Cameron Miranda
Dancing bans are legal or religious prohibitions against dancing, which have been applied at various times in various jurisdictions around the world. While some bans are rooted in religion, others are enforced by law. For example, in Germany and Switzerland, dancing is banned on certain holidays, while in Washington state, it is illegal to engage in marathon dance competitions. New York City's Cabaret Law, also known as the no-dancing law, has been used to regulate venues, particularly those catering to people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Even more bizarrely, in Indiana, puppeteers must pay a $3 fine if their puppets are caught dancing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Delaware, Indiana, Helena (Montana), Seattle (Washington), Lynden (Washington), Bellingham (Washington), Fargo (North Dakota), Washington D.C., Germany, Switzerland, Pound (Virginia), Finland, Sweden, New York City |
| Type of dancing | Dancing with a hat on, dancing with men (for women), dancing on tables, dancing with puppets, marathon dance competitions, dancing and drinking alcohol in the same establishment, dancing to the national anthem, spontaneous dancing, dancing without a cabaret license, youth dancing, dancing on certain holidays, dancing in public |
| Reasons | To prevent certain "immoral practices", religious reasons, to prevent close contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, to prevent public disorder, to prevent full-body contact, to prevent same-sex dancing |
| Consequences | Criminal offense, jail time, fines, removal of permits, shutdown of venues |
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What You'll Learn
Religious bans on dancing
Dancing bans are legal or religious prohibitions against dancing and have been applied at various times and in various places around the world.
Islam
In Islam, extreme Salafists and Wahhabis consider dancing in general to be haram (forbidden). In Iran, American-Iranian pop-dancer Mohamed Khordadian was arrested on charges of "inciting and encouraging depravity among young people" and received a 10-year suspended jail sentence, a lifetime ban on teaching or performing dance, and a 10-year ban on leaving the country. Videos of Khordadian's dances show men and women dancing together, and since such mixing is forbidden in Iran, these videos are seen as a corrupting influence on the country's youth.
Christianity
Dancing has been banned at various times in several Christian churches and communities. In the rural Christian town of Elmore City, Oklahoma, dancing has been forbidden on moral grounds since 1898. In 1979, students from Elmore High School proposed overturning the ban so that they could have a senior prom, but the community's religious leaders objected, arguing that dances led to sexual arousal and promiscuity. The students eventually won their case, and their story inspired the 1984 film *Footloose*.
Some Christian groups believe that dancing is inherently sinful or that certain forms of dancing could lead to sinful thoughts or activities, and thus proscribe it either in general or during religious services. This view is particularly common among Conservative Anabaptists, Old Order Anabaptists, and Methodists, as well as in Baptist, Pentecostal, and independent Bible-church traditions, though adherents of these faiths are becoming less common.
In Germany, dancing is banned on certain Christian holidays, including Good Friday and All Saints' Day, out of respect for the religious occasion. These bans are meant to emphasise the serious and solemn nature of the holidays and to allow Christians to observe them in a respectful way.
Mormonism
It is a common misconception that Mormonism has banned dancing. In fact, it has advocated for and participated in recreational dancing since it was organized in 1830. Founder Joseph Smith hosted dances in his home, and dancing continues to be an integral part of youth and adult activities in the Church. However, leaders in the largest denomination of Mormonism have historically looked down on dancing that includes full-body contact, is suggestive of sexual behavior, or has same-sex romantic overtones.
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Dancing during the COVID-19 pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of jurisdictions specifically prohibited dancing as part of a suite of public health measures designed to prevent close contact between potential spreaders of the virus. However, this did not stop people from dancing in their homes, with dance challenges becoming popular on TikTok and Instagram. These challenges were a way to kill time during lockdown and also became a way to spread social messages. For example, the Kerala Health department in India brought out an animated video of two vials of vaccine dancing to the tune of 'Rasputin' as a campaign to promote vaccination.
