stephen WiseTheology of the Body is a term used for a wide spectrum of thought more or less--many times less--based on the writings of John Paul II. The present article a case in point. I believe the context makes it pretty clear what the good father meant. Indeed, whatever you may think of George Bush, or Father Rutler for not being ashamed of being associated with the former president, you comment was irrelevant to the conversation and purely a cheap shot. And while I am on the topic of context, I would like to remind everyone that the author is the one who made the association of the Tango with the conjugal act. From the beginning of its history the Tango has been controversial because it is perceived as highly sexualized. Whether you agree with that or not, the idea that there is some kind of high-minded theology to be found in it is just plain silly--at best. Quote(41) UntitledNovember 02nd, 2009 | 9:44am I think that given the choice between seeing holy sex in every little thing or being a puritan I'll be a puritian. It sounds considerably more sane. Quote(42) Pray for priestsNovember 02nd, 2009 | 10:09am To: Father Angelo Mary Geiger & D.B.
Perhaps I should be less varnished.
Until Fr. Rutler publicly apologizes for his support of George W. Bush and his neocon policies, he is unfit to speak coherently about JPII's Theology of the Body and the nature of our dance with the Lord.
Prominent Bush supporters in the American Catholic Church have done terrible damage to the Church and the Country.
I'm not advocating for Obama or Tango, but rather authentic, mature, and responsible "fullness of life." Quote(43) Note to D.B.November 02nd, 2009 | 10:59am D.B., you have convinced me. Now when my wife insists on me watching "Dancing with the Stars" with her, i can point out that this is possibly sinful and thus should be avoided. Whether this is actually true is irrelevent, as I can use it an excuse to not watch and go back to watching the History Channel.
Boring is good. Quote(44) Re: Yes Like Adam and Eve before the FallNovember 02nd, 2009 | 11:41am Mother of Two Sons wrote "When will we take up our authentic Christian experience, if He redeemed us than His Grace is sufficient to help us to usher in the innocence of the Garden... at least in our own tent!"
Are you saying since we are redeemed that we, individually, can return to the state of Adam and Eve before the Fall(in this life)? Interesting. How do you come to that conclusion? Quote(45) SinNovember 02nd, 2009 | 1:48pm Stephen,
I don't thing liking GW Bush is a sin (I personally don't like him), but if we apply your thought of "if we are ever seen with people who are sinful, our thoughts and opinions are not to be taken seriously", then, with all due respect, you shouldn't even be on this website because Jesus hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors. Therefore, if we extrapolate your thought process, you would conclude that Jesus himself was also not worthy to be listened to or could ever be your God.
We don't believe that you don't believe in Christ, since you made your way to the comment board, but your dismissal of any person's opinion just because they were photographed with a persona non-grata in your book, is wrong. Please stop it... Quote(46) Another comment - this one on dancingNovember 02nd, 2009 | 1:56pm Just curious...
I have a question for everyone. Being a latina, I LOVE TO DANCE!!! I have never tangoed because I would love to take lessons with my husband, but since he is not a latino, he has not taken to kindly to dance lessons of any kind.
I understand that Tango is very racy and I don't necessarily disagree with the posts, but I did love the idea of the article and its message about God's conjugal love for each of us.
Is it that the Tango is racy and nobody should dance it? Is it okay for a husband and wife to dance it? How about dancing in general? What part of this is cultural and what part is sinful? I am fascinated by the turn of the comments and I would love more opinions.
Also, what about men and their conjugal relationship with God, who is a man? How does one reconcile this without making God a woman (which is heretical)?
I await responses & thanks Quote(47) This quote here....November 02nd, 2009 | 2:14pm "Until Fr. Rutler publicly apologizes for his support of George W. Bush and his neocon policies, he is unfit to speak coherently about JPII's Theology of the Body and the nature of our dance with the Lord."
Has to be one of the most brain dead and absurd statements that I've ever read on this website. Moving on....
To Austin: I don't know how much weight that argument will hold, but try it tonight and see what happens, hehe.
Personally, I'm pulling for Donny Osmond.
