[Greek] ὀρχέομαι (orcheomai), [French] danser: to dance, to set in motion, to leap, to perform, to lift up the foot, to dance in a row; Mt.11:7, Mt.14:6, Mk.6:22, Lk.7:32
A fresco of King David leaping before the Ark (by Johann Baptist Wezel Bergl)
Background Information:
Greek theater (stage): The orchestra (dancing area) was the semi-circular part of the theater between the stage and the audience. This is the area where the dancers and musicians performed. A choros is a group of dancers. An orchestres is an individual dancer, performer, or actor. In other situations, the orchestra served as VIP seating for important officials (senators, magistrates, playwrights, philanthropists).
Choros: This group of singers, dancers, and actors would perform in the orchestra. On some occasions, they would wear costumes in their performance. Typically, they would dance rhythmically in circles in separate groups. In ancient Greece there was no mixing of gender in their performances. The term choros is actually related to the Greek choreuin, meaning to dance. The playwright or (sometimes the patron), who managed the choros, was a chorego (choreographer).
Old Testament: This term, expressed by 6 different Hebrew words, conveys a much more meaningful and richer sense in Old Testament worship. Dancing is perhaps more accurately described as leaping, skipping, and whirling. Most notably, King David leaps before the Ark of the Covenant. In addition, there are instances of dancing over ill-gotten spoils, dancing before idols, and dancing for joy. Several scripture passages indicate the time to dance and a divine command to dance. Leaping and skipping usually occurs upon the sound of a voice or musical instrument.
Leaping and skipping: King David was jumping and leaping before the Lord (2 Sam.6:16). The Amalekites were celebrating because of all the rich plunder they had taken from the Phillistines (1Sam.30:16). A time to mourn, and a time to dance (Eccl.3:4). Let them praise His name in dance (Psa.149:3). As Moses drew near the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing (Ex.32:19). The young women shall make merry and dance (Jer.31:13).
New Testament: Surprisingly, this term takes on a minor and even peripheral role in the New Testament. Unlike the leaping and skipping deeply ingrained in Old Testament worship, this term conveys the mere act of dancing in joyous and festive occasions. In parables, this term is found in children’s games and in celebrating the return of the prodigal son. In addition, at a birthday celebration, Salome dances before King Herod. As she charms King Herod, she gets King Herod to cut off John the Baptist’s head.
Scripture:
“To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another. ‘We play the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge, but you do not mourn’”. Mt. 11:16-17
The dancing may allude to the wedding feasts that Jesus invites us to. The dirge may allude to the death of John the Baptist. Scholars claim that this generation may refer the Jews and current generation who opposed the Christian following.
“But at a birthday celebration for Herod, Salome, the daughter of Herodias, performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod.” Mt.14:6
Salome charms King Herod. King Herod accepts her request to have John the Baptist beheaded.
“Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing.” Lk.15:25
The father welcomed back his lost younger son. The father celebrated this event with a feast. This parable images the Father’s everlasting mercy.
Conclusion:
Orchestra, orchestrate, orchestral, dance
The Greek stage played a very important role in the development of the orchestra. I did not realize that the orchestra was originally the space between the stage and the seats. Small groups of musicians performed in this area. So it is not surprising that this would lead to the development of the modern orchestra. It was also interesting to note that the person who directed the choros is the choreographer.
The Illiad Book 18 (760-710 B.C.) makes the first reference to a physical stage and chorus of dancers. Aesop’s Fables makes reference to this term as like children at play.
I was already aware of King David’s leaping before the Ark of the Covenant. But, I did not realize that dancing (leaping) is fully ingrained with Old Testament worship. I was also very surprised by the many references to dancing or leaping. It was very interesting to see that scripture gives a command to dance and indicates a time to dance. This type of worship most likely involved leaping and twirling, rather than the modern understanding of dancing.
It was very interesting to discover that dancing plays a very minor and peripheral role in the New Testament. In these few examples, dancing is involved with children’s games or celebrations, not so much with spirituality. However, elsewhere in the New Testament, the leaping of the infant John draws parallels with King David before the Ark of the Covenant. King David and John leap in the presence of the Spirit.
In contrast to King David’s leaping, Salome performs an exotic and elaborate dance. This type of dance was derived more from the Hellenistic traditions.