About us
The South African Messianic Dance Association is an association of and a fellowship of Messianic dancers.
Moadim is Hebrew and it means “appointed times”. The Moadim are the Father’s appointments with us and are usually translated as “feasts”. The first reference to these appointments we find in Gen 1:14:
And Elohim said: Let there be lights ... for the Appointed Times (Moadim).
Our goals
The goal of the South African Messianic Dance Association is to promote Messianic dancing, especially at the celebration of the Father’s Appointed Times. We would like to see Messianic dance groups in every town and city suburb.
We also would like to see dance groups joining together to form bigger groups in order to minister at big events, i.e. Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) celebrations in city halls.
We are serious about the preservation and promotion of the integrity and style of Messianic dancing. Messianic dancing is not a show, but a spiritual experience. Messianic dancing is NOT a concert; we do not want to compromise anything in order just to attract numbers.
Anybody who invites a Messianic dance group that is associated with the South African Messianic Dance Association to minister, should do so with the assurance that they are really being ministered to with Messianic dancing.
We want to support the dancers and dance teachers and give them recognition for the role that they play. Dancers, like anybody else, want to feel that their ministry is appreciated and their input recognised.
The South African Messianic Dance Association is about every person fulfilling his or her calling as an individual, as a team member and as a team that is part of a bigger team.
About the guidelines and policy
The following guidelines and policies can help us to accomplish the above-mentioned goals in a harmonious and effective way. The guidelines are based on what Messianic dancing is, and policy is based on what is practical.
(We would like to hear from you and have your input regarding these guidelines and policies).
Guidelines and policy
1. General
1.1 Testimony:
It goes without saying that those who minister must have a testimony of a Spirit-filled life. That includes commitment. If you love to minister with dancing and are prepared to put in the necessary effort, then you are welcome to join us in this fulfilling ministry.
1.2 Clothing:
Immodest clothing can very easily divert the focus from the spiritual to the natural. This is especially true when dancing, so clothing needs to be modest at all times.
Scripturally speaking modest means to be covered. No unnecessary parts of the body should be exposed. (This is not to be confused with what is considered to be decent clothing according to your culture). The Scriptural guideline would be the prescribed clothing of the priests.
Modesty guidelines:
- Closed neck, no visible cleavage.
- Long sleeves
- Long dresses for females, long pants for males
- Clothing to be loose and not translucent
- Females to wear pants under their skirts/dresses.
1.3 Gender:
We want to acknowledge and celebrate the fact that Elohim made us male and female, and we want it to be clear in our ministry. The ladies wear dresses when ministering. It is no problem if you wear pants when practising (it is probably more practical).
We also want to encourage men to take part in the dances, so the movements of the male dancers will be manly. Men and women will do some of the moves differently
1.4 Music and copyright
Piracy not allowed, please make use of original music. To copy lyrics and sheet music you need to have a licence (available from Christian Copyright Licensing International, associated groups can maybe share licence).
2. Dance teachers / group leaders
2.1 Leadership:
As the leader of your dance group you are responsible for the arrangements when your group minister at any event. When other dance groups are ministering with your group, then you and the other leader/s will have to work together. By default you are responsible for the arrangements when the event is taking place in your area, unless you make other arrangements.
The regional leaders/co-ordinators of the South African Messianic Dance Association are (not appointed yet -waiting for nominations). Their role will be supportive, so if you have any problems or questions you can contact them at (contact details).
2.2 Listing of groups:
Messianic dance groups can also be listed on our website:
http://www.samda.hebrewrootsmovement.org/dancegroups
2.3 Choreography of dances:
When doing joint dance ministering, then the teachers involved mutually decide which dances and choreography to use. You can exchange DVD’s of your dances so that both groups can practice the same dances for the event. Unauthorised use of another teacher’s dances and choreography is a sin and is therefore strictly forbidden.
The South African Messianic Dance Association is a www.sa.hebrewrootsmovement.org initiative.
Contact the Webmaster at admin@hebrewrootsmovement.org or 082 437 5761
