Dancing

(dan's ing.) [Same der iv.) The art of moving in measured steps, or adapting the movements of the body to the sounds of music. D. has been practised by all nations, civilized and barbarous; being by some held in esteem, by others in contempt. It has also often been made an act of religion; thus, David danced before the ark, to honor God and expre his exce of joy for its return into Zion; and among the Pagans it made a part of the worship paid to the gods, it being usual to dance round the altars and statues. According to Scaliger, the early bishops of the Christian Church, on account of their leading the dance in solemn festivals, were styled præsules, a name given by the ancients to the priests of Mars, Lecause they were the præsultatores (L., chief dancers) in the sacred rites of that deity; and this practice continued in the Church until the 12th century. [s. 263]