Quote(48) both sides have points based on their sensitivitiesNovember 02nd, 2009 | 2:28pm I think that both sides could be correct but are seeing it from their sensitivities to sexual stimulation. The tango can be a near occasion of sin for many men especially and some women; and not an occasion of sin for some males and some women. Many men can be sexually stimulated immediately just watching the tango after a drink or two. But frankly a big city bus load of Catholic high school girls with their plaid uniforms altered by hiking up to mini level as is typical in some areas of our northeast cities is far more of an occasion of sin to some of us once they sit down on the bus and cross their legs which in probably Pius X's day would have constituted a free burlesque floor show if legal at that...more an occasion of sin than tango is....and which is why a recent rap song had the lyrics of a rough and selfish guy saying to his girlfriend...."put on your Catholic school uniform"...and why Brittany Spears' early video used such plaid school uniforms to radiate "sex despite plaid". We worry about tango but if we could overcome our denial about the elephant in the living room, female slacks would solve a much more pervasive problem at Catholic high schools where by the way, I could not personally teach with a room full of half thighs on display. But each person is different...but Brittany did not imitate us for no reason...nor did the rap song miss what I am saying. Quote(49) Note to D.B.November 02nd, 2009 | 3:10pm I could try that argument, but it won't get far. I have the last word in my marriage and it's "Yes mam." I'll just read Sports Illustrated while she watches Donny & Co. What's with the male professional dancers? They all look alike with the slicked back dark hair and bare chests: they look like a bunch of gigilos, those handsome guys who hustle wealthy, older women. Quote(50) Father Rutler, I Consider Myself....November 02nd, 2009 | 3:42pm to being in very good company alongside you in saying that I voted for George W. Bush - twice. I also find it amazing that someone could find room in a disucssion of TOB and the tango to make an ad hominem attack on another poster.
I'd like all to consider the innocence of the tango by imagining your spouse doing it with another woman/man.
It's not about puritanism; it's about the virtue of prudence. Quote(51) Social DancingNovember 02nd, 2009 | 5:27pm I am an avid long-time social dancer--I do both swing and tango--and want to point out first of all that ballroom tango and Argentine tango are two completely different dances. The author is talking about Argentine tango, which most people have never seen. (Btw, Dancing with the Stars and other professional dancing is not social dancing--it's a performance, for TV, in a country where mostly naked women gyrating to Latin music increases the ratings. Again, not what the author is talking about. Please don't think that what you see in TV is ANYTHING like what regular people do in cafes and ballrooms across America.)
I find that most Americans think of dancing as a romantic activity. That is far from the case for social dancers. When I go social dancing, I go alone, as do a lot of others, and I dance with teenagers as well as elderly men, single men and married men, and when men are lacking, other women. There is nothing sexual or romantic about it for me; I am focused on interpreting the music and being creative and creating a connection with my partner. There is no gyrating or grinding or passionate embracing in Argentine tango. Yes, it can be done inappropriately, but any dance can be done inappropriately (even swing).
Although I admit I can't speak to the male experience, having learned to lead the tango, I know that 100% of the leader's attention is first on where to put what foot when, without tripping one's partner, without panicking, and worrying about looking like a kltuz--and even after some skill is gained,
the leader has to intensely focus on listening to the music, navigating the dance floor, remembering steps, etc. I would venture to guess he doesn't have an opportunity to think about anything sexual.
The only time dancing close is problematic for me is when I am dancing with a man I have an off-the-dance-floor romantic connection with. But then, it is not the dance but the proximity that is a problem. Just standing close to him without touching, or just holding his hand, can be a temptation! In fact, I think the kind of dancing most people do--in close dance hold, just stepping side to side--is MORE problematic because there is proximity and the man doesn't need to think.
I would be interested in hearing from more male social dancers out there who are striving to live chaste lives. Are we ladies being naive, as one commenter said? What is your experience?
(btw, I dance tango wearing modest clothes that allow ease of movement (dancing is an athletic endeavor and you can get awfully sweaty, esp. in the summer--how romantic is that?!). And just because some women choose to wear inappropriate clothing does not mean the dance should be condemned wholesale.) Quote(52) Note to bill bannonNovember 02nd, 2009 | 7:24pm "Catholic School Uniforms?" Britney Spears notwithstanding, I am puzzled by this posting. Yes, I know some strange men seem to like Catholic School Uniforms, but I think this is a bit weird, not mainstream. I could not teach in a high school either, but mainly for the reason that I would run screaming fom the building having to listen to a nonstop series of "You know", "like", awesome", etc. Quote(53) It's so mainstream it's a cliche!November 02nd, 2009 | 7:38pm Really now, Austin, "weird"? It's one of the most mainstream sexual fantasies out there, it's pretty much a cliche. I wouldn't even google or google image it because I know that I wouldn't just find uniform stores.
So, you actually illustrate the point: some things, for some people, are too chock full of temptation. Others, like you and this instance, don't get it. It's fine that you don't get it, but do know: this is a biggie. As opposed to dancing. That's just not a biggie for most people.
