Dancing? Well I have danced with my dad before and I do plan to dance with my husband, but I really don’t think it is a good idea to dance with guys since it gets your emotions tied in where they shouldn’t be going. I also dance in church as a form of worship and I think the Lord delights in that. I know my mom has pointed out people “dancing like David danced.” That is my personal view on dancing—it does have its place in Christian circles.
S. – age 16
This is a topic that has a lot of views of course. I personally believe it can only be answered by one’s own convictions, prayer, and seeking God to see what He says. Obviously, going to secular clubs and dancing like they do there is not “shining your light” and “setting an example”. I guess you must ask yourself, “Is this something that would enable others to tell I’m saved, or am I being a stumbling block and giving Christianity a bad name?” Besides, the Word says, “Do not stand in the counsel of the wicked.” There is enough garbage going around dance clubs, we need to change that. In the Bible it mentions dancing and singing praises, but it was done in such a way to glorify God, not arouse certain sexual feelings. And being teens, it’s very hard to know where the line is. So prayer is necessary in order to know exactly where you and God stand on this issue.
R. – 16
I think that it depends on the type of dancing, the environment, and with whom you’re dancing. “Dancing”, per se, is not wrong. Jesus himself might have danced at the wedding at Cana. Sometimes, really close slow dancing can be wrong, but again, it depends. If it is a supervised, healthy atmosphere, then it’s okay. If it is a situation where you might be tempted to go farther, it has the potential to be dangerous. Also, if you are dancing with someone who has the same values as you, and all other factors check in as “good,” it’s fine. Being Christian shouldn’t keep you from dancing in a clean manner.
R.
I believe some kinds of dancing are acceptable. In the Bible, King David danced. But then, we must take into consideration that dancing today is not what it was then. Teen dances today (mostly) are not acceptable. Many are put to Satan-influenced music, and the way the dance is done is far from pure. Just my 2-cents worth!
Sincerely, S. – age 14
I am a dancer and I believe wholeheartedly that Christians can dance! Dancing is a beautiful way to praise the Lord. My 2 younger sisters and I often dance in our church’s services (sometimes my 8-year-old brother and my mum dance too!). Our mission statement is to help others worship and to present the Gospel in a different way. Dance can capture attention in a way that a sermon and singing can’t, so I believe that as well as being used as a blessing to others, it can be used as a witnessing tool to convey the Word of God to others. It can capture the attention of people who might not be interested in Jesus or are dealing with the issues that the song and dance is addressing.
My sisters and I are involved with other forms of dancing too. We have used tambourines, sign language, ribbons, banners, puppetry, folk dancing, even some rather unusual things—like jelly! We have just decided to add Christian Clowning to our repertoire! Now that is serious fun!
I realize that there aren’t any commands to dance in the Bible (at least not that I’ve come across yet) only exhortations (Ecc. 3:4, Ps. 149:3, Ps. 150:4) and the many examples the Bible gives us. There isn’t any verse that says we shouldn’t dance either. I believe that the Bible encourages us to dance (offering our bodies as living sacrifices). I also believe the Bible gives us guidelines to use when we dance. I think that a lot of people don’t think that dancing belongs in church because of the reputation that the world has given it (e.g.. skimpy, immodest clothing, dancing to draw attention to the body). My sisters and I refuse to be guilty of these things. We usually wear long white skirts (with culottes underneath) with colored shirts or jackets or something similar.
I don’t know about anyone else but I love bush dances (what you Americans call square dances I guess)! They are so much fun! The whole family gets involved! I think God loves to watch us have fun! It’s also a great way to get out there and say Hi to people you don’t know. We have a bush dance at our annual beach mission every year and so many non-Christians turn up! It’s great to have a non-threatening atmosphere in which they can talk and have fun with other Christians. It also proves that we Christians can and do have heaps of fun! As for couple dancing, I think you need to be careful of what you are saying with your body language to your partner and other people who may be watching you.
R.
Dancing…to the glory of God? Hmm…the two just don’t seem to mix, in my mind. And since there are no scriptures that say, “Thou shalt not dance,” I think the key to knowing whether its wrong or right lies in, “Does dancing glorify God?”
But let me back up. First, what’s the purpose behind dancing? To snuggle up nice and close to a good looking fellow? To have fun? To move your body in rhythm to some sensual music?
Now, I’m referring to the typical prom-like setting and school dances. You might say, “Well what about square dancing, where you don’t snuggle up close or dance to a sensual tune?”
