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LM-Dance (1)

New* The video is a recording of a talk by Dr Lila Moore, a unique exploration  of the often-ignored aspects of aesthetics, the esoteric-occult, the symbolic, and the motivation behind the drive to innovations and the making of novel art forms.

Moreover, it's a beautiful dance journey into the Mysterious Rhythms of a planetary mystical vision, as commented  by Professor June Boyce-Tillman:


Thank you for informing us, exciting us, and inspiring us. Lila, it was a wonderful example of how to present material, which as you rightly say, and as I often say, why would I write it in music if I can say it in words. And this is often the question around all artistic presentations. But to be able to speak so beautifully about it, I think it was extremely well done with the wonderful images. So I think all of us here, are very very very grateful to you for an inspirational presentation!   


You are a beautiful visionary; thank you for sharing this compelling work. Reem Khashou, Master-level fitness and wellbeing coach, MSc student
 

Your presentation was amazing. I really loved it! So many dimensions, art forms, symbols and messages all rolled into one beautiful piece.

Sian Brown, MSc, Musician, singer, and music therapist

The talk took place in April 2024 as part of the Spiritual and the Arts Special Interest Group of the International Network for the Study of Spirituality.

The talk was introduced by the esteemed Prof. June Boyce-Tillman MBE, a leading British academic with a profound understanding of music, spirituality, and theology, particularly women's role in church music. Her expertise, as a Professor of Applied music at the University of Winchester and an ordained deacon and priest of the Church of England, brings a wealth of knowledge to our events. 


The talk was a collaborative effort, co-hosted by Annalisa Burello, MSc, who, together with June and Lila, co-founded the Spirituality and the Arts SIG as part of the International Network for the Study of Spirituality. This inclusive approach is a testament to our shared passion for this subject.

 

As mentioned, this presentation does not discuss the technical and aesthetic aspects of editing and choreographing for the screen. As briefly mentioned in the talk, editing is like dance and music notations, determining the rhythms of any screen-based piece. Moreover, as June remarked, speaking about non-verbal art forms in which words are not meant to replace or translate images and movements is challenging. It brings to mind Isadora Duncan's words: "If I could tell you what it meant, there would be no point in dancing it.

Gaia - Mysterious Rhythms is a dance-ritual performed by a young woman on the seashore. The dance unfolds a rite of passage and a process of transformation through the woman's interaction with the elements of the natural environment: the rhythms and features of the earth, sea, moon and sun.

In formal terms, Gaia was set out to explore the notion of screen choreography through a subtle, poetic and reflective interplay of images of the body and the environment. In terms of content, the woman's performance is perceived as a source of metaphoric and archetypal imagery that highlights the intricate relationship between body, psyche, and the world.

Dance on Screen PhD Thesis

Read the Abstract and Introduction below

GAIA- MYSTERIOUS RHYTHMS
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Screen Dance as Rite of Passage is a captivating exploration of dance on screen as a hybrid art form with its own unique, screen-based aesthetics. Based on Dr. Lila Moore’s PhD research (Dance on Screen, Middlesex University, 2001), this artist’s monograph delves into the transformative power of screen dance as a ritualistic art form. Through detailed analysis and poetic reflection, Dr. Moore reveals how screen dance can access imaginal realms of the psyche, offering a path toward deeper self-awareness and healing.

At the heart of the monograph is the film Gaia – Mysterious Rhythms, a screen-dance-ritual created by Dr. Moore as part of her practice-based PhD. The film follows a young woman dancing on a seashore, engaging with the natural elements—earth, sea, moon, and sun—unfolding a profound rite of passage. Through this interplay of movement and environment, the dance becomes a metaphor for transformation, empowerment, and self-integration. The visual poetry of Gaia weaves together body, psyche, and nature while exploring feminine identity and ancient archetypal symbolism through a non-verbal cinematic language.

Additionally, Dr. Moore explores screen-dance as a hybrid, screen-based technological art form that has evolved alongside advancements in technology, modern art, and digital art. She reflects on screen-dance technoetic potential—how, through the use of screen-based and digital technologies, it can reveal and give form to the invisible and imaginal realms of the psyche, soul, and consciousness.
This monograph is ideal for students, scholars, filmmakers, dancers, and choreographers seeking a deeper understanding of screen dance and its spiritual, psychological, and artistic dimensions. It will also resonate with those interested in women's spirituality, goddess studies, Jungian psychology, Transpersonal studies, and movement-based therapies. Richly illustrated with visual references, the text provides links to the film and offers insightful commentary, making it both a theoreti
cal resource and a source of creative inspiration.
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© 2014-2025 Dr Lila Moore

Postal address: Dr Lila Moore
27 Old Gloucester St, Holborn
London  WC1N 3AX

UK

info@cyberneticinstitute.com

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