Saint of Dancing?

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Are there any Saints especially associated with Dancing? Also since I’m asking the question I just did and since today happens to also be St Patrick’s Day, what is the origin of the Song “Lord of the Dance” ?

It doesn’t say anywhere in scripture Our Lord danced at any time, but I’m sure the guests at the marriage at Cana where no strangers to throwing a few shapes. Of course, young Jewsih boys’ Barmitzvahs are a very jovial affairs, with much dancing. Also the Israelites clearly danced and made music to praise and rejoice in God, according to the psalms.

Anyone have any light to shed on either of these questions?

Thanks
 
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Hi,

Your question is very interesting!

It seems that Saint Vitus is the patron saint of dancers. He was from Sicily and was martyred in 303 AD. His feast day is June 15. He is the patron Saint of dancers because people in the middle ages would dance in front of his statue to celebrate his feast day.

As for your second question, the song “Lord of the Dance” was written by Syndey Carter in 1963. The lyrics were inspired by Jesus, but also by a statue of the Shieva, the Hindu idol, in a dancing position, that was on the writer’s desk. Carter didn’t expect Christians to like the song because of its pagan origins, but it fit well into Christian circles. The writer themself says they don’t know if Jesus danced, but David did, so it is possible, they say.

Have a blessed day!
 
St. Teresa of Avila (my birthday patroness) is known to have danced for her fellow nuns. I have a medal that depicts her dancing. I bought it from an Etsy shop a few years ago.
 
That is so amazing! I love Saint Teresa of Avila and I never knew that. Thanks so much for sharing.
 
“Il ballo di San Vito” is a neurologic disorder marked by tremors. In English it’s called St Vitus Dance.

I didn’t know that he was actually the patron of dancing. I thought he interceded for those suffering from this ailment.

You learn something everyday!
 
How about St Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother. Before he entered religious life he was known as il damerino, and he was also known as a very good dancer.
 
Surprised by these responses. I thought St. John Vianney condemned dancing.
 
He probably had had two left feet 🙂 He may be the only Saint I choose to take no notice whatsoever of, at least, on this one particular condemnation. He didn’t know what he was missing, poor guy.
 
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Pitcairn17 said:
Surprised by these responses. I thought St. John Vianney condemned dancing.
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He condemned the dance venues in his town because they were basically encouraging the townspeople to drink, get into lustful temptation, and fornicate.

Scripture itself has David and the Jewish people dancing before God as a form of worship. I also don’t think St. John Vianney would have objected to a classical ballet performance or similar. He objected to what nowadays would be called “Dirty Dancing” or “hookup culture”. We always have to look at the context.
 
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Actually in light of this, as a dancer myself I recognise there are a few so called “Dances” and “Dancers” which are totally not right that exist today. I guess I would agree, in that case with John Vianey in terms of these ones even today.
 
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