Quote(54) UntitledNovember 02nd, 2009 | 8:14pm Dancer
Thanks for saying it. Though he used "strange" to distance himself rather than "weird"...perhaps he is honestly not tempted by tall teen girls with skirts half way up their thigh prior to their sitting down...prior...lol.
I sent an poor orphan girl to Catholic school (5'6" at 14 years old) for years and told her not to do such hiking of the skirt but as soon as they are out of sight of their home base, many do so because the boys are interested. They just roll it up at the belt. And slacks as uniform rather than skirts would obviate that one little tradition. Quote(55) I stand correctedNovember 02nd, 2009 | 9:33pm Perhaps because I am a repressed, old fart, I am projecting my rather stilted psyche on others. Touche. Enjoy your Catholic School uniforms, while I wallow in my repressed personna.
I suppose a psychiatrist would have a field day with me and all my repressed desires and personality. I still prefer the History Channel to Dancing with the Stars. Quote(56) My Two CentsNovember 03rd, 2009 | 1:20am I have to say that what I know about dancers is that they are very professional and even though I'm sure many of them do take perverse pleasure in their activities, I'm just as sure that most enjoy it more as a sport / art form than as a naughty pastime.
That being said, however, I have to agree with the folks who think this article and its whole approach to the dance is at best silly and at worst blasphemous. Above all, to compare ANY sort of secular pastime to a SACRAMENT seems to be in very, very poor taste. I would be just as offended to have someone say that the experience of cooking a fine meal is "eucharistic" as I am to hear someone say that "tango is more than a dance, it's sacramental."
But I don't understand why we Catholics always seem to feel the need to make everything about religion. It's true that every aspect of our lives should incorporate God and we should always be mindful of our roles as Christians, but that doesn't mean everything we do is automatically Christianized. I think God is just as grateful for those devout Catholics who do well and honestly whatever it is they choose to do, regardless of whether they see the need to make their deeds didactic and moralizing.
If only people put half as much attention into the actual sacraments and the holy liturgy as they put into "sacramentalizing" every aspect of their private lives... Quote(57) To SJGNovember 03rd, 2009 | 10:37am Your comment reminds me of Charles Ryder's complaint about the Marchmains bringing "religion up again."
The fact is, our Faith permeates everything we do. While I wouldn't compare the Tango to the Sacraments necessarily, the fact is that we should offer all in the name of God.
We can walk and chew gum at the same time.
Is it silly to bury a statue of St. Joseph in the yard? Or literally offer up a prayer before your favorite Quarterback throws a pass? Father Corapi did a very good lecture on the importance of Sacramentals. Quote(58) re: my two centsNovember 03rd, 2009 | 10:39am That being said, however, I have to agree with the folks who think this article and its whole approach to the dance is at best silly and at worst blasphemous. Above all, to compare ANY sort of secular pastime to a SACRAMENT seems to be in very, very poor taste. I would be just as offended to have someone say that the experience of cooking a fine meal is "eucharistic" as I am to hear someone say that "tango is more than a dance, it's sacramental."
But I don't understand why we Catholics always seem to feel the need to make everything about religion. It's true that every aspect of our lives should incorporate God and we should always be mindful of our roles as Christians, but that doesn't mean everything we do is automatically Christianized. I think God is just as grateful for those devout Catholics who do well and honestly whatever it is they choose to do, regardless of whether they see the need to make their deeds didactic and moralizing.
If only people put half as much attention into the actual sacraments and the holy liturgy as they put into "sacramentalizing" every aspect of their private lives... — SJGNo matter what you think of this article, it's not about "making everything about religion." It's about seeing life around us permeated with God, which it is. It's about the fact that we live in a sacramental world - which doesn't mean everything is equivalent to a church Sacrament. A sacramental view is a Catholic world view. Experiencing God doesn't stop at the church door. Experiencing the invisible in the visible is not at all odd -- in fact, I'm not sure what you think being Catholic is all about...I think you've missed one of the most fundamental aspects of it. Quote(59) Why not just change the word Tango to SexNovember 03rd, 2009 | 11:10am See, sex is a perfect image of the man giving and the woman receiving, and the woman enticing and the man responding. And it's something that you should really only do with your spouse so its really a perfect image of marriage and the need to respond to your spouse, and follow your spouse, etc.
And isn't marriage the perfect image of Christ and His Church.
See, why use Tango at all? Let's just use "sex" since its closer to the truth. Quote(60) Because tango is tango and sex is sex, that's whyNovember 03rd, 2009 | 7:51pm See, sex is a perfect image of the man giving and the woman receiving, and the woman enticing and the man responding. And it's something that you should really only do with your spouse so its really a perfect image of marriage and the need to respond to your spouse, and follow your spouse, etc.
