Circular Design in Dance and Creativity



The essence of fractal geometry and rhythmic pattern in dance

Cosmologists say "the universe began with a dance" as the creative principle took form. The organic bellydance style is based on the circle and division of the circle - and the circle directs the patterning system before the linear element unfolds. In both science and dance, the geometry of the circle is the blueprint of creation and form. Within the circle energy patterns reveal the way energy organizes itself. In dance - a musical expression of the body - every natural pattern of movement conforms to one or more of these geometric principles. Viewing and understanding these patterns opens our awareness to the structural essence of dance. Sacred geometry takes on another whole level of significance when grounded in the experience of self-awareness and practical application. This for me is a work in progress - connecting patterns in music, dance and energetics to the universiality of the ever unfolding creative process.
Keti Sharif 2005


1. The Whirl
The whirl is the first shape to emerge out of the genesis pattern and is the core circular pattern in dance - the beginning. It evolves from the centre point of the body as circular movement (hips/chest/shoulders/wrists) or floor plan (turning). Known as the torus, this primary circular patterning is literally around all life forms; all atoms, and all cosmic bodies such as planets, stars and galaxies have been born of a whirling vortex. It suggests the initial centrifugal movement that creates heat and energy. The human heart with its seven muscles forms a torus. It is the beginning of the dance; the rising of the energy.

2. Union of Polarity
Like the figure of 8 in dance, the second step of the creative process reflects the vesica piscis, symbolic of the splitting the singular to create a fusion of opposites. The figure of 8 in dance reflects the two interlinked circles, activating right and left, masculine and feminine elements. This pattern is seen in the yin/yang symbol and represents the union of polarities. In science it becomes the initial division of atoms and in symbology it suggests a portal - a womb-like opening that births all geometric forms. In mathematics, the figure 8 pattern is the symbol for infinity and in ancient mythology it represents serpentine regeneration or the divine union of kundalini energies. In science and nature, this geometry creates light and refraction of light. It is the geometry of the human eye and focuses energy through a simple duplication and mirroring process. Expressed as balanced figure 8 floor plan or body movement in hips, arms or shoulders, it links left and right, masculine and feminine energies to stabilise, balance and synergise.

3. Active Energy
This is the geometric power symbol, dividing the original two duplicate circles - harnessed within the whole circle - to activate energy by process of further duplication. It is the primal language of the expanding universe - pure shape and proportion, multiplicity and growth. This primary energy pattern resonates with all things within us and around us, forming an interlacing structure. The grid-like fractal design forms harmonic overlay, and can be interpreted in music as melody over rhythm. This is the geometry of cell division and the creative force, which now begins to rapidly expand. It symbolises movement or creativity in motion. The dancer follows the pulse - rhythmic pattern and melody, where the elements of earth (rhythm/beat) and spirit/emotion (melody) mesh together. The dance builds up progressively as these elements create pattern and movement in the dance. Multiple moves appear as the body becomes aware of the space it occupies.

4. Perpetuation
In science, the geometry of the seven interconnected circles known by its mythological name - the 'seed of life' - is considered to be the basic unit of information necessary for the formation of all material substance. Symolically, it forms the structural base for the ankh, the ancient Egyptian symbol for life, health and happiness. Also known as the ansate cross, this symbol has been extensively used in the Coptic Christian church. In art, the circular patterning begins to form dramatic dance dialogue with evolving linear design that can be now be visually seen, rather than suggested as before. Accented rhythm and movements that push with stuccato pulse are based on this geometry. Detail becomes more intricate, patterns increase in complexity. Pattern is woven within pattern. The dance becomes animated - with pattern of movement experiencing character through various angles, layers and levels.

