Five Types Of Dance In Worship

Below are five different types of supportive dance that can be used in worship. They are not to be seen as performance dances because they do not stand outside of the liturgy. Rather, they are "liturgical" because they express what is happening in worship.

1. Processional Dance The processional dance can be used at the gathering, as an accompaniment to the reading of the gospel, at the presentation of the gifts of bread and wine, and at the closing of the service. Thomas Kane summarizes these dances as follows: 1. Entrance Function gathers the community opens the celebration or gathering sets the theme accompanies the minister to the celebration space Source Material sung or instrumental music 2. Gospel Function solemnizes the gospel proclamation Source Material Alleluia/acclamation 3. Gifts Function accompanies the presentation of gifts of bread and wine by the assembly Source Material sung or instrumental music 4. Closing Function closes the celebration accompanies the minister from the celebration space Source Material sung or instrumental music 2. Proclamation Dance The proclamation dance adorns the reading of the word of God. In some cases it may proclaim the actual Scripture reading itself (the story) or it may simply augment the reading of the word by preparing the hearts of the hearers. Thomas Kane summarizes the proclamation dance this way: Function 1. Scriptural to announce to inspire and instruct to reveal to witness to challenge Source Material Creed Hebrew and Christian Scriptures 2. Spiritual/ historical Function to witness to inspire to challenge Source Material thematic spiritual/ liturgical writing 3. Prayer Dance Although the entire service of worship is a kind of prayer, there are special prayers within a service of worship that can be expressed through dance. Function to acclaim to invoke Source Material Kyrie (Lord, Have Mercy) Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) Echaristic Acclamation Great Amen Doxology to Lord's Prayer Lord's Prayer Blessing 4. Meditation Dance A meditation dance is a reflective dance done as a response to a proclamation part of the service of worship. It is associated with a quiet time in the service of worship. The people are called upon to meditate on the presentation of truth found in the reading of Scripture, in a sermon, or in Communion. 1. Psalm dance Function to respond meditatively to the first reading to draw the community into a reflective spirit Source Material Psalm 2. Homiletic Function to share with the community the implication and impact of the good news (prophetic) to witness to the truth of the good news (evangelical) Source Material Scripture texts 3. After Communion Function to reinforce the theme of the celebration to inspire to give thanks (communal) Source Material sung or instrumental music 5. Celebration Dance A celebration dance is usually used at the prelude and postlude of a service. It either prepares the congregation for worship or brings the service to a close. Often celebration dances involve the entire worshiping community in some simple gestures or in movement such as a circle dance. Function to prepare the assembly for festivity to conclude the celebration in a special way Source Material sung or instrumental music ______ In summary the various kinds of dances can appear in a service or worship in the following places: Relationship of Dance Types to Elements of Eucharistic Celebration The Eucharistic Liturgy Liturgical Dance Types Prelude (5) Celebration INTRODUCTORY RITES: Opening song/Music (1) Procession Penitential Rite (Kyrie) (3) Prayer Glory to God (Gloria) (3) Prayer LITURGY OF THE WORD: First Reading (2) Proclamation Psalm Response (4) Meditation Second Reading (2) Proclamation Alleluia (1) Procession Gospel (2) Proclamation Homily (4) Meditation The Creed (Credo) (2) Proclamation LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST: Preparation of Bread and Wine (1) Procession Holy, Holy (Sanctus) (3) Prayer Acclamation (3) Prayer Amen (3) Prayer The Lord's Prayer (3) Prayer Communion (4) Meditation CLOSING RITE: Blessing/Dismissal (3) Prayer Closing Song/Music (1) Procession Postlude (5) Celebration