- Liturgical dance
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Liturgical dance is dance that is incorporated into liturgies or worship services. It is an expression of worship. It can be in Christian services as well as other religions and faith traditions. [1] Such dances can be accompanied by many different types of music. The dancers will respond with an appropriate dance which flows out of the music and is thought to enhance the prayer or worship experience. This dance may either be spontaneous, or have been choreographed ahead of time. If it is choreographed it is generally fitted to the song's lyrics or to religious concepts. Often this is performed by women, but many men also do it as well.
Liturgical dance is a relatively recent practice in the West, being virtually unpracticed until the twentieth century. However its antecedents go back to accounts of dancing in the Old Testament. An example is the episode when King David danced before the Ark of the Covenant. In other parts of the world dancing as a form of worship is much more popular.
Liturgical dance as a term is sometimes controversial among groups that disapprove of dancing in general (or disapprove of liturgy in general). A few such groups refer to liturgical dance as "Christian body worship". Others maintain it is a way of physically manifesting God's message, seeing it as an emotionally powerful way to inspire church goers.
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External links
Categories:- Christian liturgy, rites, and worship services
- Sacred dance
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