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The problem with praise dancing
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A couple of weeks ago I did a column where I questioned the origins of "praise dancing." Growing up in the '60s and '70s, I never heard of it. But when black people started having their own beauty pageants and contestants didn't have a true talent, then they would do an interpretive dance.
That same interpretive dance has now made its way into a lot of churches under the guise of "Praise Dancing." I must admit I am not a fan of praise dancing. For me it equates to those who weren't talented enough to make the cheerleading squad, so they became members of the pom-pon team. Both cheer at the game. But while one is deserving of your attention, the other can happen or not happen and many won't notice the difference.
I asked people to email me about the origins of praise dancing or their thoughts on such. One gentleman's email read as if he'd read my mind. He questioned a church activity that had women in body-hugging leotards covered by flowing dresses (sometimes made of the sheerest of material) while they kicked, turned and thrust their hips to and fro.
On the other hand, I heard from women who enjoy praise dancing. One said, "It adds beauty and deep emotionalism to the service." I was also sent a number of scripture passages that refers to both men and women dancing in the Bible.
So imagine the quandary I found myself in when I attended the program for Garfield Major this past Saturday at Divine Tree of Light Church. As Pastor T.C. Raven sang my favorite song, "Just Put it in Jesus' Hands," I stood up from the pew and began to clap and move about. My elations could have even been termed "dancing." So does that make me a hypocrite? I had to question myself.
After giving it deeper and even more introspective thought, I still don't like praise dancing. The reason? When one gets the spirit of the Holy Ghost, it is done with spontaneity. It is not planned. Or choreographed. It just happens. It's kind of like those who get so caught up in the church that they "speak in tongues." That occurrence is not on the church program. It can't be performed.
The same can be said for all those passages from the Bible. Those who danced didn't plan on it. They didn't practice for it. It wasn't in the church bulletin. It was a spontaneous tribute to God that can never be duplicated. Even if it happens over and over again, it is not a duplication. Sometimes it happens in the beginning of the service. Other times at the end of the service. Sometimes it lasts a minute. Other times it can go on forever. But in the end, it is not planned and that is, for me, the defining factor on dancing in the church. For when one has to have rehearsals to learn the steps and movements, then is it really dancing to praise God or dancing for the entertainment of the congregation?
Singing is a God-given talent that people use in church to offer their talent to God. Where is the talent in praise dancing? One auditions for the choir. Do they audition to praise dance? And given the timeframe when the Bible was written, the interpretation of dance back then could be a simple hop and skip as opposed to the leg-thrusting and arm-waving that I've been seeing as I watch the praise-dancing segments that were posted to YouTube. And is there really choreography involved when the same hand movements are used over and over again? I wonder how many of the young girls, who are the predominant ones doing praise dancing, would be willing to put forth a concerted effort into formal ballet training? You know the kind where your feet hurt and bleed from being on your toes and your legs muscles cramp from the constant reaching for perfection?
Lastly, I've got to get some answers on another dance that is now becoming popular in black churches. That is the tendency to have black people performing as "mimes" in whiteface. Can anyone besides me see the hypocrisy in our getting mad over white people in blackface, then put the exact opposite in our churches as an acceptable form of entertainment?
Brenda from Lancaster
Posted: June 16th, 2013 8:26 AM
Is it any wonder African-Americans are STILL at the lower economic scale? Why are we discussing something intangible as Praise Dance? Why are we not discussing ideas that would create jobs? "Great minds discuss ideas, small minds discuss things [other people]." It's a personal choice where you worship; sounds to me like those who dislike praise dance are stuck in the past or not open to new ideas. Find any book in the Bible and show me where Praise Dance is against GOD's will! Yall got issues!!!
Le Jeune from Detroit
Posted: June 11th, 2013 7:47 AM
did you know that most praise dancers dance without pratice. They dance while the Praise singers sing. It's all based on their feelings for the Lord through the music of lifiting his name. Amen
Daddy's Love from Florida
Posted: June 9th, 2013 6:10 PM
2 Timothy 2:14 (AMP) | 14 Remind [the people] of these facts and [solemnly] charge them in the presence of the Lord to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good but upsets and undermines the faith of t Titus 3:8-11 (MSG) 8-11 I want you to put your foot down. Take a firm stand on these matters so that those who have put their trust in God will concentrate on the essentials that are good for everyone. Stay away from mindless, pointless quarreling over geneal
Christie Leigh from Owingsville
Posted: June 5th, 2013 12:12 PM
I praise dance. The Lord is my Choreographer. It is His call if there is one or more. He gives me the song, the movements, whether or not to use flags. I do not believe there should be tight clothing of any kind or hip thrusting. There should be nothing to draw attention to the dancer. The whole purpose is to glorify God. If you have seen things that draw your attention to the dancer then you have a right to question but not all praise dancers do this. My church would not allow it.
