Interpretive Dance in church?

[abcgrad94]

What is your view of interpretive dance in church? The only time I've seen this done was when a young woman, dressed in a modest but form-fitting outfit, danced to a music recording of a CCM song. She used different dance moves and choreography to "interpret" the song.

I felt uncomfortable with the dance, but I'm not sure exactly why. Part of it might be that I felt it improper for men to be watching her twist and turn--as if it brought too much attention to her body, although there were no "vulgar" moves in the dance. I know that the women in Bible times danced and sang, but not in the temple, and I don't know if it was with a mixed audience.

I'd like to hear a scriptural perspective on this, especially for those who use this in church services.

 

[Baptist4life]

I've seen it a few times when I visited other churches for special programs..................Easter play, Christmas play, etc..................thought it was sort of weird, not to mention boring.........could see no benefit or reason for it.

 

[annsni]

I think if it is done right, it gives a visual representation to the spoken word and it can be very beautiful. It uses a God-given talent to glorify God and that is a good thing. However, it can also be done in a very wrong way, IMO.

 

[Michael Wrenn]

I think if it is done right, it gives a visual representation to the spoken word and it can be very beautiful. It uses a God-given talent to glorify God and that is a good thing. However, it can also be done in a very wrong way, IMO.

I agree. The use of the arts in worship is a good thing -- if indeed it is art, and not just a show.

 

[Bob Alkire]

I have seen interpretive dance in church a few times, I didn't care for it, but each to their own. I now don't go if there is going to be an interpretive dance program.

The only interpretive dance that had any meaning to me and it wasn't in church but on some land I was clearing, I cut my fingers and thumb with a chain saw. Now that was a dance with meaning.

 

[Oldtimer]

I think if it is done right, it gives a visual representation to the spoken word and it can be very beautiful. It uses a God-given talent to glorify God and that is a good thing. However, it can also be done in a very wrong way, IMO.

Michael wrote:

I agree. The use of the arts in worship is a good thing -- if indeed it is art, and not just a show.

While this form of dance isn't my cup of tea, I agree with these posts.

Providing it (whatever the art maybe) is worship of our Lord and not "entertainment". Yes, often it's a fine line between the two. However, asking if this is something Jesus would watch and bless can make that fine line a 4-lane highway in width, regardless of the "art" form.

 

[Michael Wrenn]

I have seen interpretive dance in church a few times, I didn't care for it, but each to their own. I now don't go if there is going to be an interpretive dance program.

The only interpretive dance that had any meaning to me and it wasn't in church but on some land I was clearing, I cut my fingers and thumb with a chain saw. Now that was a dance with meaning.

Yes, but did it glorify God?

 

[Gina B]

Cool question. Now I know what I'll be looking for in the Bible tonight!

In the meantime...it seems a lot of Baptist churches I've been in have spent so much time trying to repress human nature that they've turned people's thoughts the wrong way. Good intentions, bad results in that many boys and girls growing up feel guilt or shame if they have a normal thought in their head when they see a girl's kneecap or beyond the top button of a boy's shirt. It's probably why so many Baptist preachers use wooden pulpits...us women might trample each other on our way up the aisles if we saw what color socks preachers wear. :smilewinkgrin:

 

[12strings]

I felt uncomfortable with the dance, but I'm not sure exactly why. Part of it might be that I felt it improper for men to be watching her twist and turn--as if it brought too much attention to her body, although there were no "vulgar" moves in the dance. I know that the women in Bible times danced and sang, but not in the temple, and I don't know if it was with a mixed audience.

This is my number one objection to it in most cases...unless the female dancing is wearing thick, multi-layered loose-fitting robe...or if they just select some older or unattractive women to dance, it is very unlikely that any men in the audience will get any spiritual benefit from the dance, most likely the opposite.

The fact is, that if an attractive woman dressed in either normal clothes (say jeans and a regular shirt), or especially some dance outfit that is probalby more form-fitting, and starts dancing on a stage, that most men's thoughts will be on her body. The really pious will look away, knowing their weakness, the rest will watch with thoughts on her, not on the supposed meaning of the dance.

Some may disagree, but I don't see an easy way to get around this...I think this can be a issue as well with music videos from female Christian artists, who don't really 'GET' how the way they dress and move affects men.

That said, I don't think there is a biblical case for prohibiting all dance, but I think it will take lots of work to overcome this obstacle...perhaps if it was more "pride & predjudice" style dancing...just walking in a line or in circles?

 

[Michael Wrenn]

Cool question. Now I know what I'll be looking for in the Bible tonight!

In the meantime...it seems a lot of Baptist churches I've been in have spent so much time trying to repress human nature that they've turned people's thoughts the wrong way. Good intentions, bad results in that many boys and girls growing up feel guilt or shame if they have a normal thought in their head when they see a girl's kneecap or beyond the top button of a boy's shirt. It's probably why so many Baptist preachers use wooden pulpits...us women might trample each other on our way up the aisles if we saw what color socks preachers wear. :smilewinkgrin:

That's funny.

