Many ponder the question: “Dance What does God think of it?” Is dance a form of worship that pleases Him, or is it, as some suggest, a “great sin” that degrades Christian values? Such strong opinions can be confusing, especially for those who feel a connection to dance as a form of expression and worship.
Having explored dance in worship for years and studied biblical perspectives, I understand the varying viewpoints. We see King David dancing exuberantly before the Lord, a scene that pleased God but was judged by his wife Michal. We also see Miriam leading the women in dance after the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. These instances suggest dance holds a significant place in connecting with the divine. Recently, Lynn Hayden’s book, Dance, Dance, Dance!, deepened my understanding of dance within a biblical context, moving beyond the simple “is it okay?” question.
Dance, Dance, Dance! is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the role of dance and movement in faith. It encourages us to move past basic acceptance and delve into questions like, “When and how should we use dance in worship?” and “What impact can dance have in God’s Kingdom?”
One of the most impactful insights from the book’s initial section is the integral role of dance in Hebrew culture. Dance wasn’t just an activity; it was a response to life. Israelites danced to celebrate victories, express joy and restoration, and even in courtship and marriage celebrations. It was often a communal activity, sometimes an act of worship, and other times a cultural expression. While David and Miriam’s dances were clearly acts of praise exalting God’s presence, other dances served different purposes. For instance, the daughters of Shiloh danced to attract husbands, and the Israelites’ dance before the golden calf was an act of idolatry. This highlights that the human desire to dance is inherent. When our dance is an outpouring of gratitude and praise to God, it is affirmed. When dance is cultural, scripture acknowledges it. However, when dance becomes idolatrous or driven by lust, as in the story of Herodias’ daughter, it grieves God. The core message is profound: dance itself is neutral; its value is determined by the dancer’s heart and motivation.
The book truly resonated with me through its exploration of movement-related words in scripture. Dance, Dance, Dance! meticulously lists Hebrew and Greek words associated with movement, providing English translations and in-depth definitions. Learning the spiritual power unleashed through specific movements described in the Bible was transformative. For example, spinning (chul) can be an act of intercession, while another type of spinning (karar) can be like a battering ram against spiritual opposition. Jumping and shaking (nathar) can symbolize breaking free from bondage. Waving hands or streamers (tnuwphah) can be like a fragrant fire driving away negativity. The concept of God encompassing us, surrounding us with mercy and protection (cabab, Psalm 32:10), takes on a new dimension when linked to movement. Through dance, we can actively participate in breaking chains and barriers. As someone drawn to intercessory prayer, this book illuminated powerful connections between movement and prayer, providing a richer vocabulary for expressing intercession through movement. I’ve long appreciated using expressive sign in dance for clear communication. Dance, Dance, Dance! expanded my understanding, showing how movements like spinning, walking, waving, and leaping are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful and potent tools for healing and spiritual liberation.
If you are involved in leading dance in any capacity, Dance, Dance, Dance! is an essential resource. It will equip you to teach others about the biblical foundations of dance and movement, and inspire you to choreograph with greater intention, meaning, and spiritual impact. Consider exploring this book to deepen your understanding of “dance what” the Bible truly says and unlock the potential of movement in worship.
