Curious about the Amish and fun activities like dancing? Let’s explore if it’s allowed in their lifestyle.
Do the Amish Dance?
The Amish don’t dance. They see dancing and listening to music as worldly activities. Dancing is not modest and can make people feel proud of their skills, which goes against their values.
Deeply connected to their Anabaptist faith, they prioritize a life focused on humility, community, and separation from worldly influences. Dancing, with its lively nature, doesn’t align with these principles, leading the Amish to refrain from this form of expression.
Dancing is also considered immodest and proud. It could also lead to improper behavior if men and women are encouraged to dance together.
For example, Amish weddings don’t include dancing, but there’s plenty of family time, games, and connections.
The Amish prefer slow religious hymns and folk songs for fun, not the kind of music you’d dance to. They only use their voices for music. They don’t use any musical instruments.
While dancing is not a form of expression used in Amish communities, there is a time in the life of an Amish individual when they may experience dancing. During Rumspringa, Amish youth are allowed to engage in worldly activities, and this includes dancing.
Rumspringa is a phase in Amish communities when teenagers, usually around 16 to 18 years old, get the chance to explore the outside world.
During this time, they can temporarily break some of the community rules and engage in activities like using modern technology, wearing non-Amish clothes, and even dancing.
This period is like a temporary break from the usual strict rules, giving young Amish individuals a chance to experience a bit of freedom before deciding whether to fully commit to the traditional Amish lifestyle
Rumspringa isn’t obligatory, but it allows Amish youth to decide if they want to fully commit to the Amish lifestyle or explore different paths outside the community.