For a long time, dance has accompanied various forms of music as an expression of the joy or sensation generated by music. The dance evolved from the simple movement of the parts of the body to a complex choreographic movement. The liturgical dance involves the movement of parts of the body that accompanies worship as an expression of devotion. The dancers respond to an appropriate dance technique that coordinates with the music and is believed to improve the expression and devotion of the cult. The liturgical dance can be spontaneous or planned in advance.
- Overview and features –
For many faith groups and believers, liturgical dance is an integral part of the cult. Many churches consider it an acceptable form of a Christian way of worship. Liturgical dancers express the word and spirit of the Lord through the movement of various parts of the body. Choreographic dances are often used before the congregation to create an exciting and emotional atmosphere. The liturgical dancers mostly use their body parts, for example by raising their hands, constantly beating their hands, swinging the body in any direction and moving their heads on the melody of the music to express to the congregation the joy they feel inside.
- Origins –
For the Jews, the liturgical dance, first seen in biblical form in Exodus 15: 20-21, was seen when the Israelites were crossing the Red Sea. Miriam, who was a prophetess and sister of Moses, who led the Israelite, gathered women to sing and dance in adoration after crossing the Red Sea. Moreover, in 2 Samuel 6, when King David reported the Ark of the Covenant, the Israelite danced while celebrating God’s great deeds. From biblical times to the 19th century, dance as a form of Christian worship and celebration was popular and common among the congregation.
- Differences between faith groups and historical periods –
In Christian worship, the liturgical dance is often accepted even by non-liturgical denominations. His performance has grown in the United States since it was started by Carsa De Sola and his Omega Company in the Catholic mass. Attempts have been made to incorporate the liturgical dance into the Catholic Mass with the intention of creating an atmosphere of relaxed worship. However, some other Christian groups disapprove of dancing in the liturgy due to association with blasphemous and insignificant activities. The liturgical dance in the holy catholic mass is forbidden by the canonical law of the traditional Catholic and Oriental Churches with the exception of parts of Africa where dance has traditionally been used in consecrated contexts.
- Remarkable modern professionals –
The liturgical dance has been present over the centuries to inspire and uplift believers, as well as providing means to express praise and adoration to God. The congregations are embracing new forms of liturgical dance and expressive worship. New forms and expressions of incorporated liturgical dance include modern ballet and jazz, expressions based on hip hop, spontaneous movement with flags, banners, ribbons and decorations. Furthermore, the interpretive and mimic dance was inculcated to inspire and entertain the faithful with an expression of spiritual joy.
- Greater importance and different designation perspectives –
The liturgical dance has the meaning of allowing the expression of adoration through the movements of the physical body, since it is believed that the liturgical dance has the power to transmit the message of God. The liturgical dance being the expression of enthusiasm in singing and in adoration it remains a significant and essential part of Christian history and the expression of Christian worship. Revive and enrich the sessions of praise and worship. There are specific body movements that use liturgical dancers that have biblical significance. These movements include bowing to show respect, raising hands that mean surrendering, turning indicating change or transformation, and jumping that symbolizes joy and celebration.
