Because of Thy Exceeding Faith: A Choreographic Portrayal of Women in The Book of Mormon

• Main Author: Bone, Wendy L.
• Format: Others
• Published: BYU ScholarsArchive 2001
• Subjects: women; Book of Mormon; Sariah; Abish; wife of King Lamoni; stripling warriors; mothers; roles of women; scripture; testimony; faith; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; LDS Church; Mormon Church; Dance; Mormon Studies; Women's Studies
• Online Access: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/4540; https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5539&context=etd

This thesis is a choreographic exploration that illuminates and defines moments in the lives of women who are mentioned in the Book of Mormon. These women are Sariah; the wife of King Lamoni and Abish, her servant; and the Ammonite mothers of Helaman's two thousand stripling warriors. It is through these stories that their faith was evident. By understanding the roles these women played in the history of the Book of Mormon, we can use their example to strengthen our own testimonies.It was discovered through this process that, although one can read about the life of another, a deeper understanding comes through the creation and expression of movement. Communication skills were also developed as choreography was created depicting a specific moment without being flamboyant and disruptive. The greatest discovery, however, came from the overwhelming positive response received from the performers and the audience. Many expressed the emotions they felt during and after the performance, describing it as “one of the greatest spiritual experiences they have had through dance.”