Dancing has been a part of human culture for centuries now. This is one art form that has been associated with us right from the start. Be it countries, states or even religion, dance has always been around. I recollect one of my first international trips, when people got to know that I was an Indian I was asked “Oh, you are an Indian, so you must know the Bhangra”. Well, I guess for some foreigners Bhangra represents all Indian dance forms in one.
But, does one’s religion really encourage dance? Do the communities and their leaders always believe that dance has been a part of their tradition and even a part of their holy manuscripts? It might hold true for some and I believe that many still do not know the real thing.
Krishna has always been associated with his Ras Leela, so worshiping him and celebrating him and his teachings through Dandiya is important for those who are his followers. Hindu stories expressed by dancers are all inspired by Krishna, Ram and other gods, dancers always depict their stories using dance as a medium. There is proof in Hindu mythologies and holy books of dance being a part of the lives of gods too. Be it a Shiva Tandav or Mohini and Urvashi’s enchanting dance, all have been explained in detail in many manuscripts.
Does the same apply to other religions too? Many a times we say that “Goans do the jive and waltz very well,” or “if a person is Christian they are born doing the rock ’n roll.” But does the Holy Bible support dancing? I was very curious about the same, also because 80 per cent of students in my Mumbai classes are Christians or are following the religion.
Many times, when there’s a Bible class or a small group discussion on dancing, I would always wonder “Does the Bible directly forbid all dancing?” It may surprise you to know that the answer is “no.” Not only does the Bible not forbid dancing, it actually gives some examples of approved dancing. So I spoke to a few spiritual guides and got to know some amazing facts from the Bible.
Before you are shocked and conclude that your parents, teachers, and a few preachers were just old-fashioned, I would recommend you read the holy books yourselves instead of just blindly following the people who talk to you or educate you.
I got reading and discovered a few things that simply surprised me, and the facts proved that the Bible does support dancing. Dancing is mentioned in the Old Testament, and I am sure that some Bible students may be surprised to learn that certain forms of dancing were a part of Old Testament worship.
In Exodus 32:19, the record states that the children of Israel danced around and worshipped the golden calf they asked Aaron to make while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments and God’s covenant. That, of course, was not approved.
Exodus 15:20-21 gives an account of women dancing to celebrate God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt after the crossing of the Red Sea.
Judges 11:34 presents an example of the daughter of one of the Israelite judges (Jephthah) dancing alone.
Judges 21:19 we have an example of women dancing alone — without men.
In 1 Samuel 18:6, women danced to celebrate one of King David’s victories.
In 2 Samuel 6:14-16, in what was apparently an act of worship to God, David himself danced before the ark of the covenant.
And Psalms 149:3 and 150:4 speak of praising God through dance.
Turning to 1 Samuel 30:16, we read of soldiers, who were men only, dancing.
In Ecclesiastes 3:4, Solomon wrote that there is a time for almost everything. He includes a “time for dancing,” in contrast to a “time for mourning.”
And the prophet Jeremiah (31:13) foretold a time when dancing would be the joyous result of God’s work.
So, if you look closely you will see that the Bible doesn’t condemn all dancing. But, yes please observe carefully the types of dancing it sanctions and allows. Women dancing with women in celebration or men dancing with men in celebration or dances designed to reflect joy or dances designed for worship. Same in the Hindu religion too.
Basically, by reading the holy spiritual guiding books I realised that dance has been a major part of expression for all, but yes the root is that it is not used in an explicit manner.
So those who use dance to portray and project sexual vulgarity through dance are going against the
teachings of these scared books.