니체, 허무주의와 춤

Abstract

This article aims to examine the relations between Nietzsche's account of overcoming nihilism and metaphor of dance. Existing studies of Nietzsche's conception of dance dealt with it in connection with themes such as Dionysian intoxication, bodily thinking, and the restoration of the earth. Or those studies discussed how Nietzsche's thoughts have influenced contemporary art, especially modern dance. Unlike the previous studies, this article tries to explore Nietzsche's dance metaphor from the perspective of a new way of life that balances between Apollonian and Dionysian. Furthermore, this writing argues that for Nietzsche, dance as a way of life is the best means of overcoming nihilism, affirming life and the world, and loving one’s own fate. Nietzsche discusses the so-called tragic awareness capable of giving us insights into nihilism inherent in life, and the discussion starts from The Birth of Tragedy. And he further faces this awareness. At the same time, responding to the nihilistic character of life, he seeks to acquire wisdom for overcoming it. According to Nietzsche, humans need two natural impulses, namely, the impulses for Apollonian dreams and for Dionysian intoxication. The Apollonian world is a world of fantasies where chaotic darkness is hidden in a beautiful, virtual reality. Humans cannot live without Apollonian imaginations. The Apollonian is the natural impulse that enables and preserves life. But if there is nothing Dionysian, one is likely to live in a rigid, stagnant apparence, even though one may live in a beautiful, virtual order. On the other hand, if only the Apollonian is dominant, then one may fall into the state of decadence. For a particular imagination can suppress and exclude other imaginations in dogmatism and dictatorship. Of course, if only the Dionysian is dominant. Man can fall in destruction and chaos. Thus, in Nietzsche’s view, it is important to live a balanced style of life between the two natural impulses: the Apollonian, which gives order and temperance, and the Dionysian, which leads to destruction and extinction. Nietzsche thematizes the style of life, employing the metaphors of dance, of dancing, and of dancing life. Now, firstly, this article will attempt to reveal the essence of dance metaphor, and nextly, to show why, for Nietzsche, it is the best means of overcoming nihilism.