Music and Dancing

Sometimes Mormons are confused with other religious groups and people ask us if it’s true we aren’t allowed to dance.

No, it’s not true.  We even have church dances for our youth, single adults, and occassionally dances for families or married couples.  We do have guidelines for dancing such as having a music selection free from vulgarity, and for the youth, they are supposed to keep some distance between each other and chaperones are present to enforce it.

In our church’s pamphlet called For the Strength of Youth it says:

“Praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing” (D&C 136:28).

Music is an important and powerful part of life. It can be an influence for good that helps you draw closer to Heavenly Father. However, it can also be used for wicked purposes. Unworthy music may seem harmless, but it can have evil effects on your mind and spirit.

Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Don’t listen to music that drives away the Spirit, encourages immorality, glorifies violence, uses foul or offensive language, or promotes Satanism or other evil practices.

Dancing can be fun and can provide an opportunity to meet new people. However, it too can be misused. When dancing, avoid full body contact with your partner. Do not use positions or moves that are suggestive of sexual behavior. Plan and attend dances where dress, grooming, lighting, lyrics, and music contribute to a wholesome atmosphere where the Spirit of the Lord may be present.

Music and dancing are another way to celebrate our bodies, which we consider a wonderful gift from Heavenly Father and one of the main reasons we were born – to gain a body.  It is also a great way to fellowship and get to know others.