Dancing has been a way for people to look after their health and well-being during the pandemic. It can be a fun activity that sharpens the mind while increasing strength and aerobic power. It can also help people to build social bonds, which is especially important when social distancing measures have led to isolation. Dance classes have moved online, and virtual classes have been a great way for people to stay connected.
In some places, dancing has been restricted for reasons other than COVID-19. In Germany and Switzerland, dancing is banned on certain holidays, such as Good Friday and All Saints' Day. In Delaware, alcohol cannot be served on the premises of a nightclub if dancing is occurring at the same time. In Indiana, puppeteers must pay a $3 fine if their puppets dance, as part of a campaign to prevent "immoral practices".
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Dancing in Sweden
Dancing is a beloved pastime for many people, but some laws and regulations around the world have placed restrictions on this activity. In Sweden, there was a law in place since the 1930s that required venues to obtain a special permit for public dance events. This law, known as the "law of order" or "dance permit" regulation, carried a fee of 700 SEK for establishments seeking to allow their patrons to dance. However, in 2016, the Swedish Riksdag voted to abolish this requirement, making it no longer necessary for venues to acquire a special permit for dancing.
Despite the recent removal of the dance permit law, Sweden has had a significant impact on the global dance scene, particularly in the resurgence of interest in swing dancing and the Lindy Hop style. In the 1980s, a group of Swedish dancers discovered the roots of their jitterbug dance in the Lindy Hop style. They established an annual summer camp in Herrang in 1982 and later invited renowned dancers like Al Minns, Frankie Manning, and Norma Miller to Sweden to teach workshops. The Swedes played a crucial role in bringing Frankie Manning out of retirement, and their performance group, The Rhythm Hot Shots, toured Europe and the world in the early 1990s, contributing to the international influence of swing dancing.
While Sweden has eased its regulations on dancing, some countries and regions continue to have laws or cultural norms that restrict dancing. For example, in Germany and Switzerland, dancing is banned on specific Christian and secular holidays dedicated to mourning or contemplation, such as Good Friday and All Saints' Day. These bans apply to public parties but not to dancing in private residences. Additionally, certain conservative Islamic and Orthodox Jewish traditions prohibit contact between unmarried men and women in public, leading to separate or restricted dancing in these communities.
In the United States, various states have unique laws concerning dancing. For instance, in Washington state, it is illegal to engage in marathon dance competitions, and in Lynden, drinking and dancing are not permitted in the same establishment. Delaware has a similar law, prohibiting the service of alcohol in nightclubs or "dance halls." Other unusual laws include a ban on women taking more than three steps backward while dancing in Bellingham, Washington, and a prohibition on dancing with a hat on in Fargo, North Dakota.
Dancing restrictions have also been implemented during specific historical periods. Finland banned dancing in 1939 during the Winter War, and the ban remained in place until the signing of the Moscow Armistice in 1944. Dancing in restaurants was prohibited until 1948, and secret dances were often raided by the police. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several jurisdictions prohibited dancing as a measure to prevent close contact between individuals and reduce the spread of the virus.
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Dancing in New York
Dancing is a beloved form of self-expression and cultural celebration, but various laws and regulations have been enacted throughout history to restrict or prohibit it. While some of these laws may seem absurd or outdated, they reflect societal norms and values at the time of their implementation. One notable example of legal restrictions on dancing is the New York City Cabaret Law, which was in place for nearly a century before its repeal in 2017.
In New York City, the relationship between dancing and the law has been complex and often contentious. The New York City Cabaret Law, originally enacted in 1926 during the Prohibition era, prohibited dancing in public spaces that sold food and drink unless they obtained a cabaret license. This law was repealed in 2017, but its impact on the city's cultural landscape was significant. The Cabaret Law was introduced to regulate speakeasies during Prohibition, but critics argued that it was used to target Harlem jazz clubs and suppress black, brown, and queer musicians and scenes.