I think the key question should not be which type of dancing is okay or not okay, but, “Does it glorify God?” We’re not called to live this life for fun and pleasure alone. We’re called to live separately from the world and its ways (1 John 2:15), living quiet and peaceable lives, in all godliness (1 Tim. 2:1-3). To be examples and epistles, declaring the love of God to the watching world.
What appearance does attendance to things such as dances give to the world? What kind of people usually attend dances? What is the general atmosphere—that which is wholesome, godly and brings glory to our Lord?
S.
I’ve never danced, and neither did my parents before me. My dad has always been dead-set against dancing, and I inherited my opinion from him. But, when a friend asked me for my perspective on dancing, it took me a while to formulate my thoughts.
In short, the only man I would ever dance with would be my hubby. 
Some people will take the dancing in Scripture out of context and use it as an excuse to attend dances, but that is a totally different thing. Scripture does not promote sensuous dancing!! The dancing in the Bible was basically jumping around joyfully—my little sister does that quite frequently! As far as dancing that is performing to a group as a means of worship, I am not totally against it, but there is a fine line between modest dancing and sensual moves—so I would rather steer clear of it than get on the wrong side of the line.
But as to “couple” dancing… My dad and pastor were discussing it, and my pastor put it in a nutshell: “Why do guys go to dances? For the chance to hold a girl in their arms.” No matter if the girl is having inappropriate thoughts, the guy who is dancing with her—though he may truly care for her—is probably having thoughts that we girls would be appalled if we knew. And to turn that another way, too, guys are “stimulated” by sight—that’s why what we girls wear is so important. So to the guy touch is progressively one step further toward sin. We girls, however, aren’t stimulated by sight as they are (we may think they’re good-looking, but that’s not the same); rather touch is what “stimulates” us. So if you look at it that way, dancing is continuing something in a guy’s mind and starting something in a girl’s. Not a good scenario! Especially when you’re talking dancing with lots of guys in an evening, and really quite likely, giving bits of yourself and your heart to each of them. In reality, the girl is placing herself in a position to feel used (though maybe just subconsciously). And personally, I don’t like the feeling of being a guy’s “toy” to play with and get good feelings from!
Though it may be possible to dance without having any such thoughts, that would be extreme self-control, and as I doubt if most teenage guys and girls have this much self-control, dancing is not a recommended place to test it or work on building it! We need to avoid the settings of temptation, as Josh Harris says.
Dancing may appear to be one of those “gray areas”, but I think this quote from Oswald Chambers puts it into perspective: “The only test we should use to determine whether or not to allow a particular emotion to run its course in our lives is to examine what the final outcome of that emotion [or action] will be. Think it through to its logical conclusion, and if the outcome is something that God would condemn, put a stop to it immediately.” In my opinion, the logical conclusion of all the touching, etc. at dances would be the guy and girl eventually giving up their virginity, because physical touch is just like a downward slope. And since that is wrong (outside of marriage), therefore dancing is wrong.
As for what the Bible says, all the Scriptures about keeping pure—2 Timothy 2:22, etc.—apply, because it is the thoughts that go on while dancing that are wrong. There is nothing Biblically wrong, per se, with guys and girls touching—it depends on the kind of touching, and for what reasons. Just like there is nothing wrong with hugging a friend for friendship’s sake, and not for physical pleasure.
You have to ask, what are people’s reasons for going to dances? If for guys it is just to have a good time holding a girl, and for girls it is just for the comfort of being held by a guy, we’re doing it for all the wrong reasons! If you find me a dance where there are absolutely no immoral thoughts going on in anyone’s mind, and everyone is wearing “bee suits” so no one touches each other, and you can convince my dad to let me go, maybe, just maybe, you’ll find me at a dance.
G.
The topic of dancing is one of no little debate among Christians today. Some embrace dancing as “innocent fun.” Some set extensive (and often incongruent) rules as to which dances are “okay”, and which are not. And others denounce all dancing as evil.
First of all I must clarify that there are different types of dancing. For one thing there is the biblical sort of praise dancing such as Miriam and David did. This kind of dancing is definitely all right, but for sake of time I will not get into the question of whether it belongs in churches. Other types of dancing are for spectator entertainment, such as ballet and tap dancing. The main problem with these kinds of dancing can be immodest clothing, and inappropriate touching. Then there is non-married couple dancing, which is the main issue of debate among Christians. I realize that there are many different ways to couple dance, and that some are probably worse than others, but they all involve sensual relationships and physical contact.
