The Hermeneutics of Dance and Spirituality in the African Context: A Reimagined Narrative
Publication information:
Abstract
As an African and Euro-American intercultural collaboration, this paper advances a decolonial hermeneutics of sacred dance by exploring the intersection of dance, music, and spirituality in African contexts. African musical arts are dynamic cultural expressions, transcending mere performance to function as mediums of spiritual union, healing, and communion with the natural world. Employing historical, cultural, and theological analysis, this paper critiques the colonial marginalization of these practices within Christian liturgies. Through the integration of audio and video examples, this presentation celebrates the vibrancy of African sacred traditions and advocates for liturgies that authentically embody the spiritual realities of African communities.
Presenter Biographies
Fikiri Deogratias SJ is a Jesuit priest from Congo-Kinshasa. He is a Ph.D. Student at Marquette University with a concentration in leadership and Policy. Before starting his doctoral program, he obtained a master’s degree in sacred theology from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara/ Berkeley. He has been interested in social justice issues and African spirituality more on its side of decoloniality.
Jessica Beaudette is a musician and Ph.D. candidate in environmental humanities at Arizona State University. Her research examines community-based conservation fieldwork and the role of cultural inheritances in addressing biodiversity loss in Southern Africa. She also explores how contemplative practices support scientific and everyday communities responding to ecological challenges.