The law stated that any "room, place, or space" in the city where dancing, singing, or musical entertainment was permitted in connection with the sale of food or drink required a license. However, obtaining this license was expensive and difficult, leading to accusations of arbitrary enforcement and discrimination against marginalized groups. The law's impact extended beyond legal consequences, as it shaped the nightlife and cultural expression of New Yorkers for decades.
In recent years, there have been efforts to amend zoning laws and simplify the code for dancing, eliminating some of the remaining bans. In 2024, the city's Department of Planning Commission held a hearing to consider a proposal to allow dancing in more bars and restaurants. While there were no immediate votes on the zoning amendments, it signalled a shift towards recognizing the importance of nightlife and cultural expression in the city.
Despite these efforts, some challenges and complexities remain. Zoning laws continue to play a role in determining where dancing is permitted, and business owners must navigate these regulations to ensure compliance. The process of obtaining the necessary licenses can be confusing and stressful, and penalties for non-compliance can include fines and even the closure of establishments. Nonetheless, there is a growing recognition that dancing is an essential form of expression and entertainment, and efforts to amend outdated laws reflect a desire to embrace the cultural diversity that New York City embodies.
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Dancing in Seattle
Dancing has been an integral part of human culture since time immemorial. However, there have been numerous instances of legal and religious prohibitions against dancing in various jurisdictions. One notable example of dancing restrictions can be found in Seattle, Washington, where a law called the Teen Dance Ordinance (TDO) was enacted in 1985.
The TDO in Seattle imposed strict requirements on venues and promoters, making it difficult for underage patrons to attend concerts and dances. The law was driven by concerns over teenage runaways, drug and alcohol use, and allegations of sexual abuse and child prostitution at certain establishments. While the TDO aimed to protect young people, it had a significant impact on Seattle's music and art scene, with local musicians and venues suffering financially. The law was also criticised for its vague language, leaving it open to interpretation and potentially overzealous enforcement by the police.
During the TDO's existence, teen dances outside of schools were virtually banned in Seattle. The requirements, including a $1 million insurance bond and the need to hire off-duty officers, made it unprofitable for promoters to organise such events. As a result, teens had limited opportunities to attend dances or concerts, and some national touring acts refused to perform in Seattle due to the restrictions.
In 2002, after nearly two decades of debate and opposition, the Seattle City Council finally repealed the TDO and replaced it with the more liberal All-Ages Dance Ordinance. This new ordinance eliminated the insurance requirement and made it easier for all-ages events to take place, as long as alcohol was not served. However, some activists still felt that the changes did not go far enough to encourage all-ages shows.
While the TDO is no longer in force, it left a lasting impact on Seattle's cultural landscape. The law's legacy includes a recognition of the importance of providing safe spaces for young people to socialise and express themselves through dance and music, while also highlighting the potential pitfalls of heavy-handed legislation in this area. Seattle's experience with the TDO serves as a reminder that while regulation can be necessary, it must be carefully balanced with the freedom to engage in cultural and artistic pursuits.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several places with laws against dancing. For example, in Sweden, "spontaneous dancing" is illegal. In Germany and Switzerland, dancing is banned on certain holidays. In New York, a law from 1926 called the Cabaret Law or "no-dancing law" prohibits dancing. Other places with specific laws against dancing include Indiana, Delaware, Washington, and more.
Yes, the 1984 movie Footloose is about a town where dancing has been banned.
Yes, some Christian groups believe that dancing is sinful or can lead to sinful activities. Extreme Salafists and Wahhabis in Islam consider dancing forbidden, and Orthodox Jews may not dance with members of the opposite sex in public.
In some places, there are laws against specific types of dancing. For example, in Indiana, puppet dancing is illegal. In Fargo, North Dakota, it is illegal to wear a hat while dancing or attend a function where dancing is taking place. In Bellingham, Washington, women are prohibited from taking more than three steps backward while dancing.
Yes, there are several historical examples of dancing bans. For instance, Finland banned dancing during the Winter War from 1939 to 1944, and restaurants were not allowed to host dancing until 1948. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some jurisdictions temporarily prohibited dancing to prevent the spread of the virus.
