Liturgical Dance or Liturgical Movement

What does the Church say? “The Second Vatican Council’s document Sacrosanctum Concilium (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy) places strong emphasis on the full, conscious, and active participation of all the faithful in the liturgy. This calls for more than mere passive observation; it encourages genuine participation, both inwardly and outwardly.

The introduction of liturgical dance or movement can actually undermine this goal by turning the congregation into spectators rather than participants. Notably, in cultures where folk dance remains a strong tradition, such expressions are rarely incorporated into church worship. Where they are, as in parts of Africa, the entire congre-gation often participates, rather than just a select few. In Western settings, dance is typically associated with entertainment or courtship rather than worship. If your school includes liturgical movement as part of its practice, please ensure it takes place before the liturgy begins, rather than during the celebration."

From the above reference and from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), “all dancing (ballet, children’s gesture as dancing, the clown liturgy) are not permitted to be introduced into liturgical celebrations of any kind whatever.” USCCB Newsletter, April/May 1982

This subject may stir varying reactions among some members of the community: from confusion to anger to frustration to agreement or disagreement. As the saying goes, “don’t kill the messenger” or the pastor! Remember the question at the beginning of this article. Then ask this question: “When I enter a church, do I see a stage or do I see an altar?”