I think that before young women say that dancing is innocent, they should know what dancing means to young men. If a girl is wearing clothing that is even close to being immodest, impure thoughts jump into boys’ minds. And even if a girl is wearing very modest clothing, when a boy is holding her in his arms lustful thoughts can easily creep in. Jesus said in Matthew 5:27&28 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ but I say to you, that every one who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.”(NAS) That is a scary verse, but it is something that we need to face. If a young woman is opening a door for lust, she could be causing a brother in Christ to commit adultery in his heart, and that is very, very serious.
Now I know that some people at some dances could probably avoid any lustful or inappropriate thoughts, but we should not stick around temptation just to practice withstanding it. 2 Timothy 2:22 tells us to flee from youthful lusts. That means we are to completely avoid them. We should never “play with fire” as the well-worn phrase goes.
Jesus went on to say in Matthew 5:29&30 “And if your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to go into hell.”(NAS) I think we need to treat dancing as that eye or hand. Even though we may think it is necessary to our enjoyment; if it causes us to sin, we should not try to justify it or downplay its effects, we should throw it from us.
It seems to me that if you wish to save your heart and mind totally for your future spouse, then dancing (at least before marriage) is not an option.
age 14
Your question is thought-provoking! I don’t believe that all dance is bad—but most is. I do not attend couple dances, mainly because of the slow-dancing and immoral immodesty that goes on. Dancing makes me very uncomfortable—as a Christian, I want to honor God in everything I do (not least of all, with my body), and I don’t believe that “couple” dancing brings glory to God.
However, I am on a Sacred Dance team at a nearby church (not ours). We wear long silk dresses, and the dance itself is more of the skipping and hand-clapping. It is more modest and definitely brings glory to God—not to mention that we’re doing it with all girls. This kind of dance is good for the body, in that it’s exercise, but it is also modest and glorifying to God. Well, there’s my point of view!!
Love, A.
I believe that dancing isn’t bad or wrong, unless you compromise your Christian faith or moral standards. Christians are free to dance as long as they are retaining their morals, but if they go against God by compromising, then it is very wrong. This applies to both teens and adults.
If invited I would go to a dance (with my parents’ permission), and would dance in a way pleasing to God.
I think that square dancing and non-couple dancing are some of the best types of dancing, because they prevent you from ending up in a sticky situation (“dirty dancing”).
It’s written in the Old Testament that King David danced before the Lord to celebrate special occasions (2 Samuel 6:14). So I believe dancing is acceptable as long as it’s pleasing in the Lord’s eyes.
With His love, A.
I think that teen dancing is awful, and as Christians, we should not take part in it. I do not attend dances, and never will. I believe that, especially for girls, if we have made up our minds to be pure until marriage, dancing defies that decision, because it includes holding hands, touching, etc.
T.
Excellent point to ponder! Is dancing really bad? I think it mostly depends on our motives. After all, are we dancing with the opposite sex just to “get a thrill” or to have a good time?
I took a homeschooler’s square dance class when I was much younger and my partner was a very good friend. We both had “left feet,” but this class was for fun and thinking deeper than that wasn’t possible!
I have been to one dance in my life—though I didn’t actually dance (mother’s rule!)—but the dances there were just for fun and (I think) completely harmless.
Sort through your motives, and if the only reason to dance is to dance with opposite sex, dancing can be harmful. However, if the word dancing brings fun to your mind, so be it! Dancing is so much fun (take your sibling and waltz about your bedroom!), so don’t let the world spoil it by thinking how sensual it is to dance. Have fun!
J. – age 17
Dancing…hmmm…that is a good topic of discussion. I’m sure it causes much deliberation and debate among Christians. I personally believe that dancing is fine. I take Jazz dance (a form of Ballet—except with faster steps) and there is nothing suggestive or ungodly about the numbers we perform. Our teacher is a Christian, so that helps too.
I love to dance! It is a fun way to let off energy and display your creativity and joy. In our classes we have done swing, hip-hop, and countless other dances, but all are fun and enjoyable to watch—not distasteful or inappropriate.
As for “couple” dancing, I think that can be wrong, if you are in the wrong situation. There are many times when you might have the opportunity to dance with a guy, but if it is in good spirit and without suggestive moves or attitudes—I see no problem. Yes, there are dirty and filthy ways of dancing, but they should not taint guy-girl dancing. Prancing around the room together will hardly invoke ungodly relations, IF you stay pure—physically and emotionally. Don’t get “flustered” and make a big deal out of a simple dance.
M.
