This question has a wide range of interpretations. To help you make an informed decision, we will present both perspectives. Based on my personal experience, there are several practical factors that can make dancing either a wholesome activity or one that borders on sin:
- Decorum. If dancers do not adhere to general Catholic principles of modesty, any event – even one without dancing – can quickly become a breeding ground for temptation.
- Type of Embrace. Even in classical dances like the Waltz, the embrace can vary. An “open embrace” allows for more space between partners, whereas a “close embrace” brings you into direct physical contact with your dance partner. When the dance begins, a lady can choose how she embraces her dance partner, ensuring enough space to feel comfortable.
- Your Dance Partner. If your dance partner is your spouse, then dancing in a “close embrace” will not be such a negative factor. For this reason, I would encourage spouses not to change partners at the dance events and dedicate this precious time to each other.
- Alcohol. Introducing alcohol into the mix heightens the risks, making the situation more dangerous.
- Be prudent. Prudence: Careful consideration of consequences before acting, often associated with avoiding unnecessary risks.
Articles and Podcasts
Dancing is not sinful
A guest writer and organizer of social dances, Dorothy Cummings McLean, joins Julian and Peter Kwasniewski to address a topic of some importance in traditional circles: the positive good of holding social dances for Catholics of all ages, including unmarried young people, and the moral errors (particularly Jansenism) involved in saying that dancing is immoral. You can also read the articles on the same topic:
Dancing is sinful
This perspective is particularly focused on Swing dancing and is geared toward members of monastic third orders. If you are a member of a third order, you may be subject to a stricter set of rules.: