Liturgical dance

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Liturgical dance is an expression of prayer or worship through body movement. Such dances can be accompanied by many different types of music. The dancers will respond with an appropriate dance which flows out of the music and enhances the prayer or worship experience. This dance may either be spontaneous, or have been choreographed ahead of time. If it is choreographed it is generally fitted to the song's lyrics or to religious concepts. Most often this is performed by women.

Liturgical dancing has its origins in non-Christian pagan religions and was not practiced in Christian communities until the late twentieth century, although it may have antecedents in ancient Hebrew worship. An example is the episode when King David danced before the Ark of the Covenant.

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