The Use Of Dance Sport In Ancient Greece For Approaching The Gods And For Therapeutic Purposes Against Diseases

Abstract

The aim of this study is to seek an answer to the subject of Dance Sport in Ancient Greece, approaching the Gods and using it for therapeutic purposes against diseases. A literature review was done. In ancient Greece, dance was performed together with music and poetry. The origin of dance in ancient Greece is traced back to the Cretan and Mycenaean civilizations. For the ancient Greeks, dance was considered extremely important in ritual, personal and social terms. Many of his religious activities included dancing activities. They sought to establish a spiritual kinship with their gods in dance. They sought to fend off dangerous evil beings or famine and disease with the magic of dance. By dancing, they tried to get good crops, provide abundance, be lucky in hunting, and win victories in war. They sanctified their dramatic festivities with dance or divulged profound mysteries to novices. They used to dance to approach their God, raise good citizens, and entertain. It has been seen that dance takes place in schools within education. Especially in initiation rites, dance was performed a lot. Although dance is generally stated as individual and group performances, group dance (Chorus dance) is preferred over archaeological documents (pots, bottles, inscriptions, etc.). Individual solo performances (professional entertainers or performers) were also included. His solo performances included a lot of acrobatic moves. Ancient Greek dance, with its diverse stories, mythologies, and Pictures, has inspired writers, poets, painters, dancers, stage performers and many others throughout the ages and in many cultures worldwide. However, although dancing in Ancient Greece was a religious ritual and a means of bringing people closer to the gods, and there was a strong connection between the two, today, especially in Turkey, the connection between religion and dance has weakened. It is thought that dance activities were used not against physical diseases in ancient Greece, but as a means of relaxing people psychologically. It should be investigated why and how the religious influence in dance culture has changed over the ages in different countries.