 

[Michael Wrenn]

This is my number one objection to it in most cases...unless the female dancing is wearing thick, multi-layered loose-fitting robe...or if they just select some older or unattractive women to dance, it is very unlikely that any men in the audience will get any spiritual benefit from the dance, most likely the opposite.

The fact is, that if an attractive woman dressed in either normal clothes (say jeans and a regular shirt), or especially some dance outfit that is probalby more form-fitting, and starts dancing on a stage, that most men's thoughts will be on her body. The really pious will look away, knowing their weakness, the rest will watch with thoughts on her, not on the supposed meaning of the dance.

Some may disagree, but I don't see an easy way to get around this...I think this can be a issue as well with music videos from female Christian artists, who don't really 'GET' how the way they dress and move affects men.

That said, I don't think there is a biblical case for prohibiting all dance, but I think it will take lots of work to overcome this obstacle...perhaps if it was more "pride & predjudice" style dancing...just walking in a line or in circles?

I'm sorry, but I couldn't keep from laughing out loud at the part I bolded. So, the potential lust problem could be solved by getting a 65-year old, 300 pound woman to dance? :laugh:

 

[annsni]

Cool question. Now I know what I'll be looking for in the Bible tonight!

In the meantime...it seems a lot of Baptist churches I've been in have spent so much time trying to repress human nature that they've turned people's thoughts the wrong way. Good intentions, bad results in that many boys and girls growing up feel guilt or shame if they have a normal thought in their head when they see a girl's kneecap or beyond the top button of a boy's shirt. It's probably why so many Baptist preachers use wooden pulpits...us women might trample each other on our way up the aisles if we saw what color socks preachers wear. :smilewinkgrin:

LOL - My husband HATES the pulpit. He needs to move - even though it hurts him to do so. But he's active - and moves - and his socks are black.

 

[12strings]

I'm sorry, but I couldn't keep from laughing out loud at the part I bolded. So, the potential lust problem could be solved by getting a 65-year old, 300 pound woman to dance? :laugh:

Exactly! I"m glad you see things my way! :type:

 

[Oldtimer]

The only interpretive dance that had any meaning to me and it wasn't in church but on some land I was clearing, I cut my fingers and thumb with a chain saw. Now that was a dance with meaning.

I've seen and done a few of those dances in my lifetime.

You're absolutely right, as we know exactly the meaning that dance is suggesting!

 

[michael-acts17:11]

Interpretive dance, like anything else, can be used for good or for evil. Here is an example of a powerful interpretive dance/skit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA

 

[annsni]

Interpretive dance, like anything else, can be used for good or for evil. Here is an example of a powerful interpretive dance/skit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA

LOVE that one. We've done that one numerous times - and others.

I also think that there is nothing more beautiful than someone signing (as in sign language) a song. How moving I find it because sign language is so expressive!

 

[Zenas]

Maybe I’m not well versed in the arts but I see nothing worshipful about interpretative dance. What are they interpreting and how is the audience to know? It’s nice to watch and I know some of these girls work for hours to get the routine just right. I’m sure it also promotes physical fitness. But worship? How?
If you went to a dance program that had several different pieces and only one of them was written and choreographed to be an act of Christian worship, I’ll bet you wouldn’t be able to identify which one it was.

 

[annsni]

Maybe I’m not well versed in the arts but I see nothing worshipful about interpretative dance. What are they interpreting and how is the audience to know? It’s nice to watch and I know some of these girls work for hours to get the routine just right. I’m sure it also promotes physical fitness. But worship? How?
If you went to a dance program that had several different pieces and only one of them was written and choreographed to be an act of Christian worship, I’ll bet you wouldn’t be able to identify which one it was.

What a lot of people don't see with those who do some of these dances is that there is meaning behind the movements and such. I don't know them all myself but both of my girls teach it at our church and MAN, there is a lot behind each and every move!!! The girls learn a Scripture verse to go with each movement, they do serious Bible study to go with it and then they work not just weeks but MONTHS on how to do it with excellence and so being able to do it with a heart focused on God and not just themselves. I wish my girls were home right now to be able to explain some of it.

 

[Alive in Christ]

I am definitly in favor of interprative dancing in church.

David danced for His Lord, and we should as well.

 

[Alive in Christ]

Zenus...

Maybe I’m not well versed in the arts but I see nothing worshipful about interpretative dance. What are they interpreting and how is the audience to know?

Because its being done in a CHURCH....where everthing is being done for God.

It’s nice to watch and I know some of these girls work for hours to get the routine just right. I’m sure it also promotes physical fitness. But worship? How?

Again, you dont have to wonder. Its because its being done in church, for the glory of God.

If you went to a dance program that had several different pieces and only one of them was written and choreographed to be an act of Christian worship, I’ll bet you wouldn’t be able to identify which one it was.

Zenus...its ALL for for God. From the beginning to the end. You dont need to compartalize it.

The entire presentation is given as if there was an audiance of one...

GOD

I’m sure it also promotes physical fitness. But worship?, but..

I am certain that physical fitness is the LAST of thier concern.

Its done for the Lord.