Dance Page Rehoboth-Messianic.org

Worship Dance Devotional

by Sheri M

There are many Hebrew words used in the Old Testament that are translated "dance" or "dancing". The most used one is mecolah (#4246) and means a dance or company of dancers. In Exodus 15:20-21, Miriam and all the women danced for joy to praise the Lord for His deliverance from the Egyptians. There will be dancing and joy when Israel is restored (Jeremiah 31:4) and there is dancing to celebrate victory in 1 Samuel 18:6. Another word that is used several times is machol (#4234) and means a round dance or a circle dance. It is used to signify praise or worship as in Psalm 149:3 and 150:4. It is also associated with joy and contrasted with mourning in Lamentations 5:15 and Psalm 30:11.

In 2 Samuel 6:14 –16, David danced before the Lord and the Ark of the Covenant. That Hebrew word is karar (#3769) and means to spring or leap and in Ecclesiastes 3:4, the word raqad (#7540) means to skip about. One word which is translated dance is chagag (#2287) and it actually means to feast. (see Zechariah 14:18 and 1 Samuel 30:16). There was also a time to dance (Ecc 3:4) and an inappropriate time to dance, as in the worship of the golden calf in Exodus 32:19.

In the New Testament, there are also Greek words for dance. Jesus talked about the children dancing to the flute in Matthew 11:17 (orcheomai #3738) and dancing was part of the feast celebrating the return of the prodigal son in Luke 15:25 (choros #5525). Sometimes the words related to movement are translated "rejoice" as in Revelation 19:7 where we will be jumping for joy and rejoicing greatly at the marriage supper of the Lamb. (agalliao #21).

In our Christian walk, we can use appropriate dancing as worship and praise to the Lord. We have so much to be thankful for and we can rejoice that Jesus paid for our sins so we can look forward to dancing with Him and all the saints in heaven for eternity. When you practice dancing, think of ways you can praise and worship God with your words and actions.

Dance Levels

Simple Steps: This class is open to any person that wants to start to learn the basic dance steps. If you come to the class with "two left feet", you may leave with the ability to identify a left and a right foot. J

Beginner: Often a dance that can be picked up in a few minutes or with some brief teaching and may or may not require some outside of class time practice.

Intermediate: Usually requires teaching and some practice outside of class.

Advanced: Usually requires teaching, a wide knowledge of different dance sequences, practice outside of class and further reviews.

Tambourine: This class is open to anyone who wants to learn easy tambourine patterns to be used in worship or presentation.

Service or Presentation Dances: Dances done during the worship service or recently presented as a special.

Flag: This class is open to anyone who wants to learn how to incorporate worship flags into easy dances.

Beginning Dance Steps

Remember, the dance steps usually start with the Right foot. Shift your weight on each foot before moving to the next step.

Mayim (grapevine)- A 4 count step. Mayim means "water" in Hebrew. Moving to the left, R crosses in front of L, L steps to the side, R steps behind L, L steps to the side. Usually repeats.

Tcherkessia - A 4 count step. R steps in front as arms raise, L steps in place, R steps behind as arms lower to sides, L steps in place. Usually repeats.

Turn - A 4 count step, moving to the R. R steps to right side, L steps to pivot to the R 180, R steps to pivot to the R 180, and L steps to close.

Left Coupe - A 3 count step. R steps across L, bending knees slightly, L steps in place, R closes next to L

Right Coupe - A 3 count step. L steps across R, bending knees slightly, R steps in place, L closes next to R

Beginning Worship Dance:

Verses: 2 Mayims, 2 Tcherkessias (repeat)

Chorus: 4 walking steps into the center (R,L,R,L), raising hands slowly up

4 walking steps backwards out of the center (R,L,R,L), lowering hands slowly to sides

R foot steps to right side, L foot slides in to close (repeat)

Do one turn (R,L,R,L)

(Repeat sequence 2 more times)