Dance as a Mission
“Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!” Psalms 149:3
Dance is a beautiful way of displaying a form of art through creativity, musicality, flexibility, strength, and rhythm. However because of the secular world we live in dance often may be looked at as against Christianity because it can be seen as scandalous, provocative and some say sinful. I have quite the opposite view. I understand that some forms of dance can be categorized in this way and not everyone has the same uplifting motives for dance as others but I want to acknowledge the fact that dance can be used as a mission.
I have danced for my whole life and I have been around many different dance environments. Which includes ones that are uplifting and positive environments such as my experience being involved in Orchesis here at Grove City and my competitive team growing up. When dance is looked at as a mission to be together with other dancers who have a desire to dance in their hearts while honoring God. Dance can beautifully demonstrate praise and be a form of worship. I have been involved in dances that display the unique gifts and God given talents of dancers to honor God through worship song, dance, and story telling. Story telling through dance brings about emotion to connect to many believers and unbelievers.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10
God created us with unique talents and gifts and those who are gifted with musicality, flexibility, and athletically can use these talents in dance to bring glory to God. We are made to use those talents and gifts to bring glory to god.
Here is an example of a very popular and competitive dance company performance that is a beautiful story and dance. Mather Dance Company.
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I think it is sad that people have taken dance and turned it to suit sinful purposes. A large number of the Old Testament victories culminate in the people singing and dancing praises to God. It’s just another example of the corruption of the human mind that so many people think of dance the way we do now.
This is an awesome way to view dance. I’m a believer that all creation is redemptive to some degree. I think dance is a great example of this. Much of the world – in many different forms – has been perverted and twisted to be used for sin. We as Christians ought to fight against that and use art for good rather than be passive towards it.
This is a really interesting and well-thought-out blog post! This verse you mentioned sticks out to me “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10. I think it is hard to think of the many gifts God has given us that we have turned secular, yet through redemption, with Christ the gifts he gives us truly are to glorify him! What a wonderful thing!
I love your outlook on this topic. It is true that dance can be looked down on, especially when it’s carried out in a certain way, but dancing for the LORD is an amazing way to worship.