One of the programs at Hope Alive Initiatives is holistic training – to equip for ministry and living fulfilling lives. We hosted a week long dance and fitness training program on the 12th to 16th August in Kenya. This event attracted 40 participants who took part in various sessions combining dance, scripture and community fellowship. The lead teachers were Charlene (Prophetic Dance) and Christine (Fitness).

What is Prophetic Dance?

“Prophetic dance is spontaneous dance that is inspired by the Holy Spirit and danced by a single person or by a group of people. It is a dance where the mind of God is expressed so that the congregation not only hears the message from God, but also sees the message,’ Mary Jones.

The primary objective of the training was to explore the concept of prophetic dance as a form of honoring the Lord. The program was deeply rooted in biblical principles, using scripture to underscore the spiritual significance of the activities.

Two characters from the bible stood out as being prophetic dancers; i.e King David and Miriam, Moses’ sister.  

King David

David, the anointed king of Israel, was a ‘man after God’s own heart. He  is renowned for his heartfelt worship through dance and music. When the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, David “danced before the Lord with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14), wearing a linen ephod. His uninhibited dance reflected his deep joy and reverence for God, despite being criticized by his wife, Michal (2 Samuel 6:16-23).

David’s musical gifts are also evident in the book of Psalms. He poured out his heart to God in songs of praise, lament, and thanksgiving. In Psalm 150:4, he urges, “Praise him with timbrel and dancing; praise him with the strings and pipe”. He highlights his belief in worshipping God with every form of expression. David’s life exemplifies worship through music and dance, making him a central figure in biblical expressions of devotion.

Miriam

Miriam, the prophetess and sister of Moses, played a significant role in Israel's history through her leadership and worship. After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, witnessing God’s miraculous deliverance from the Egyptians, Miriam led the women in a triumphant celebration. With a tambourine in hand, she danced and sang, "Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea" (Exodus 15:20-21).

Miriam’s dance and song symbolized not only gratitude but also the collective joy of a liberated people. Her spontaneous worship through music and dance underscores the importance of expressing praise and thanksgiving to God for His mighty acts. Miriam’s leadership in this moment set a powerful example of how worship can unite a community in celebrating God’s faithfulness.

Role of prophetic dance

• Celebrating and glorifying God as exemplified by Miriam’s dance
• Dance is a garment of praise that signifies a form of worship and dance
• Being God’s masterpiece
• Praising God helps you defeat the devil

Program Highlights

•  Daily Sessions: Each day featured structured dance sessions . 
• Scripture Integration: Throughout the training, dances were performed with accompanying scripture readings and reflections, allowing participants to connect physical movements with spiritual meanings. 
• Fitness Components: In addition to dance, the program included fitness exercises aimed at enhancing overall physical health and stamina, ensuring a holistic approach to well-being. 

This was a time to connect with our inner beings as we praised God. We honored God through movement and worship as we were equipped with the knowledge and importance of dance.

‘Let them praise His name with dance; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and harp.’ Psalms 149:3