Introducing Dance in Christian Worship

Ancient Jewish and Christian traditions of dance in worship provide insight for its use in liturgical celebration. Observances of the liturgical year have frequently employed sacred dance, gesture, movement or procession in the service of prayer. How do we dance? Why do we dance? In what way does dance enhance worship? These are questions the authors discuss. Ronald Gagne examines the history of dance in worship and events that changed attitudes over centuries. Thomas Kane shows when and why dance movement can contribute to the experience of particular ritual actions, especially in view of a group's cultural heritage. Robert VerEecke, a dance-theologian, shares personal experience about the kinds of bodily movement best suited to certain occasions: worship, retreat, public devotion, private prayer, rallies or even entertainment. Inspiring photographs, step-by-step guidance, practical information, solid scholarship, a contemporary annotated list of resources and highly readable common sense imbue this resource. This revised and updated edition can help minister constructively with people of all ages in the church. Ronald G. Gagne, a missionary priest of Our Lady of La Salette, is a member of pastoral tem in a parish in Orlando, Fla. He is a member of the Orlando Diocesan Liturgy Commission and has conducted workshops on liturgy and music. Thomas A. Kane is a presbyter of the Congregation of St. Paul and Professor of Worship at Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Mass. As a ritual maker, he is interested in the aesthetic, performing and spiritual and elements of liturgy in their cultural expression. Robert E. VerEecke is a presbyter, pastor of St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill, Mass., Jesuit Artist in Residence at Boston College and Artistic Director of the Boston Liturgical Dance Ensemble. He produced the videos Dance in Christian Worship, Parts 1 and 2.