The Philosophy of Dance: Exploring the Numinous
In a recent review in See Chicago Dance of Noumenon Dance Ensemble’s “At The Edge of Us,” I observed the works of Erin Murphy and Nina-Rose Wardanian as “a search for the numinous,” and I would like to expound on that theory generally and from the perspective of the audience.
Any regular attendee of dance has no doubt come in contact with the numinous. Often associated with or as a “religious experience,” a modern interpretation expands the definition of the numinous to include anything that reflects elements of deep feeling, belief, ritual, and congregation.1 I urge any fan of dance to test whether a superb performance does not contain all four of these elements.
There’s a missing link that connects dance to the numinous. What turns an ordinary movement into dance? Is muscular capacity the sole means by which dances are made, or is the body akin to an instrument wielded by an artist to enhance the meaning of movement? It is not enough to mention how one is affected by a work of dance, how great works challenge our cognition, how audience and performer(s) represent a communal environment with its own set of rituals, behaviors, and ethics. There must be a cause to the effects.
In a landmark essay, philosopher Monroe C. Beardsley concluded that what makes dance unique is it’s ability to alter one’s perception of the body’s capabilities of expression. “If […] there is more zest, vigor, fluency, expansiveness, or stateliness than appears necessary for its practical purposes,” says Beardsley, “there is an overflow or superfluity of expressiveness to mark it as belonging to its own domain of dance.”2 The connotation of “superfluity” aside, if this is true, one finds that missing link.
As a metaphor, the dancer is more than a body organized by time and pattern. Soldiers march in time, but they are not dancing. Football players perform “choreographed” formations and routes, but they are not dancing. What’s missing? An excessive amount of grace and aplomb. Only through a volitional superfluity of expressiveness does the body become, as critic George Beiswanger put it, “the persistent metaphor, by which muscular material is made available for the enhanced, meaningful, and designed goings-on that are dance.”3
People go to see dance to witness real bodies transcending into the realm of metaphors and metaphysics. Their congregation results in the formation of temporary communities replete with rituals and behaviors, who collectively engage in deep feeling and cognition; all these elements combine to create the experience of the numinous. For audiences, understanding the numinous leads to a greater sensitivity to it, i.e., a greater enjoyment of dance.
For critics, it’s important to explore the numinous and take more than just the physical representations of dance into account. The critic must communicate to the reader to what degree the numinous is present in a work. It’s so important that one can forgive a dance critic for writing at length about it.
– Managing Editor, Tristan Bruns
To experience the numinous for yourself, scroll down for a list of shows, festivals and FREE events from the See Chicago Dance calendar .
Gina Hoch-Stall’s “between us and everyone here,” July 2-11, The Neo-Futurist Theater
“‘between us and everyone here’ pulls audiences into the familiar mess and comfort of a long-term friendship. Crisp choreography collides with wild, rule-breaking scores that crack open the dancers’ inner worlds. As things unfold, the audience gets to chime in and redirect the action, making each performance a one-of-a-kind co-creation.”
Featuring performers/collaborators Amanda Maraist and Chrissy Martin.
Read about Gina Hoch-Stall and her work with artist collective Khecari in “Tend” (2022) by clicking HERE.
For more information about “between us and everyone here,” check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Caitlin Wonsowski and Najah Iman’s “Sixty-Five 14,” July 10, Epiphany Arts Center
“‘Sixty-Five 14’ is an artistic movement piece, created by Caitlin Wonsowski and Najah Iman. It works to articulate the complex intertwining of time and identity, reflecting on the past, sharing the present, and being open to the possibilities of the future. It is an in-process performance of human struggle, celebration, and discovery. Caitlin and Najah work together to research psychological patterns that form between humans and our social settings. Utilizing vocabularies from both club and contemporary dance forms, ‘Sixty-Five 14’ intentionally holds space to encourage safety, socialization, and camaraderie among viewers. It is curated to reflect and embrace the ever-changing nature of society and personality.”
“‘Sixty-Five 14’ has been in process since September of 2024, and since its first four-minute sharing, its creative expansion has been shared in several Midwest dance festivals including RADFest, Outlaw of the Arts, and Emergence, and has been guested in performances at NEIU and with Modern Marvels Dance Company. After two years of creation and reconstruction, this is the first evening-length presentation of the work.”
Check out this mention of Wonsowski and Iman and other great performers in staff writer Isabel Campisteguy’s review of “Marvelous Monday 2025” by clicking HERE.
For more information about “Sixty-Five 14,” check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Chicago Dance Crash’s “expo/sd,” July 24-25, Ruth Page Center for the Arts
“Curated by Artistic Director KC Bevis, the evening features new works choreographed by Annie Franklin, Cameron McKinney, and Crash resident choreographer Elijah Motley. The concert will feature a world premiere by choreographer Annie Franklin that investigates how traditional street and contemporary dance forms can exist in conversation with one another while pushing dancers to embrace the visceral, the intimate, and the imperfect in performance—work that is unsettling, raw, and emotionally charged rather than conventionally beautiful […] Also featured in the concert will be a new repertory work, “A 4 Bar Loop”, by choreographer and Crash alum Elijah Motley. This dynamic piece explores identity, drawing from Motley’s personal experience as a Black man raised in the South […] Choreographer Cameron McKinney will also premiere a new duet – “Fall From Grace.” Rooted in hyperphysicality, McKinney explores how the body can be pushed to (and beyond) its limits, and how that physical threshold becomes a gateway to raw honesty.”
