Eurythmy
Why Is It Required?
A Waldorf eurythmy teacher
[PINNACLE, 1964,
Waldorf School of Adelphi University].
Q. What is "eurythmy" and why is it required in Waldorf schools? [1]
A. Eurythmy is a form of spiritual dancing created by Rudolf Steiner and performed by Steiner's followers. At its simplest level, eurythmy is meant to give visible form to the inner meaning of language. Using eurythmy, you can "dance" any word or sentence.
At a deeper level, eurythmy is meant to forge a direct, immediate connection between the dancer and the spirit realm. According to Steiner, "In having people do eurythmy, we link them directly to the supersensible [i.e., supernatural] world." [2]
Steiner taught that the gods create by simply speaking their intentions. Humans have a similar power, he said — when we speak or think, we create spiritual realities that exist in the spirit realm. Performing eurythmy is meant to give physical expression to the inner, spiritual meaning of language, and thus to forge links to the spiritually creative powers of the universe.
The spiritual benefits of eurythmy are considered so important, Waldorf schools often require all students to do eurythmy. Steiner said, "Eurythmy is obligatory. The children must participate. Those who do not participate in eurythmy will be removed from the school." [3]
o0O0o
[1] The word "eurythmy" means "good rhythm" or "well-proportioned." As developed by Rudolf Steiner, eurythmy as a dance form is akin to various types of temple dancing.
[2] Rudolf Steiner, ART AS SPIRITUAL ACTIVITY (Anthroposophic Press, 1998), p. 247.
[3] Rudolf Steiner, FACULTY MEETINGS WITH RUDOLF STEINER (Anthroposophic Press, 1998), p. 65.
o0O0o
For more information, see
o0O0o
Pronunciation: "Eurythmy" is pronounced yur-ITH-me. The adjectival form, "eurythmic," is pronounced yur-ITH-mick. A practitioner of eurythmy is a eurythmist, yur-ITH-mist.