Lord of the Dance

On a recent visit to the first church of which I have been minister (1982-8) I was rather surprised to discover collage panels, which had been created during a children's Easter activity day, were still on display! The panels, of which four are below, illustrate the verses of Sydney Carter's song 'Lord of the Dance', which expresses the belief that, through the experience of Jesus, God's life is present in every human experience - life and death.
This came at a time when I was working on the painting (left) based on the photo of two dancers at La Chavanneé in France a few years ago.
This also prompts reflection on our 'dance' with Christ.
I am intrigued by the fact that, while the dance is performed as a couple, each partner is engaged in different movements (not just mirrored). They are, however, in time and rhythm with the music and therefore find a physical harmony in the dance.
There is independence, but also inter-dependence and some intimacy, which say something about our relationship with the God known in Jesus. He provides the melody for our lives and we need to find an intimacy with and dependence on Jesus if we are to live within it.
I am seeking to express all these aspects in my painting  -  I leave you to judge whether or not I have achieved my aim! 

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'Lord of the Dance' was written by Sydney Carter in 1963. He set it to the Shaker tune 'Simple Things'. Carter comments that the Lord of the Dance may be found in other times and other places/planets, but Jesus is who he knows. He suggests singing it perhaps in the first tense, which makes for an interesting reflection for our own Christian discipleship. The song is sung by the Dubliners. The lyrics are here