Library/Resources - As a voluntary organisation we don’t have the capacity to sell resources but we can share some of the works we have found helpful over the years, as we have developed our understanding of how dance and faith relate.
Below are titles of books and aticles that are recommended by our National Leadership Team. We hope that our spirits, minds and bodies will be encouraged and strengthened as we grow together in understanding.
Books
1. Schroeder, C. S (1995). Pray with hearts and hands. Marshall Pickering. ISBN 0-551-02980-3
Extract: The Psalms paint a vivid picture of prayers being expressed not only through words and music, but also through movement and gestures as the psalmist claps his hands, bows down, raises his eyes and dances before God. We have maintained the tradition of singing and saying our prayers, but we neglect our ability to use the whole of our selves in our worship. And this despite the fact that God chose to reveal himself in human flesh. Teacher & dance artist Celeste Schroeder explores how we can use our entire bodies for worship – in times of celebration and lament, alone or with others. This beautiful and moving book will inspire all of us – men and women alike – to discover a new language of prayer and will lead us into closer communion with God who created us body, mind and spirit.
2. Blogg. M (1988). Healing in the Dance. Kingsway Publications Limited.
Extract: ‘ Most justifications for dance within the contemporary Christian faith have been made largely from a point of view of worship and communication. The notion of dance as a means to health and healing, although one of its oldest and original justifications has received much less attention… The primary focus of this book is not on dance for its own sake, but rather on health and healing- mental, physical, emotional and social wellbeing… So this is not a treatise on aesthetics but a discussion about the nature and conditions of dance as a means to health and healing’ (pg 9-10).
3. Brand, H and Chaplin, A (2001). Art and Soul: Signposts for Christians in the Arts. Piquant Editions.
Extract: This practical guide encourages artists and those interested in the arts to develop a Christian worldview from which they can approach their crafts. Here the best teaching on the subject over the last fifty years is digested and reapplied, supported by a wealth of quotes from artists, critics and Christian thinkers.
4.Seervald, C (2000). Bearing Fresh Olive Leaves; Alternative Steps in Understanding Art. Piquant.
Extract: What does it mean for Christians today to be obedient to God in making and performing, recording and supporting, evaluating and understanding the arts? Seasoned guidelines, by a key Christian thinker and teacher of philosophical aesthetics.
The CDFB is not necessarily in agreement with all the opinions of the above authors.