“Dancing” with Nietzsche: His Contribution in the Redefinition of the Value of Individual’s Physical Dimension

Abstract

Friedrich W. Nietzsche is one of the few important philosophers that often mention the art of dance in his works, especially in the Birth of Tragedy and Thus Spoke Zarathustra. The purpose of this study is to analyze Nietzsche’s contribution to the philosophical foundation of dance. In addition, it will be attempted to present, through dance’s approach, the primary role the philosopher assigns to the human physical dimension, in contrary to the intellectual one. Through petitions in the Athenian tragedy and especially through the relation between the Dionysian and Apollonian element, he approaches dance, which represents the absolute and collective affirmation of life. Furthermore, the “dancing” Zarathustra consents in secular life and creates new values through the dancing experience. He treats the body as equal, or even superior, to the soul, which is a simple component of the physical self. In conclusion, Nietzsche exalts dance and considers it an integral part of human development.