If people danced in the Bible, why is it wrong to dance today?

It’s true that not all dancing is evil. David leaped and danced before the Lord as an expression of praise for His blessings (2 Samuel 6:14–16). Also, notice that he was dancing by himself. David’s dance was similar to that of the lame man who leaped for joy after being healed by Jesus (Acts 3:8–10). Such dancing, or leaping, is recommended by Jesus to those who are being persecuted (Luke 6:22, 23).

Suggestive dancing with those of the opposite sex and lewd dancing (such as by strippers) are the kinds of dancing condemned by the Bible. This kind of dancing inevitably leads one away from Jesus and spirituality.

There are examples in the Bible of improper dancing. When the Israelites danced around the golden calf, they forgot about God and broke His commandments. Moses had been up on the mountain, receiving the Ten Commandments. But when he came down, he could tell something wasn’t right. “As soon as he came near the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing. So Moses’ anger became hot, and he cast the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain” (Exodus 32:19).

In another instance, “when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask” (Matthew 14:6, 7). The sensuous dance of the young woman caused the admiring King Herod to make a rash and foolish decision, and it caused the death of John the Baptist.

Notice these shocking statistics: A priest in New York said that three-fourths of the girls who have confessed adultery to him put the blame on dancing. Other priests have said that three-fourths is too low; they estimate nine-tenths. Remember, if Christ can participate in an activity with us, we are safe. If not, it’s something to stay away from.

Key Bible Texts

And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. (2 Samuel 6:16 KJV)