The Arts In Worship: Dance
I live in a house full of girls, and some of the best moments among the five of us; are when we turn up the music and dance. In the womb, our mothers feel our movement. As we mature, we move toward those that we love. Genesis 1 [New International Version] says: "…the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Movement is essential in life, and as people of God, we move in praise while we inhabit the earth. This movement can take on many physical forms, including one that is often controversial: dance.
Throughout the Bible, we learn that Miriam danced on the other side of the Red Sea; David danced, declaring his love and devotion before the presence of God. Jesus speaks of dancing in Matthew 11 [New Living Translation] — "We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn." We even learn that God dances over us in Zephaniah 3:17 [NIV] — "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty, he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy (which means spin around — dance) over thee with singing."
Dance is a common theme in scripture and a controversial debate in many Christian circles, especially churches. These debates range from against, with the belief that dance is provocative and sensual. Others favor dance, with ideas aligning around the physical body's discipline. We must choose to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice. The Bible says there is a designated time to dance in Ecclesiastes 3.¹ Yet, dance yields sentiments such as the scarlet letter within Christian discussions.
One of the Bible's greatest stories is The Prodigal Son, a parable taught by Jesus. In the story, we see two brothers. One that runs away and lives a reckless life. The other stays home and plays it safe. The Father grieves the son that leaves and, upon return, throws a grand celebration. In Luke 15:25 — Jesus says: "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing." The reason? Luke 15:32 [NIV]— "This brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found." When we dance in worship, we acknowledge the truth of our Father's celebration. We are a life that has been lost and is now found.
Our bodies can have a mind of their own, but when we worship — we command our bodies to respond to the fullness of who God is. We respond to the great creator.
American Ballet Theatre principal Devon Teuscher states:
“I believe that God gave us our talents and that he wants us to develop them,” Teuscher says. “There is a lot of discipline that goes into being a practicing religious person, just as there is a lot of discipline that goes into being a professional ballet dancer. Ballet requires reverence, and my faith has taught me how to be reverent — the two go hand in hand.”²
In dance, we place worth on God. We present our bodies as a living sacrifice; we surrender our will to him. As our feet begin tapping, our bodies activate, moving in step with the wind of the Spirit. We release praise and adoration to our creator.
Bernhard Wosien describes this beautifully — "Dance is meditation in movement, a walking into silence where every movement becomes prayer."³
Our worship lives should be a prayer, and God has divinely weaved into our entire humanity a desire to worship. Worship through dance engages us in the many facets of who we are — all united in offering up worship to God. "Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship" — Romans 12:1 [Christian Standard Bible].
