Prophetic dance: Divergent practices in the Christian church and effects on participant and congregational well-being

A variety of manifestations of ‘prophetic dance’ exist in expressions of Christianity, from eclectic forms within professional dance companies to amateur offerings in worship services. Although scholarly writings talk about the notion of praise/worship dance and its benefits and characteristics, few examine the impact of prophetic dance on well-being. Examining different perspectives through a combination of auto-ethnographic research, interviews and selected case studies from church and para church dance practices, and arising from a holistic view of humankind, rather than the contrasting dualist nature embedded in some Christian theology, my research reveals a wide-ranging impact on the well-being of participants and viewers. The definition of prophetic dance or movement relates to different interpretations through varied means. These include storytelling, choreography and spontaneous dance which expresses abstract concepts such as joy or hope, bringing physical, emotional or spiritual healing and ‘release’.