The philosophy of dance

Once upon a time I was flicking through TV channels, and I saw dancing dervishes. It was an accidental impression, but a very strong one. There was something soothing and mystical in those “floating” figures. The dervishes’ movement seemed intuitive and random, but one could feel some kind of a system, a hidden meaning to this... It was a hypnotic sight to behold.

 Curiosity prompted me to learn more about the dance itself. The dance consists of three rounds, each telling of the different stages of creation. The first stage was the sun and the stars, the second – plants, and the third – living beings with souls. Before every round starts, the dervishes gather around their mentor to receive the blessings. And after that they walk around the arena with a raised right hand to channel the celestial energy, and a lowered left hand for the earth energy. Thus begins that part of the dance which is especially spectacular to watch – that one which I saw accidentally. The dervishes are continuously rotating counterclockwise. Moreover, they are doing this not only around their own axis, but around the perimeter of a circular hall as well. So it looks like they are moving akin to planets...

 It is believed that every detail of this ancient ritual dance is of particular importance. But only a thoughtful viewer can see the truth.

Jalal al-Din Rumi was the founder of the legendary Mevlevi Order, whose members want to achieve union with God through dance. He is commemorated every year on December 10 through 17 in the Turkish city of Konya that hosts Sheb-i Arus, the Whirling Dervishes Festival.

 Incidentally, Jalal al-Din Rumi was not only the order’s founder, he was also a pioneer of unorthodox Islam in general. He was also a poet and philosopher. Turkey, Pakistan, and India are arguing for the right to be named his birthplace.