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What Is Praise Dance?
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Praise dance (also known as liturgical dance or worship dance) is a form of worship that seeks to articulate the word and spirit of God through the body. According to the New York Times, praise dance is a popular part of church services across the country. While it is considered controversial in some Christian circles, praise dance is considered an expression of joy by others. Is praise dance right for you and your worship service? Read on to learn more about the art of praise dance and it's role in the world of Christian praise and worship.
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1. History
Dancing was used in ancient times to express joy and thankfulness to the Lord. The tradition carried on for many years, until it was forced out of the Christian church by the Reformation. In the 20th century, praise dance began to re-enter praise and worship services. Praise dance can be diverse, including traditional or modern ballet, lyrical and hip-hop dancing. It is performed to praise music. Dances can be spontaneous or choreographed, involving an individual or a group of dancers.
Praise Dance Today
Praise dance is used in nearly every denomination of Christian faith. It is open to Christians of all ages and skill levels, and can be an occasional part of the praise and worship service or a mainstay of each service. A variety of competitions and festivals are available to praise dancers, giving it prestige both inside and outside of the church. Numerous praise dance companies throughout the United States, both professional and amateur, participate in these competitions and festivals. Classes providing instruction in praise dancing are available throughout the United States. Check with a dance studio or with church groups to inquire about joining or starting a praise dance class.
Attire
Traditional dance attire is usually form-fitting in order to show off the dancer's body and to highlight the dancer's movements. Praise dance attire is much more modest to deflect attention from the dancer's body. This keeps in line with Christian moral views as well as focusing the audience member's attention on the message of the dance. Liturgical dancewear often begins with a leotard covered with a cape or collar; a piece of loose-fitting material which drapes over the leotard. Skirts and pants are also loose-fitting. Some companies require dancers to wear clothing appropriate to a Christian setting.
Controversy
While many consider praise dance to be a beautiful expression of joy and gratitude, some feel that praise dance has no place in a worship service. Some feel that the traditional worship service is the best form of worship, and that praise dancers interrupt this. Others feel that praise dancers are dancing out of pride rather than worship, and this may conflict with their religious values. Finally, some Christians believe that all dance is immoral, making praise dance an unacceptable form of worship to these people.
Future
Praise dance is increasing in popularity each year. More dance schools are offering classes in praise dance, while more professional praise dance companies are emerging. Cities throughout the United Sates are establishing groups where religious dancers from all religions are welcome to express themselves.

The Hebrew word for this Praise Dancing is derived from the word meaning thought, plan, or purpose. Just as Miriam instructed the Israelites, our dance is to be full of thought and intention. It flows out of our relationship with our Creator, King and Abba. It is an expression of the esteem, value, regard we give to Him each moment of our lives.
His people are His bride, whom He loves deeply, and we are to mindful of them, as well. Praise Dancing is not to be a gift we flaunt, nor is it to be one that shoves its way into a situation where others are not willing to receive. It is for Him, to draw His people toward Him, not separate them into factions.
Our praise dancing can be free, flowing, imaginative and inventive, or it can be carefully planned, counted and calculated. As praise dancers, He allows us to express the gifts He has given us. But the core of praise dancing is the thought, the intention that we have. It is flow as a natural expression of our relationship with Him. This is where praise dancing is conceived.
TABERNACLE COLORS
We usually make our praise and worship items using the tabernacle colors. These colors have certain significance, and were established in the wilderness tabernacle to show God’s people different things about Him, and His character.
Tabernacle colors:
Gold - symbolizes deity
Silver - symbolizes redemption
Purple - symbolizes royalty
Blue - symbolizes heaven, also Jesus
Red or Scarlet - symbolizes blood, savior
White - symbolizes purity, holiness
Combinations of colors also work well, such as gold and blue, symbolizing the Royal Deity. Or, red and white can symbolize our cleansing by the blood of the Savior.
Another color combination that isn’t exactly considered tabernacle colors is red, orange, and yellow. When in motion, these colors together can look like fire, symbolizing the fire of the Holy Spirit which comes to purify us.