Dancing against the church?

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OnFireForChrist

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So i’m an avid tap dancer, and i was wondering the church’s views on dance and all its forms.
Some people may think it’s too ‘sexual’, but I think it’s beautiful. It doesn’t displease God, so it must be fine, right?
 
David danced and so did John the Baptist in Elizabeth’s womb when he met Christ. Dancing in itself is not wrong.

There are are different kinds of dancing, though, including that done in strip joints. And there’s tap dancing, which I simply cannot imagine as “too sexual” in any scenario. 😛

I have often struggled to find the thin dividing line (ballet - OK; folk dancing - OK; headbanging - usually OK, dancing in clubs to various music - various…), but with tap dancing I’d say you’re perfectly safe.
 
This was the answer given to me…

Is dancing a grave sin?
I am reading a captivating Tan Books biography on St. Jean Vianney (The Cure D’Ars) by Abbe Francis Trochu. According to this book, this Saint worked painstakingly to stop anyone from dancing! In this Saint’s view, dancing was a grave and mortal sin (no exceptions to the rule were given). Clearly, we know that some dancing is immoral; however, the vast majority of Christians would never see the waltz as an abomination to the Almighty! (And I can’t even do the “Chicken Dance.” ) On the contrary, many would see dancing as a wholesome activity when done properly. Has the Church every officially spoken on this? Perhaps I am missing something here…
Hi,

We can forgive the holy St. John Vianney for his error. We are all affected by our culture.

There is nothing intrinsically evil about dancing in it self. King David danced and so did St. Teresa of Avila and her sisters.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.
 
OnFireForChrist said:
So i’m an avid tap dancer, and i was wondering the church’s views on dance and all its forms.
Some people may think it’s too ‘sexual’, but I think it’s beautiful. It doesn’t displease God, so it must be fine, right?
Click to expand...
This makes me think of Footloose, but I cannot remember the verse that Kevin Bacon was quoting at the town hall meeting? :confused:

I can picture the scene in my head, but cannot remember the words.
 
I can’t find the info at my fingertips but generally as long as it is not sexually suggestive, demeaning, or derogatory, it is okay. Lot’s of folks dance after Catholic weddings I’ve been to (even those who probably shouldn’t - if you know what I mean).

The trick is it to do it with good taste and respect for the dignity of self and others. I love tap dancing and can’t imagine it’s bad unless it falls into the categories above. Keep tapping and have good clean fun.
 
Tap dancing is my favorite kind of dance - the Nicholas Brothers in particular were genius tappers.

Dancing per se isn’t sinful at all, although some people make it so (freak dancing). But ANYTHING can be a sin if indulged in in the wrong way.
 
Deance your heart out, Darlin’! Just don’t do it in church during Mass!
 
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mercygate:
Deance your heart out, Darlin’! Just don’t do it in church during Mass!
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👍
 
I have worked as a dancer and a dance instructor. I even made a broadway show once… and that convinced me to get out of dancing. Not that there was anything wrong with the dancing, it was the dehumanizing, demoralizing auditions!!! To be judged by your thighs, breasts, and rear end in much cruder terms is depressing. There is nothing wrong with the dancing as long as you are not illiciting sinful thoughts in yourself or your audience. I loved teaching because it was a great way to exercise and stay fit… and of course I could justify more dance classes for myself that way too. 😃
 
I enjoy dancing with my girlfriend to slow songs. If this is so wrong then I’m destined for hell because I am not likely to stop.
 
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