Position

The human capability and inclination to dance are rooted in creation, not in the fall. Dance is a valid expression of God's image displayed through the artistic sensitivity and sociability of his creatures. However, along with every other created human capability, dancing suffers from our fallen and sinful condition. As a result, Christians are not to reject dancing, but to redeem it, realizing that some forms of dancing are more difficult to redeem than others.

History

In the late 1970s Calvin College decided to allow social dancing on its campus as a wholesome recreational activity. Its request for synod's response led to a study entitled "Dance and the Christian Life," which was commissioned in 1978, recommended to the churches for study in 1980, and brought to Synod 1982. That synod reaffirmed the position of 1966 on the relationship of the Christian to the world and on the exercise of Christian liberty. It also adopted recommendations regarding dance as a cultural expression, Christian evaluation of dance forms, and guidelines regarding dance for Christian institutions. The Liturgical Committee of CRC Publications was asked to study the use of liturgical dance in worship, and it reported on that matter in 1985. Synod received the report as information and referred it to the churches but withheld action regarding the implementation of liturgical dance.

References

Acts of Synod 1971, pp. 139, 609-23
Acts of Synod 1977, pp. 97, 210-11, 214-24
Acts of Synod 1978, pp. 106-07, 129, 167-71, 650, 652, 655
Acts of Synod 1980, pp. 79-81, 103, 448-66
Acts of Synod 1982, pp. 86-91, 556-75
Acts of Synod 1983, pp. 39, 499-500, 673
Acts of Synod 1984, pp. 198-99, 437-38, 594, 631, 656
Acts of Synod 1985, pp. 242-57, 638-39, 785-87