5. Flowering
Known as the Tree of Life, this geometry represents the cycle of the fruit tree and is the basis for ancient teachings of the universal life force and cyclic nature of existence. The 'tree of life' depicts the fertile aspect of nature in Islamic art and is also recognized as the sacred geometry of the Kabbala, the ancient system of mystical Judaism. Through these dynamic contrasting patterns, the creative force yeilds vitality and expression, unfolding into dense geometric, balanced patterning, each evolving from the previous cycle. In dance, as rhythm and melody form clusters of syncopated pattern, the expanding rings of circular and linear shapes in turn birth the collective - a larger picture of the whole - like a composition or symphony. The 'tree of life' symbology suggests patterning of a cyclic nature - balancing procreation, growth and continuous endings and new beginnings. New patterns emerge in dance - syncopating with the rhythm and melody, which also follows principles of cyclic pattern in chorus, verse and improvisation (taqsim) vs structured musical story.

6. Definition
As linear qualities begin to manifest with focused strength and clarity within the circle, the directive force becomes more apparent. The decagon emerges from the pentagonal star to share its self-generating proportion, the golden mean. Rhythmically, the 5th beat of each pattern of 8 is the strongest, suggesting accent or focus in dance. At the center of this design seen in much Arabic art, the star serves as a powerful icon symbolizing excellence and perfect proportion. It is the fundamental patterning in Islamic art with its multiplicity of fractal patterning and sacred kaleidoscope of interlocking shapes based on this geometry. The developed linear element creates a definitive order; a powerful structural standard, yet co-exists in balanced harmony within the curved feminine periphery of its containment. This patterning creates strong and rhythmic dance, accented beats and concentrated linear design within the circle. Here the dance is precise and powerful, with a rich, sharp rhythmic element.

7. Illumination
The pattern that symbolises the 'sacred heart' - spiritual intuition and wisdom that illuminates, inspires and leads the mind, rather than be controlled by the mind. The ancient yogis of India considered it to be the most powerful of all known geometric power symbols. The dense linear inner structure suggests masculine strength that again, as above, resides within the feminine sanctuary. This form also has the ability to focus, balance and increase the level of life force energy. Also the core geometry of the Sri Yantra, it is revered as a 'star gate' to the unseen centre from which all manifestation ultimately comes. Similar to the Buddhist 'endless knot' this geometry symbolizes the endless cycle of death and rebirth until illumination. The movements become focused, concentrated and power is brought into the centre of the circle. There is a strong balance of the square or linear element, with circlular pattern. The skilled dancer can create accents within an organic flowing move, harnessing both energies.

8. Interdimensionality
As the creative patterning process is simplified into core energetics, it forms the basic creation pattern known as Metatron's Cube. It is one of the most important informational systems in the universe and within it is found all five of the Platonic Solids, the building blocks of creation. From it is derived the electro magnetic field of the Human Merkaba. The star tetrahedron (a three dimensional Star of David) is the sacred geometry at the center of this form and is the pattern of the etheric light grid called the Merkaba. Here the triangle in the centre begins to spin - the vibration of a shimmy or large turning moves through space describe this pattern. This geometry is the symbol for iterdimensionality of spirit and human bodily form through the universal energy of love. In dance, it portrays the multiplicity of patterns co-existing and harmonising, the shifting of shape through angle and dimension. This is the point where the dancer completely becomes the dance, experiencing connection of all vibrational energies and a complete release - a sense of complete immersion and surrender to the rich, full integrated orchestra or multi-layered percussion finale.

9. The Return
The Golden Mean Spiral is the ideal and correlates to the centre or source. It is the symbol of life's unfolding mysteries. With each revolution the spiral reveals a complete cycle of evolution. In dance it is a closure; a culmilative energy that contains the whole experience that preceeded it. The spiral offers a wiser and all-encompassing perspective from growing or dancing through 'learning all angles' of each experience. With their continuous curves, spirals are basically feminine in nature and are receptive. Logarithmic spirals, like cochlea of the inner ear, reveal the intimate relationship between the harmonics of sound and geometry. This shape, created from geometric fractal patterns of linear nature, creates a vortex through movement. Its spiraling dynamics bring all it contains back to the centre - the stillest point in the universe. As the grand finale of dance, it may end with a dramatic spiraling turn or crescendo followed by a sudden stop with the music. The dance conlcudes where it had begun - at the centre.