Dancing in church is a controversial subject between sects of Christianity. In some churches, it’s a way to express your love for God. In others, it’s unacceptable. Among other major world religions, spiritual dance is a deeply personal experience. Here are five different kinds of spiritual dance. Ecstatic Trance Dance Inspired by Shiva, the third god in the Hindu triumvirate, this style of unchoreographed dance combines elements of meditation and dancing. Dancers either close their eyes or wear blindfolds, dancing until their only focus is on the dance itself. The idea is to remove the ego from the experience through repetitive movements and breath. Shamanic Dance Like ecstatic trance dance, this type of dance is done while blindfolded. However, it is often done to the beat of a drum from evening until sunset. Dancers move in a circle around a fire with a chief as their guide. This is said to promote healing, transformation and self discovery. Shamanic dance is also ancient in origin, dating back to shamanism among hunter-gatherers. Liturgical Dance Some types of spiritual dance are more choreographed than free-flowing in nature. Liturgical dance, for example, incorporates moves that symbolize acts of worship, such as kneeling and forming a cross. This type of dance takes elements from jazz, ballet and modern dance to create Biblically-inspired routines. Worship Dance While just as choreographed as liturgical dance, worship dance takes on a more solemn and introspective tone. Rather than symbolizing the experience of showing one’s faith, this dance style aims to inspire the audience to feel an adoration of God. Praise Dance Originating from African-American tradition, praise dance music is upbeat and fast compared to its liturgical and worship counterparts. Common movements include clapping, rocking the body and waving one’s hands. When you think of dancing in church, this is more than likely the style that comes to mind. As you see, spiritual dance transcends cultures and religions. Since ancient times, worshippers and individuals looking for guidance have used dance as a spiritual tool. At Star Line Baton, we offer a variety of high quality worship dance products. If you have any questions or need more information, call us at 931-528-7829.

Posted: 6/18/2021