Praise from Tampa
Posted: June 2nd, 2013 3:13 PM
Be encouraged Arlene and stick with the scriptures. Don't detour from the word of God neither change with the times. God is the same today, yesterday, and forever.
Aaron
Posted: May 29th, 2013 10:21 PM
Hey, I am a 15 year old evangelist and am a Pentecostal. I do believe in praise dancing to a point. I dont think that anyone should practice dancing at home cause then it makes me think that they are doing it for themselves more than God.(unless it is a praise team cause that is a different thing) I do believe that when the Holy Ghost comes down on someone that they would dance in the spirit as praise to God. Like i said i am just 15, i have danced as praise,but i didn't plan it. God bless!!
Praise Dancer
Posted: May 29th, 2013 7:21 PM
Um . I danced my way into the holy spirit . Its a gift from god. Honestly yes it is choreographed but when you dance honestly alone it changes.. There is a difference between praise dance and just dancing . When you minister in dance is as alike as ministering with word .. Think about that .. And im only 15
Rey from Miami
Posted: May 20th, 2013 1:38 AM
Protestants are FUNNY! And they say that us Catholics who ask for intercession from the Blessed Mother and Saints takes away from Christ.....so exactly what does praise dancing do?
Katina from Greensboro, NC
Posted: May 15th, 2013 5:01 AM
Your article is just laced with division:( You are entitled to your opinion so I will not argue with you. However the final line of your article was just too much! ALL mimes regardless of their race paint their faces white!
Kris from New Orleans
Posted: May 12th, 2013 6:47 PM
You are correct in that many praise dancers aren't formally trained ballerinas, but I'm not sure how that's relevant. I'm formally trained by NO Ballet Association and I've danced, coached, & choreographed pieces (including cheerleading) in various genres for years. As my faith grew so did my love for ministry in dance. I must say, you sound very ignorant, and I'm not sure what your goal for writing this is. If your words are not uplifting, they are evil and of no use to the Kingdom.
Kris from New Orleans
Posted: May 12th, 2013 6:38 PM
You are correct in that many praise dancers aren't formally trained ballerinas, but I'm not sure how that's relevant. I'm formally trained by NO Ballet Association and I've danced, coached, & choreographed pieces (including cheerleading) in various genres for years. As my faith grew so did my love for ministry in dance. I must say, you sound very ignorant, and I'm not sure what your goal for writing this is. If your words are not uplifting, they are evil and of no use to the Kingdom.
eddie green from west palm beach
Posted: May 8th, 2013 11:04 AM
Thereva huge different between praise dancing and minstering in dance. Anyone can praise dance but only those with the gift can minster in dance. Either way they all are minsting to the Glory of God. We must first understand that any time we are worshiping or praising that God isu who we are glorifing. You will never understand praise dance until you come in tact with a minster of dance then u will see and understand the difference. Youtube eddie green and 4ever praise. There many type of danc
Jayla Tamsen from Los Angeles
Posted: May 4th, 2013 5:04 AM
Zephaniah 3:14-17 is one of the most surprising texts in the whole bible! What does God do when we worship? "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." "Alaz," translated "rejoice" means to jump for joy. To exult! Very demonstrative! Emotional! So you can say My God DANCES over me!!! Hallelujah!
Renny Diamond
Posted: May 3rd, 2013 7:30 AM
Check out ASCENSION Dance.
Molly from Chicago
Posted: May 1st, 2013 3:38 PM
Kp's comments were ignorant, rude and uneducated.
Igor from Chicago
Posted: May 1st, 2013 3:36 PM
Arlene's article rocks!
Kp from Memphis
Posted: April 30th, 2013 7:22 PM
Your article was very ignorant, rude & uneducated. Dance comes from cultures/history. Ballet is not the only form of dance &the typical form &setting of church services today are not found in the Bible, does that make it wrong? No! We praise Jesus by any means! Sometimes words dont express what we are truly feeling. Even though they may be planned its the same feelings/praise to God. Praying that you really understand&desire to understand other cultures. Different isnt wrong its just different.
