In the Old Testament dancing was not only a secular function, but a sacred one as well.
It was part of the celebration of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea (Ex. 15:20) and the
procession in which David brought the Ark into Jerusalem (2 Sa. 6:5). Dancing was
associated with worship--liturgical dancing (Ps. 149:3; Ps. 150:4; 1 Sa. 10:5) The dance
was a part of the vintage festival (Judges 21:21), and Jeremiah sees maidens, young and
old men dancing in the joy of messianic Israel (Jer. 32:4, 13). Eccl. 3:4 says there is a time
to mourn and a time to dance. See also Ps. 30:11. Many of the Old Testament dances
are performed by groups, sometimes mixed but more frequently women alone, rather than by
individuals. One of the exceptions is King David who danced before the Lord (2 Sam. 6:14, 16, 21).
The dance was accompanied by music and the dancers often carried tambourines.
In tkhe New Testament Jesus speaks of children singing and dancing in the streets (Mt. 11:17;
Luke 7:32) and in the parable of the Prodigal Son he speaks of a celebration including music
and dancing (Luke 15:25). And who can imagine the wedding feast at Cana without music and
dancing?
Of course, there have been instances where dancing did not glorify God. Recall the celebration involving the
golden calf (Ex. 32:19) and when Salome danced before the guests at the dinner in honor of Herod Antipas'
birthday.
In view of the foregoing, especially the favorable citations in the Old Testament, why is there so little
liturgical dancing in today's churches?