And isn't marriage the perfect image of Christ and His Church.
See, why use Tango at all? Let's just use "sex" since its closer to the truth. — PatterBy your logic, why not just use "sex" for the image of Christ and His Church then? Because they are not the same. And neither is Argentine tango, or any other metaphors/examples we might use to talk about marriage and intimacy, either between people or between people and God. Quote(61) WWSJV do?November 04th, 2009 | 11:26am The many comments logged here give evidence of the lingering problems with and divisions caused by the faulty interpretations of TOB (despite the recent ringing endorsements of Chris West’s Diocesan leaders). Mr. Wise’s attack on the Rev. Rutler illustrates precisely how TOB proponents will tolerate NO criticism without leveling ad hominem attacks. Fr. Rutler could have quoted a saint he knows very well who labored to remove dancing from the list of activities his parishioners engaged in. “His death was the price of one dance…” -- inscribed in the chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist by St. Jean Marie Baptiste Vianney, patron of parish priests.
I would like to add that I know Katrina Zeno and she is a fine woman. The comments written here should not reflect upon her personally. It might be interesting to note that some of her observations on passivity and receptivity might illustrate the very reason the Extraordinary Form of the Mass is so wonderful! How’s that for an unexpected pivot?
Quote(62) Men and women percieve dancing differentlyNovember 04th, 2009 | 7:26pm I know this is a broad generalization, and from the comments above, there seems to be a significant difference in perception and understading of dance between men and women. Many women seem to enjoy the art of dancing, the challenge, the timing of movement, etc, and I would venture to say, most men see a very sensual encounter. My daughter presently takes dance at a local studio, and I am amazied how clueless these young ladies are about what effect they have on men in the way they dance. Even my wife, who is a loving and faithful Catholic wife, does not comprehend the effect it has on men's sensual nature. I know that Ms. Zeno enjoys dancing and does not necessarily see the Argentine Tengo as sexual, but I would bet a million dollars that if you allowed men,not familiar with the dance, to view it, and then recored their thoughts, you would be shocked at what is charging through their minds. I am not saying that men should have license to fantasize about the dance, but to think it is harmless is way off base. As I watch my daughter's company dance, I have to continually battle the sensual side of me as a male. Men are just wired differently as we know and this MUST be taken into account when it comes to dance, dress, speech, and many cultural modes of fashion and trend. Quote(63) re: men and women perceive dance differentlyNovember 04th, 2009 | 11:30pm I know that Ms. Zeno enjoys dancing and does not necessarily see the Argentine Tengo as sexual, but I would bet a million dollars that if you allowed men,not familiar with the dance, to view it, and then recored their thoughts, you would be shocked at what is charging through their minds. I am not saying that men should have license to fantasize about the dance, but to think it is harmless is way off base. As I watch my daughter's company dance, I have to continually battle the sensual side of me as a male. Men are just wired differently as we know and this MUST be taken into account when it comes to dance, dress, speech, and many cultural modes of fashion and trend. — Matthew in TXMen are wired differently, yes, but watching dance is very different than doing it. Your point illustrates just why it's so important for more men to be dancing -- it would help familiarize them with what dance is - the total experience of it - as an active participant, not a passive observer. Then they might be able to view it without seeing it solely as a sexual temptation. My guess is that men raised in cultures where dance is part of their tradition or family are more capable of not only handling it, but celebrating it. It is very sad to me that so many men are deprived of the joys and beauty of dance. Quote(64) This whole thread reminds of the joke....November 05th, 2009 | 2:49pm about why Baptists don't have sex standing up.
It might lead to dancing. Quote(65) Re:November 06th, 2009 | 5:19pm Have any of you people actually ever watched a tango performed well? Or danced one? Why don't you do that before you get your knickers in a twist, as my Nana used to say.
The tango originated in Argentinian brothels, so it was at first condemned by moral folks. Over time, it developed and changed and became a cultural dance. When you watch people perform it today, it is a very striking dance, and certainly no more overtly sexual than most other partners' dances. It actually always reminds me of horses strutting their stuff.
— Bert in VirginiaGood point. Real Argentine tango is not the lascivious dance everyone is making it out to be. It’s very elegant and graceful and while there is physical contact it’s not really much worse than a waltz or any other romantic dance. The problem is American television programs which display tango often make it look exaggeratedly sexual which is not the way it is at all. There are a lot of Latin dances which are way more erotic than tango (salsa being one). Quote(66) Join a conventNovember 07th, 2009 | 8:15pm Does dancing the tango make it harder to wait until marriage? Well perhaps... if you are used to living in a convent!!!
