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The tradition of Christian dance did not happen overnight. For the first five centuries of Christianity, the church opposed dancing. According to church leaders and early theologians such as Tertullian and Saint Augustine, dance incited idolatry, lust and damnation.

Moreover, early Christians were more likely hostile to dance because it reminded them of their pagan counterparts in the Roman Empire, as Augustine’s book “The City of God” made clear. For example, Augustine wrote: “the worshippers and admirers of these (pagan) gods delight in imitating their scandalous iniquities… . Let there be heard everywhere the rustling of dancers, the loud, immodest laughter of the theater; let a succession of the most cruel and the most voluptuous pleasures maintain a perpetual excitement.”

Easton’s Bible Dictionary Dance

The ancient dance was very different from that common among Western nations. It was usually the part of the women only (Ex. 15:20; Judg. 11:34; comp. 5:1). Hence the peculiarity of David’s conduct in dancing before the ark of the Lord (2 Sam. 6:14). The women took part in it with their timbrels. Michal should, in accordance with the example of Miriam and others, have herself led the female choir, instead of keeping aloof on the occasion and “looking through the window.” David led the choir “uncovered”, i.e., wearing only the ephod or linen tunic. He thought only of the honour of God, and forgot himself.

From being reserved for occasions of religious worship and festivity, it came gradually to be practised in common life on occasions of rejoicing (Jer. 31:4). The sexes among the Jews always danced separately. The daughter of Herodias danced alone (Matt. 14:6).

Eerdmans Bible Dictionary DANCE

The Old Testament does not frown on dancing, viewing it as an integral aspect of Jewish life (e.g., Judg. 21:21, 23). Indeed, the author of Ecclesiastes notes that there was an appropriate time for dancing (Eccl. 3:4). It is not surprising that the Hebrews vented their emotions differently in times of mourning, and dancing is seen to contrast with sorrow at Lam. 5:15. But just as the psalmist who was made whole (Ps. 30:11), Israel would find its sadness replaced with dancing once God made their nation whole (Jer. 31:4, NIV).