Dance Before the Lord: Messianic Movement as Worship

Description

Dance Before the Lord: Messianic Movement as Worship

One of the most beautiful and unique expressions of worship in the Messianic movement is congregational dance—joyful, Spirit-led, and deeply rooted in Scripture and tradition. In the 1960s, a wave of Jewish people encountered Yeshua (Jesus) and embraced Him as the long-awaited Messiah. Their desire to follow Him in an authentically Jewish way—honoring His heritage and their own—sparked the birth of the modern Messianic Jewish Movement.

As this movement grew, so did its worship life. Alongside teachings that reconnect us with the Jewish roots of our faith and songs echoing the ancient hope of Israel, dance began to emerge—not from choreography or planning, but as a spontaneous outpouring of praise. What we now call Messianic or Davidic dance was a Spirit-inspired revival—an awakening and restoration of a sacred, ancient form of worship. 

In this course we examine the biblical, spiritual and social foundations that underpin the practice of Messianic Dance today. We will also look at Messianic dance as it was practiced in the early days of the Messianic movement, current and emerging trends. Finally we will touch on the practicalities of establishing and leading a dance ministry in a Messianic congregation. Each session will involve theory and practical elements. Participants will need a space near their zoom interface to take part in this. 

This course is suitable for anyone who wishes to participate in Messianic dance or to become a teacher in Messianic dance. People who don’t dance but want to understand what it is and why it is part of the Messianic movement are warmly welcome. 

Course Outline:

1.  Introduction to Messianic Dance – definition, purpose & practice 

2. Biblical Foundations for Dance as a Worship Form 

3. Dance in Jewish Society 

4. Messianic Dance as Praise and Worship 

5. The “Shouts of joy” Solu Dance – Guest Instructor Karen Bastidas 

6. Messianic Dance, Movement & Wellbeing – Guest Instructor Adrienne Sloan 

7. Messianic Congregational Dance today & in the future 

8. Foundations of Messianic choreography 

9. Leading a Messianic Dance Group 

Course Delivery Description

This course was originally taught on Zoom with sessions recorded.

9 Play on Demand Video Lectures

Unlimited Access & Plays

Instructor: Cathy Wright 

Course Textbook: 

Murray Silberling  Dancing For Joy: A Biblical Approach to Praise and Worship. Messianic Jewish Publishers 1995.

Important Notes 

● Upon enrolment, the student will receive access to the course page on Moodle. 

● The textbook will need to be purchased separately.

Course Instructor

This course is taught by Cathy Wright. Cathy brings a unique combination of theological training and a long-standing commitment to Messianic dance ministry. She was introduced to the Messianic Movement in Israel, where she encountered both secular Israeli dance and Messianic Jewish believers. These experiences sparked a lasting interest in the cultural and spiritual dimensions of dance within Jewish and Messianic contexts. Cathy has led Messianic dance ministries in Australia including in Beit Shalom Sydney. Cathy continues to be an advocate for the role of dance in Messianic worship and community life, drawing on decades of experience to teach, lead, and mentor others in this unique expression of faith.

For questions about course content, please email Cathy Wright:

[email protected]

For questions relating to registration or payments please email:

[email protected]