This is certainly a controversial topic! Since dancing isn’t an area that affects our everyday lives (such as modesty, doctrine, etc. would), if you have any thoughts or trepidations against dancing, simply don’t dance! However, let me share my personal thoughts on this topic.
Should Christians dance? I guess the question would be more, “Can Christians dance?” Well, I think most everyone would agree that a married couple can dance together, without any concerns at all. Also, I strongly believe teen dancing is not godly for anyone to do. It is suggestive and is just very worldly-minded, along with the atmosphere it is usually done in—ungodly also. When it comes to waltzing or other one-on-one close ballroom dancing, I think that shouldn’t be done except between a couple that is promised (depending on the couple) or married. Some people may be able to do it just fine without having the wrong thoughts, but the couple is in such close proximity of each other, I think it would be very difficult to keep thoughts from forming, or imagining that the young man feels more for you than he may.
Non-couple dancing, such as square dancing is different. Some may feel uncomfortable with it; others may not. It really depends on the individual person. Personally, I do not feel uncomfortable with it at all. It’s great fun, and things move so fast that there isn’t time for any wrong thoughts to settle. Oftentimes you are switching partners every few seconds, and there isn’t a romantic atmosphere to the event. I have been dancing twice. Both were Civil War dances, where we did square dances, reels, and other period dances in the wonderful dresses of that time period (and gloves, so none of us actually really touched each other! ). The second time I went, which was recently, they also had a few waltzes and other ballroom type dances. I did the square dances with a family friend young man a few years older than myself, but when it came to the waltzes, I did those with one of the fathers in our party. It was much more comfortable doing it with someone I knew I didn’t have to worry or wonder about.
To sum up my thoughts on dancing, I’ll say that dancing is an activity that can be enjoyed by Christians, when done in a godly manner. The Bible does not talk against dancing, yet it does say to flee youthful lusts. If dancing leads to lustful thoughts or actions, then it is wrong for that individual person. But I believe if it can be done within the bounds of godliness, let those who can, enjoy it!
M. – age 19
I thought perhaps I’d put in my two cents in the form of a quote that I’ve found both amusing and enlightening on the topic.
In Christ, C.
Dr. Van Anden, a Christian acquaintance of Sadie Reid’s, has been discussing with her the question of dancing as they ride together in a carriage. She goes into a long monologue on the subject…
Dr. Van Anden made no sort of a reply, if Sadie could judge from his face; he seemed to have grown weary of the whole subject; he leaned back in his carriage and let the reins fall loosely and carelessly. His next proceeding was most astounding; coolly possessing himself of one of the small gloved hands that lay idly in Sadie’s lap, he said in a quiet, matter-of-fact tone: “Sadie, would you allow me to put my arm around you?”
In an instant the indignant blood surged in waves over Sadie’s face; the hand was angrily withdrawn, and the graceful form drawn to an erect height, and it is impossible to describe the freezing tone of astonished indignation in which she ejaculated, “Dr. Van Anden!”
“Just what I expected,” returned that gentleman in a composed manner, bestowing a look of entire satisfaction upon his irate companion. “And yet, Sadie, I hope you will pardon my obtuseness, but I positively cannot see why, if it is proper and courteous, and all that sort of thing, I, who am a friend of ten years’ standing, should not enjoy the same privilege which you accord to Fred Kenmore, to whom you were introduced last week and with whom I heard you say you danced five times.”
Sadie looked confused and annoyed, but finally she laughed; for she had the good sense to see the folly of doing anything else under the existing circumstances.
“That is the point which puzzles me at present,” continued the doctor in a kind, grave tone. “I do not understand how you ladies of refinement can permit, under certain circumstances and often from comparative strangers, attention which, under other circumstances, they repel with becoming indignation. Won’t you consider the apparent inconsistency a little? It is the only suggestion which I wish to offer on the question at present.”
(Taken from Ester Reid by Isabella Alden, Revised Edition
Copyright 1995 by Robert L. Munce/Tyndale House)
Dancing in and of itself is not sinful. I love classical and other types of music, and when I hear such, I want to dance. I love dancing—I think it can be a wonderful and very beautiful way to glorify God, very worshipful. In the Bible the Lord commands us to dance in joy before him. There are many, many psalms and passages in the Books of the Law and other places too, where dancing is a form of worship.
But yes, it can also be very sinful. When I say I love to dance I am not talking about dancing with a guy of course. I think it would be fun and very romantic to dance with my husband, but I would never dance in that way with anyone else.
I would urge you not to judge those who do not think that “any form of dance is of the devil” because I strongly think that such a position is not biblical.
A Sister in Christ ~ age 17
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