Two ancient texts on dance, written in Greek by Syrian authors (Lucian On Dance and Libanius On the Dancers) allow us to strengthen knowledge of Greek and have discussions radiating out to consider: 1. popular Platonisms and the elevation of the body 2. Hellenisms of the body and ethnic diversity 3. dance, spectacle, and narrative art 4. anti-Christian approaches to the body, beauty, pleasure 5. influence of antiquity on modern ballet.