'Dance of the Monkeys' Film Screening To Be Held April 30

by Jaime Bates, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

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Dr. Garrett Cook, professor of anthropology at Baylor University, will present a film screening of "The Dance of the Monkeys," from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 30, in room 100 of the Marrs McLean Science Building on the Baylor campus.

Cook produced the film in 2007 and 2008 along with Tom Offit, professor of anthropology at Baylor, and Scott Myers at the Baylor Digital Media Center.

The Dance of the Monkeys is a traditional Mayan ritual of renewal and passage. The film documents a Mayan dance group in Guatemala as they perform the dance, along with acrobatics on a high wire, to the patron saint. The Mayan culture believes the dance enhances their own supernatural powers and better connects the individual with their ancestors.

This will be the first time the film, which was funded by a Baylor University Research Committee Grant, will be presented on the Baylor Campus. This is only the second time it has been shown in the United States.

"This is an excellent film for those interested in the Maya, Guatemala, or learning how indigenous religions and Christianity come together," Cook said.

After the viewing, Cook will speak about his current research project, which is an extension to the film, and answer any questions the audience may have.

For more information on "The Dance of the Monkeys," contact Cook at (254) 710-4433 or by email at Garrett_Cook@baylor.edu.