Sarah Goldsmith- Chora (Landscapes of the Sacred)

One of the most elusive ideas in the class was the introduction of a place as 'chora'. Belden C. Lane introduces places using two greek words: 'topos', meaning the location, and 'chora', meaning an "energizing force" (39). I feel that the idea of 'chora' is elusive because while I can explain the locations that I have felt this connection between the land and my imagination, I cannot explain what makes that location different from any other 'topos'. This is so fascinating to me because the only real difference is that 'chora' speaks to you innermost being while 'topos' can literally be a place on the side of the road.
Lane writes, "Place as chora carries its own energy and power, summoning its participants to a common dance, to the "choreography" most appropriate to their life together" (39).

This interpretation of place as 'chora' was something that particularly stood out to me. I grew up dancing, and while I may be far from the best dancer, I did get to spend my junior year taking Ballet and Afro-Carribean Dance. While in these classes I learned the power of choreography. I learned how the correct movements can create a story so captivating without a single word. I also learned how the right choreography for me depended upon my mood and the day, but when they matched the energy was explosive. This is what it's like to experience a place as 'chora'. It's the ability to see the energy, the dance, of the location and its corresponding performance in relation to yourself. This dance of a location contributes to the reason why people search for these sacred locations.