Liturgical dance, dance that is done either as a solo or as a group in a worship service, combines artistry with ministry. It is not one particular style of dance that makes the dance liturgical but how the dance is used.
For Christians, the forty days before Easter, known as Lent, are days of reflection, self-sacrifice, prayer, and preparation for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and culminate with the joy of Easter. Just as the music and scripture readings pertain to the meaning of Lent, dance is also used to enhance the time of reflection and prayer.
Dancing During Lent in the Middle Ages
One of the earliest dances during Lent was the tripudium. This dance can be traced back to Roman times but was popularized in the Middle Ages. This consisted of three steps: two forward and one back. The two steps forward signify spirituality and going forward with life, accomplishments, etc., while the one step back represents that people are human and will make mistakes.
During the worship service, the tripudium was used as a processional and both the clergy and parishioners would participate. The dance was also done as a circle dance or line dance.
Usage of Dance During Lent in Protestant Churches
In modern times, liturgical dance is used to enhance the worship experience. Variations on the tripudium are one way of enhancing Lenten services. It is used most often as a processional. It can be done as a solo or with a group of dancers. The choreography should be in line with the style of the worship service and the size of the church, but the dance should have the two steps forward and one back repeated down the aisle. The dance is done at a slow or moderate speed and conveys a sense of reverence in keeping with the meaning of Lent. It can also be done with a joyful attitude on Easter.
Dance can be used other ways during a Lenten service. Besides the processional, anthem, and recessional, dance can also enhance the Scripture readings. As the liturgist reads aloud, the dancers move to choreography that adds to, but does not detract from, the reading. The dancers and liturgist work together to coordinate timing and movement.
The inclusion of dance as part of a church service is, in itself, a controversial subject. The Bible has many references to dance, including dance as a way of celebrating the glory of God. Dance is rhythmic movement. It can be joyous or meditative, combined with music, the spoken word, or done by itself. In order for it to be appropriate for a worship service, the style of dance, costume, choreography, and other elements within the worship service itself need to be examined as a whole.
Sources:
Daniels, Marilyn, The History of Dance in Christianity, Paulist Press, 1980.
The Sacred Dance Guild - workshops and printed material.
Cynthia Collins - Cynthia Collins is equally at home in music, history, and writing. After graduating from Drury University in Springfield, MO with a ...
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