Apostle Deborah
Posted: April 29th, 2013 11:50 PM
May God increase you with the enrich study of His word. May He favorably shine down with outpouring of great blessings. May musicians come forth in praise and worship, aspiring to play in harmony and unity through the labors of dedicated hours of practice. May praise dance teams dance in unity before their King, Jesus Christ. May He see their hearts as they pour sweet smelling sacrifice of praise in adoration to Him. Fine tuned instruments of praise giving Him all the Glory ....
Alishia from Folsom
Posted: March 27th, 2013 5:57 PM
I think you are a hipocrite and what is the problem with planned praise dancing when people are in church and supposivley catch the Holy Ghost sometimes it is planned just so people can get attention!! I am a praise dancer and i am very young. Most of my dances come from my heart if I know the song I make up dance moves.In your opening paragraph you referred to us as black people we are african american. So i think there is no problem with praise dances people can praise God with a praise dance!
Tonya from Dallas
Posted: March 25th, 2013 1:45 PM
All of you need to read your bibles. God did not, have not and does not AUTHORIZE "SO CALLED" PRAISE DANCING IN HIS HOUSE. PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND USE THE OLD TESTAMENT OF PSALMS. IF YOU DO, YOU MIGHT AS WELL INCORPORATE THE SACRIFICING OF ANIMALS AS WELL. DONT PICK AND CHOOSE WHAT TYPE OF SERVICE GOD WANT YOU TO HAVE. THE NEW TESTAMENT SAYS IT ALL. BE CAREFUL HOW YOU THINK YOUR SENDING PRAISES TO GOD. DONT GIVE HIM SOMETHING HE DID NOT ASK FOR. I AM SHARING THIS FROM THE HEART.
Tierra from Dayton
Posted: March 25th, 2013 12:01 PM
Praise dancing is fine. You are worshipping God ! Hint the word PRAISE. You don't understand the concept. They are not thrusting or doing anything secular. They are dancing for God. And so what if they are dressed like mimes? What's the problem ? Idk the author of this article but you seem prejudice or biased. God gave people the talent to praise dance. It's a beautiful thing ! I hope I changed your perspective in praise dancing.
audrey from miami
Posted: March 21st, 2013 9:16 AM
i believe you wanted a response from what you have written. maybe to insight thought.. i think you know the answer already to praise dance. i think its like preaching in motion. the pastor plans and write out his sermon based on inspiration from the Holy Spirit. so the same with a person who ministers in dance. i hope God encounters your heart with the revelation you so desire. I pray for the eyes of your understanding to be opened.
Baleeia Baker from Camden, NJ
Posted: March 20th, 2013 9:24 AM
Word allowance will not allow me to clarify many issue you have. Largely it is your lack of understanding of what true praise dance/worship dance is. There is a lot of mess out there true. Also, I would not consider cheerleading a talent either, just doing the same thing over and over again. You can train a chimp and get the same results. In any case. I would be happy to email you better understanding of "praise dance"
Nina from Gary
Posted: March 18th, 2013 11:29 AM
Most of the time people criticize because they don't understand. Praise dancing like anything else must be done with decency and order. God calls those to dance for Him for several reasons: (1) to get rid of what is holding them (2) dance because the person is so hurt (3) spiritual warfare (4) to set the atmosphere before the word, etc. Everything the enemy uses was created by God first. If the world can dance, why can't there be dancing in the church. Some dances are prophetically done.
PraiseDancerForLife
Posted: March 14th, 2013 6:15 PM
When I say Gods, I mean many Gods, because there are many ways to Heaven
PraiseDancerForLife
Posted: March 14th, 2013 1:33 PM
It's obvious that you have not studied the word of God for yourself. Nor do you have an existing active relationship with Christ. If you did, you would know that he is delighted with the heart filled praises of his children, and it would delight you as well. Read Gods word, and build your relationship with him, only then will he send you the spirit of discernment to help you understand what is pleasing in his sight. Are you saved? Or are you just an unbeliever who is spectating in Gods house?
Toni from Houston
Posted: March 11th, 2013 11:50 PM
I didn't read the fullness of your misinformed article. I am black, I'm one of the originals Praise dancers in the state of Texas. I have had ballet and tap and jazz and modern dance experience. I also have done gymnastic for over 15 years. Just because you never heard of it doesn't meant it just came out. Pageantry which is a part of praise dance start I the book of Genesis. Check your information before you assume anything.
Caroline
Posted: February 8th, 2013 11:29 AM
I think your concern is nothing more than a preference. Praise dance is a way for people to glorify God with their bodies, and with their talents. It is also another way to communicate the Gospel because a lot of the movements are ASL. If someone has a heart to dance for God-whats the problem?