Dance Ministry
Dance at Kehilat Sar Shalom
Dance is a biblical form of worship, supported by the Scripture. In II Samuel 6:14, we see that “David danced before Adonai with all his might.” Psalms 149:3 reads “Let them praise His name with the dance,” and Jeremiah 31:13 tells us that “Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, and the young men and old, together.” Dancing is also an ancient symbol of cultural expression among the Jewish people, which has enjoyed an overwhelming resurgence and rebirth since the founding of the modern State of Israel in 1948.
For these reasons (the glorification of God and identification with the Jewish heritage of our faith in Messiah) we dance both Messianic worship dance and Israeli folk dance. Through worship dance, we express our joy and gratitude toward God. Through Israeli folk dance, we experience an exciting part of Jewish culture worldwide, as well as an exciting growth in fellowship between believers closer to home.
Worship dances are typically slower and easier to execute than Israeli folk dances, allowing dancers to focus less on the dance itself and more on the source of our joy. Worship dance usually has more arm movements, as well, enabling dancers to use their whole body in worshiping God. Israeli dance ranges from simple dance to classic Jewish songs and songs from the Scripture to fast, upbeat dances to modern Israeli music (and even world music)! It is popular among Israelis, Jews worldwide, and Gentiles alike.
While dance may seem challenging, all you really need to become a dancer at Kehilat Sar Shalom are a willing heart and an able body. You don’t need any special experience or dance training. Dance is a very synergistic experience, meaning that when a roomful of people get together to dance, neat things happen. Once you’ve learned the basic steps you become able follow more experienced dancers in a dance that you may not know very well. We love to have new people join us, so come on out and see what it’s all about!
Dance Opportunities
We are always excited to have new dancers, even (especially!) those who have never danced before!
There are several ways you can participate in the dance ministry on a regular basis:
- Individual instruction for beginner dancers. Please see or e-mail Sue Nall if you would like to take time on a Shabbat to learn the basic dance steps.
- During our Shabbat worship service. The dances during our worship service are usually simpler than many of our other dances. (The slower songs toward the end of our worship time tend to be the easiest to dance to, but you are welcome to dance to any song). Dancing during the worship service on a regular basis will help you start learning the dance steps. This is a time to worship God as a community! We practice the whole worship set on Shabbat morning starting at 9:30 and strongly encourage you to come to the practice. During the practice, we run over the worship set with the worship team. Join in, even if you have never danced before!
- After Oneg on Shabbat. Often on Shabbat we dance in one of the classrooms down the hall after Oneg (1:00-ish) till about 2:30. We will customize the dances taught to the skill and interest level of those present. Periodically, we will have beginner classes or special workshops. Make sure to check the Kehilat Sar Shalom calendar or talk to Sue Nall for more information on the next special Shabbat event.
- Thursday Nights. On Thursday nights, Kehilat Sar Shalom hosts a dance practice from 6:00 pm till 8:00 pm. If you are serious about learning how to dance, then this is the place to be! People who come to Thursday night dance practice and participate on a regular basis tend to learn much more quickly than those who only dance on Saturdays. We use this time to prepare for special events, teach basic steps to beginners, improve our technique and fellowship with other believers. If you are interested in attending Thursday night dance, please talk to Sue Nall and make sure you are on our email list, as practice is sometimes cancelled or moved. Note: Thursday nights are currently in a state of flux. For more information, stay tuned to the dance email list.
- Special Events. The Kehilat Sar Shalom dance ministry prepares special dances for the major Jewish holidays, outreach to surrounding churches, and special ‘mini’ performances for our home congregation.. These dances are taught at our Thursday night dance practices. If you may be interested in dancing one or more of these special dances at Kehilat Sar Shalom, please see Sue Nall.
If you are not involved in the dance ministry, but would like to be, please e-mail Sue Nall for more details, or to answer any questions you may have. We always welcome new dancers! Actually, we thrive on them. All ages are welcome, anyone can dance!
