At my church if we sing a solo or play an instrument, we stay still in one place and refrain from any unnecessary movement that might distract from the words of the song. The microphone is mounted so we don't try to shove it down our mouth or kiss it or play with the cord like you see secular artists doing when they perform. The focus is on the words, not on our body.
With a dance, it seems the focus is on the dancer's body. I can close my eyes and listen to the music being played and not even look at the dancer's body to be blessed. This is why I don't "get" the point of interpretive dance. I don't need to watch anyone writhe around to worship God.
I understand the point of a GROUP dance (like Jewish dance) where everyone participates, because the focus isn't on one person--it's everyone moving together to praise God.
It's interesting to see the different ways people view things.
"unnecessary movement that might distract from the words of the song" is an example. Yes, some come to the microphone and sing with arms by their sides and their eyes straight ahead. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that.
Others come to the microphone to sing the same song, hand up raised, face lifted towards our Lord, eyes closed, and something within their voice tells anyone who listening the words to the song are coming straight from their heart. Same with some who clap their hands in joy or drop to their knees in thanksgiving.
If the Holy Spirit is leading them, why should the singer stand as still as a stature? (I'm not talking about "antics" sometimes used to draw attention for the purpose of drawing attention as opposed to heartfelt worship.)
When interpertative dance is done in
true worship of our Lord, attention isn't (shouldn't be) drawn to the body of the dancer in a sinful way. Attention is dawn to the act of worship, to the story that's being presented in movement. Kneeling with outstretched hands towards Christ isn't "writhe around" Nor is kneeling with head bowed in repentance. Nor portrayal of the conflict between good and evil.
Bodies become the vehicle used to convey the message. Just as the voice of a singer becomes the vehicle used to praise God. When I tweak the volume of the mic a singer is using, the sound system is also another vehicle being used to convey what's in the singer's heart.
Any and all of these can be used to bring glory to God. Any and all of these can yield to "Hath God said". For both those up front and those in the audience.
As to distraction, often we are distracted, when we allow ourselves to be distracted. Whether it's a gaudy tie worn by the pastor or too much makeup worn by a choir member. Either I focus on those "negatives" or I focus on giving God the praise that imperfect people are giving of themselves to honor Him.
