What exactly is liturgical dance?
October 15, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Articles, Encouragement
Earlier today I posted a challenge on Facebook to define liturgical. The responses were all great and I realized I only had a basic understanding of the word myself. But since it was a challenge, I figured I’d dig a little deeper.
Movement ministers have taken on a lot of labels: praise dancers, worship dancers, lyrical dancers, movement ministers, and liturgical dancers to name a few. For the most part, these terms can be used interchangeably without hesitation. There are subtle variations in definition. If we were to take a poll, most people would be able to define praise, worship, lyrical and movement, however; the definition of liturgical continues to elude most.
Liturgical Defined
Of or relating to or in accord with liturgy. (dictionary.com)
Great….so what is liturgy? I’m glad you asked!
Liturgy Defined
A form of public worship; ritual.
Etymology (history of word)
The word comes from the Greek leitourgia meaning a "public work".
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Acts 13:2
It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
Romans 15:27
And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
Hebrews 10:11
In Christianity, the word liturgy transitioned and is commonly used to refer to a standard order of events. I don’t know how or why the transition came about, I believe it is related to Catholicism. (If you have more information, please leave a comment!)
So what is liturgical dance?
By strictest definition, it would be dance performed as public work.
By common definition it would be dance that is part of an order of events.
Now what?
Do you agree with the definition of liturgical dance?
Do you use the terms interchangeably?
We’d love to hear from you! Leave your comment below!
Posted by Lakita Humber
Lakita Humber serves as the founder of Paneh Praise Dance & Mime Ministry and host of the Equipping the Saints Dance & Worship Arts Conference. Find out more about her or follow her on Twitter (@Paneh).
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Yes. My understanding is that the “liturgy” is the order of events, or the program or order of service – a church program or service. A Liturgical dancer, then, dances (but does not “perform” as in entertaining) as an integral part of this service or program. The liturgical dancer can dance at the beginning of service to set the atmosphere, as part of or as the praise and worship portion of the program, as the welcome, the prayer, the Scripture, or even the message, the benediction — or all of the above. In short, the liturgical dancer can dance any part of the liturgy (i.e., the program, the order of the worship service).
To take it a step further, the liturgical dancer can be part of the music and fine arts ministry, or he or she can be the preacher! I experienced an awesome service in a church in Georgia in early September in which the Minister of Music, who is also the Minister or Director of Dance, led the praise and worship dancers at the start of the service, then lead the song, played the piano, and preached the sermon!
Your personal communion with God,about God, for God expressed in a public setting through movement. Encompasses praise, worship, warfare, travail/intercession, evangelistic, sermonic, prophetic, and celebratory messages. exerpt from upcoming text “Standards of Excellence in Movement Ministry” by Dr. A
i want to buy THAT book!
Another good post, like usual! Thanks guys!