Again, 'cmon! I trust my husband. We dated (and waited) for FIVE YEARS before we got married. I'd have no problem watching him tango with another woman, and vice versa. He goes out in public, doesn't he? He gets "hit on" by women at work (one, shockingly, sent bikini photos of herself to him on his phone.) He goes to the gym and watches spandex-clad cuties working out. I admire the male bikers similarly attired whom I see around town on nice days. We're alive! We face temptation. It isn't the temptation itself, but how we handle it that matters. If you have to avoid the tango to stay chaste, best check out the local convent/seminary... and quick! Quote(67) UntitledNovember 07th, 2009 | 10:12pm Does dancing the tango make it harder to wait until marriage? Well perhaps... if you are used to living in a convent!!!
Again, 'cmon! I trust my husband. We dated (and waited) for FIVE YEARS before we got married. I'd have no problem watching him tango with another woman, and vice versa. He goes out in public, doesn't he? He gets "hit on" by women at work (one, shockingly, sent bikini photos of herself to him on his phone.) He goes to the gym and watches spandex-clad cuties working out. I admire the male bikers similarly attired whom I see around town on nice days. We're alive! We face temptation. It isn't the temptation itself, but how we handle it that matters. If you have to avoid the tango to stay chaste, best check out the local convent/seminary... and quick! — C'monAh, sanity! Thank you. Quote(68) UntitledNovember 16th, 2009 | 10:10pm Perhaps Katrina's comments needed further clarification - just because dance is likened to the marital embrace doesn't make it the equivalent, nor does it mean it is sinful if it reflects some aspects of it - the complementarity of men and women, intimacy etc. Intimacy and this type of exchange can happen in the context of friendship or brother/sister relationship.
For the record, since our associations politically and otherwise seem to matter (something also mind boggling to me since I'm a Canadian and political parties don't equal religious positions here), I'm a faithful orthodox Catholic and in line with the Church on all teachings. I'm not a professional dancer - but I dance at a fairly high, intense social level and I love it...I have also had similar insights in terms of the spiritual life related to partner dance. I'm not married, have never been married and have no desire to be. I do not do it as a substitute for sex and I can guarantee you that the guys who are the best dancers, by far, are those doing it for the sake of the dance - they work at it, they rehearse it, they dance with guys equally as well as girls (I'm talking about very straight men who do not necessarily share my moral views here!). In fact the hardest thing with these guys can be to remind them that they have a follow on the end of their arm because they are sometimes so focused on what they are doing themselves (their moves etc)!!! The ones who are there trying to pick up women or take advantage of that physical closeness quickly become ostracized and they are not fun to dance with - they rarely get to a high level of dance that has the subtlety that is implied in the article above.
Intimacy does not necessarily equal sex - it includes, in my opinion, vulnerability, communication, "inside jokes", attentiveness - all of these things can be present without sexual attraction, let alone acting upon it. The best intimate dances - intimacy as I just described it - I've had have been with men whom I know for a FACT are not attracted to me nor I to them: I believe this level of intimacy can exist precisely because we are so at ease with each other and aren't blinded by passion - except maybe passion for music and movement!
Are there some people for whom dancing may be too much of a temptation, or times when people should refrain from dancing? For sure: you have to know yourself. I was told that often women may struggle with this more because they identify more with their body and men use their body more as a tool but I know more men who have told me (solid Christian men) that they found partner dancing emotionally confusing - to have that sort of contact and then be pulled away. I think this may be an issue with those who are emotionally very private or open up to few people; I'm not at all like that so it doesn't bother me to dance closely for a few minutes with several people, creating cool stuff artistically and responding to the music: it's totally awesome and I can genuinely say it's made me a better person.
There are also ways of dancing that truly degrade a person - it really depends on how it is done. But to categorically dismiss a style of dance or partner dancing in general is unreasonable, not to mention unjust: who is anyone, even out of prudence, to completely deny a space or experience where God's presence can be known? I posit that if one is truly integrated as a person, one can recognize the mystery and delicacy of a situation and respect it and stay within appropriate boundaries. I'm not going to claim someone's opinions couldn't possibly be valid simply because they haven't experienced that which they criticize, but it was clear that most of those who dismissed the article did not dance because they had points of view that truly lacked any subtlety, not to mention had a perspective of it that was factually skewed - i.e. it was obvious they knew nothing about the dance style/movement etc. It would have been more charitable or balanced to inquire why someone would go so far as to call something sacramental rather than dismissing it outright: very few people seemed interested in the fact that this woman had encountered Christ here and found beauty in it. THAT is extremely sad that we would immediately dismiss the encounter and reduce our discussion to moralism. |
