Social Dance Policy
1. Introduction
The following principles set the context for the guidelines governing
social dance at Redeemer University College.
In the most basic sense, the human capacity to dance is rooted in
creation. Created in God’s image, we possess an artistic sensitivity
and a sociability which can find valid expression in dance forms. God
gave us bodies that are instruments of sense and motion and made
us capable of responding to musical themes and rhythmical
movement. Dancing, along with every other created human capacity,
is misdirected by our fallen and sinful condition. This fallenness
enters dance in all its forms - religious, artistic and social - and affects
the entire context of dance, including setting, music and motivation of
participants, as well as the character of the dance itself.
The Christian must learn to discern and to do the will of God, accept
ing and enjoying whatever things are true, honourable, just, pure and
lovely, (Phil. 4:8) and rejecting and shunning all evil. As such, the
Christian is not called to reject the human capacity to dance, but is
called to redeem this aspect of creation in a God-honouring manner.
This challenge to redeem the use of dance includes liturgical, artistic
and social dance forms and extends to the entire context and activity
of dancing. Discernment and mature insight should characterize the
Christian participation in social dances.
While some dance forms, ethnic and folk dances for example,
generally reflect a joyful use of music, rhythm, movement and social
involvement, other dance styles are less easily adapted to conform to
the standards of the Christian faith. In some instances a dance style
may be so closely associated with the hedonistic values of our culture
that it should be rejected outright. In deciding to sponsor dances, it is
the responsibility of RUC as a Reformed Christian organization not
merely to do so permissively but to assume responsibility to ensure
that all aspects of a social dance event give evidence of obedience to
God’s call to be redemptively engaged with this aspect of culture. As
an educational institution RUC accepts the responsibility for providing
leadership and guidance toward an ongoing evaluation of the
constantly shifting patterns of contemporary dance and toward the
development of wholesome dances.
Supervision
The Student Life Department shall be responsible for general
supervision to ensure that dance behaviour is compatible with
the Christian lifestyle expected at RUC, including all standards as
specified in the Student Handbook. At least one member of the
Student Senate Executive and in most cases one representative from
the Student Life Department will be present at all dances.
Admission
The sponsoring organization will set the admission fee, with the
concurrence of the Student Life Department.
Environment
Dances will be held on campus. The space in which the dance is held
shall be suitably lighted. The University policy on “no alcohol or
drugs” on campus and “no smoking” indoors shall be strictly enforced.
Music & Lyrics
Music and lyrics played or performed at the dance must meet the
criteria of the document Guidelines for Music and Lyrics, which
comprises section ‘C’ of the RUC Social Dance Policy.
Forms of Dance
Forms of dancing which are sexually suggestive or provocative or
otherwise appear not to be in keeping with Christian standards will
not be permitted.
3. Guidelines for Music and Lyrics
The following guidelines are designed to assist organizing
committees to evaluate and select appropriate music for dance
events. Particular sensitivity and discernment should be exercised
regarding both music and lyrics. The intent is to promote a
wholesome atmosphere of social dance for the enjoyment of all
participants. A variety of musical styles should be offered to
accommodate both dancing and listening enjoyment and to enhance
the participation and enjoyment of the group. Lyrics must be in accord
with the biblical command to love God and our neighbours. Suitable
lyrics will reflect Christian standards of language, Christian norms for
interpersonal relationships and Christian values. The following areas
and examples serve as illustrations of how to apply such principles.
2. Guidelines for Dance Events
Regarding Gender & Sexuality
The following guidelines are designed to assist organizing
committees to evaluate and select appropriate music for dance
events. Particular sensitivity and discernment should be exercised
regarding both music and lyrics. The intent is to promote a
wholesome atmosphere of social dance for the enjoyment of all
participants. A variety of musical styles should be offered to
accommodate both dancing and listening enjoyment and to enhance
the participation and enjoyment of the group. Lyrics must be in accord
with the biblical command to love God and our neighbours. Suitable
lyrics will reflect Christian standards of language, Christian norms for
interpersonal relationships and Christian values. The following areas
and examples serve as illustrations of how to apply such principles.
Songs must reflect an understanding of sexuality and interpersonal
relations which is compatible with the teaching of Scripture. Songs
which promote and/or condone promiscuity in sexual relationships,
sexual sadism, masochism, eroticism, lewdness and/or other sexual
aberrations must not be selected.
Regarding Language
Lyrics must reflect Christian standards of language that are edifying
for students seeking to live a Christian lifestyle. Songs which use
vulgar words, profanity, take the Lord’s name in vain or trivialize
Christian commitment must not be selected.
Regarding Social & Religious Issues
Permission
Dances must be approved by the Student Life Department and will
fall under any existing regulations and procedures of campus
activities sponsored by Student Life or Student Senate.
Sponsorship
Dances may be sponsored by any officially recognized RUC
organization, upon application to the Student Life Department. (In the
case of student proposals, application must first be submitted to the
Student Senate.) Requests must be submitted in writing at least two
weeks prior to the event.
Number of Dances
The appropriate frequency of social dances shall be determined by
the Student Life Department in consultation with Student Senate.
Songs must be in accord with the biblical command to love God
above all and our neighbour as ourselves. Songs which militate
against God’s commands by promoting and/or condoning violence,
antisocial behaviour, materialism, narcissism, nihilism or fatalism and
which condone and/or promote substance abuse must not be
selected.
Regarding Political Messages
Political messages in songs must reflect love for God and our
neighbour and must respect God’s ultimate authority and its
expression in human authority. Songs with a light-hearted view of ivil
disobedience or which celebrate disrespect for authority must not be
selected.