One of the first questions almost universally asked when someone is working to implement better dance standards in their life is, “Where do I start? Where can I learn better dances?” Below are some resources to help you get started!
If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.
Doctrine and Covenants 136:28
Dance Principles
- Principles of Refined Dance—5 principles for guiding choice of dance.
Dance Tutorials
- Dance Directory & Tutorials—
This directory of dance tutorials includes English country dance, American country and other worldwide folk dances. From the comfort of your own home (and for free!) you can watch and learn the steps and begin practicing! - Dominion Dance video tutorials—
You can’t dance without music! If you need help finding music, the following list includes CDs, YouTube videos and other helpful resources to download or purchase music for hundreds of dances.
- The “Pemberly Players” Music CDs— http://www.fainmusic.co.uk/pandp.html
- Dominion Dance Music Suggestions— http://dominiondance.com/music-suggestions/
- YouTube Dance Music Playlist— https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0KOmRGRzxR-JmUpJg14omKwa4fS7RFYz
Concerns with Modern Dance
- Round Dancing Prophetic Quotes— Quotes from Latter-day Saint leaders expressing concerns on “round dancing” (i.e. waltz, fox trot, etc.) https://josephsmithfoundation.org/round-dancing/
- World Video Bible School: The Truth About . . . Dancing— https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTwP172zbbM This video is produced by an Evangelical Christian outlining some legitimate, thoughtful concerns with modern dancing. Please note that Joseph Smith and Brigham Young encouraged wholesome, refined, dignified, non-sexual dancing. Latter-day Saints are not opposed to pure dancing. However, the dancing encouraged by the early leaders was drastically different than the modern dance promoted today.
Teachings on Dance
- DANCE MOVEMENTS: Can dance movements drive away the Spirit? What is proper dancing posture? Can dances be good or evil?— Prophetic quotes https://josephsmithfoundation.org/06-dance-movements-can-dance-movements-drive-away-the-spirit-what-is-proper-dancing-posture-can-dances-be-good-or-evil/
- WORTHY MUSIC AND DANCE: Are music and dance an important part of our being? What should be the proper atmosphere and fruits of righteous dancing and music?— Prophetic quotes https://josephsmithfoundation.org/22-worthy-music-and-dance-are-music-and-dance-an-important-part-of-our-being-what-should-be-the-proper-atmosphere-and-fruits-of-righteous-dancing-and-music/
Ancient Dance
- The Traditional Greek Folk Dances and their Ancient Roots— http://www.templestudy.com/2009/09/08/traditional-greek-folk-dances-ancient-roots/
- The Greek Folk Dances: A Reprise—
http://www.templestudy.com/2012/07/17/greek-folk-dances-reprise/ - “The Cosmic Ring-Dance of the Angels” by Frederick M. Huchel—
http://www.templestudy.com/2009/06/11/cosmic-ringdance-angels-frederick-huchel/
