In a revelation given Jan. 14, 1847, to the Saints through Brigham Young, the Lord linked dancing not just to festivity and celebration, but also to divine praise and worship: "If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving." (D&C 136:28.)
From the scriptures it is evident that dancing has long been a component of the culture - if not the actual worship - of God's covenant people:- In jubilation, David "danced before the Lord with all his might" after bringing the ark of God to the city of David. (See 2 Sam. 6:14.)
Similar to the counsel revealed through Brigham Young in this dispensation are these words given to ancient Israel: "Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp." (Psalm 149:2-3.)
The Preacher in Ecclesiastes speaks of there being an appropriate time or season for dancing. (See Eccl. 3:4.)
But if dancing has divine or wholesome applications, it can also be associated with evil and profanity, as the scriptures also make clear:
When Moses descended from receiving the Ten Commandments on Sinai, he found the Israelites dancing amid their revelry, wickedness and idol worship. (See Ex. 32:19.)
By dancing before Herod, the daughter of Herodius enticed him to make a rash oath that resulted in the murder of John the Baptist. (See Matt. 14:3-11.)
Dancing is like many other things: the intent and manner with which it is performed make an enormous difference.
