ABSTRACT
Dance: A catalyst for spiritual transcendence analyzes trance occurring in spiritual dances of the African Diaspora, including Trinidadian Shango/Orisha and Ring Shout traditions, and the fundamental connection these spiritual practices have with the African rooted traditions of Isese Ẹ̀sìn Òrìṣà Ìbílẹ̀ (traditional native Òrìṣà spiritual tradition, including Ifá). Transcendence manifests itself in the Diaspora in a spiritual manner. This text explores the conditions surrounding spiritual transcendence in movement, the cause and effect, the experience of the practitioners and other integral components. Transcendence in the African Diaspora is a physical and spiritual survival tool in which movement is used as the agent to allow practitioners to empower themselves and others in the space. This research constitutes a deep exploration of the underlying similarities of spiritual practices developed from the African Diaspora that heavily incorporate movement as a form of worship. In addition to informing the reader about practices of Ifá, Shango and Ring Shout, this article serves to dismantle misconceptions about African-related spiritual practices, trance and the agency that movement and dance have in spiritual ascendance.