Check out a snippet from former staff writer Megan Kudla’s review of Chicago Dance Crash’s “Rubbernecks” by clicking HERE.
For more information about “expo/sd,” check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Dance in the Parks’ “Summer Sunset” Season, Multiple Dates and Locations, FREE
“Dance in the Parks brings FREE, live dance concerts straight to your neighborhood park! Our 18th and final season features seven professional dancers performing six world‑premiere contemporary works by Chicago choreographers. This family‑friendly, come‑as‑you‑are performance invites casual viewing, curious newcomers, and joyful dancing‑along from your lawn chair or blanket. Pack a picnic, grab a seat, and join us for an evening of vibrant, accessible dance in your park!” The works on this summer’s program are created by choreographers Jessica Deahr, Stephanie Cihlar, Recca Lemme, Tom Mattingly, Jackie Nowicki, and Paula Sousa.
To watch a 2025 interview with Dance in the Parks founding director, Katie McCann, on WGN, click the link HERE.
For more information, check out the opening day event page by clicking HERE.
For a full list of dates and locations, check out the DIP webpage by clicking HERE.
Ishti Collective’s “Movements of Many: 10 Years of Ishti,” July 9-11, Various Locations, FREE
“Free Family Friendly vibrant gathering! – Dance and Music performances, Communal Rangoli Crafts, local food and art vendors!”
“2026 marks 10 years of Ishti Collective creating space for artists, community, and connection over the last decade [has turned into] into a multidisciplinary collective shaped by many movement traditions and artistic backgrounds. ‘Movements of Many’ reflects this journey! Performances feature Bharatanatyam by internationally acclaimed artist Sarmishtha Sarkar, Ishti’s repertoire Seen/Unseen (2025) and new work developed during a July workshop intensive, live sound performance by long-time collaborator Bob Garrett, as well as closing [with a] BollyX dance party open to all.”
For a full schedule of performances, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Such Creatures & Collaborators present “Chicago Trans Movement Festival and Queer Pride Cabaret,” July 17-19, Aloft Circus Arts
“Such Creatures partners with Synapse Arts, Reminiscent Circus, and Aloft Circus Arts to host the second annual Chicago Trans Movement Festival, a multidisciplinary community event celebrating unapologetic Trans audacity as embodied through the movement arts. Join us on July 17th for community workshops, presentations, jams, and convenings led by and built for TGNC movers and accomplices of all identities, experiences, and levels. On July 18 & 19, Reminiscent Circus & Such Creatures gather some of the city’s most disobedient Queer artists under one roof for the long await return of the CTMF Queer Pride Cabaret. Celebrate Trans artistry, movement, and liberation this summer at Chicago’s premiere punk rock circus church.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Irene Hsiao’s “Guardians of the Earth and Sky,” July 26, Jackson Park, FREE
“Come on an adventure with the Four Celestial Guardians: the White Tiger of the West, the Black Tortoise of the North, the Azure Dragon of the East, and the Vermilion Bird of the South! Explore seasons, elements, and colors through storytelling, music, and dance in this interactive performance by Irene Hsiao in collaboration with tai chi master Peter Wong, dancers Amanda Maraist and Darling Shear, musicians Paige Brown and Hunter Diamond, and storyteller Penny Li.”
“Performances are free, and art supplies will be provided to create fans to take home in this all-ages event. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking approximately one mile.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
July 2, Casting Call: Dancers Wanted for Independent Music Video – In 8 Counts, Jennifer Kropke
“Dancers of all styles are invited to apply for an independent music video project for the original song ‘In 8 Counts’ by Chicago-area singer/songwriter Jennifer Kropke. ‘In 8 Counts’ explores dance as a metaphor for life’s challenges, growth, resilience, and finding your way forward one step at a time. The video will feature dancers from a variety of backgrounds and movement disciplines, highlighting the unique stories and emotions that dance can express. We are seeking experienced dancers ages 18+ in all styles.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
Boom Crack! Dance Company’s “2026 Summer Intensive,” July 6-26
“The BOOM CRACK! Summer Intensive was established in 2012 as a platform for dancers across Chicago and the Midwest to train in hip-hop at an industry level. As the longest-running hip-hop intensive in the city, the program has built a strong and inclusive dance community rooted in growth, discipline, and artistry. Our training approach emphasizes personalized feedback and technical development, equipping dancers with the tools to advance. The program includes dynamic choreography from our artistic team across a range of hip-hop styles, designed for intermediate- to advanced-level dancers. The intensive culminates in a live performance at our Summer Intensive Showcase—an opportunity for dancers to share their progress with family, friends, and the broader community.”
For more information, check out the event page by clicking HERE.
1.Stout, Daniel A. Media and Religion. Taylor and Francis. 2012. p. 6.
2.Beardsley, Monroe C. What Is Going on in a Dance? Dance Research Journal , Autumn, 1982, Vol. 15, No. 1. p. 35.
3.Beardsley. p. 31.
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