To Dance Or Not To Dance

When I think “Mennonite,” I imagine folks who accentuate family tradition and good food. One can also argue that many Mennonites tend to lean toward more conservative beliefs. For example, Mennonite traditions assert dancing to be “worldly”, and it was frowned upon by the community. Most Mennonites certainly aren’t vibrant dancers, prancing and flinging their arms about in a hysterical manner. The portrayal of Mennonites is more like that of serious-minded men and women, staying true to their customs. 

EMHS holds the annual Junior/Senior Banquet, similar to prom night in public high schools. As a Christian school, it seems reasonable to censor anything that crosses the line of modesty, but why exactly are students refrained from dancing? 12th grader Samantha Rimer voices her opinion on why the school should have dances. “I feel like I’m missing out on crucial high school experiences that I would have if I went to public school.” 11th grader Caleb Townsend adds, “I think that not having dancing makes some events boring and awkward. Not everyone is Mennonite; we shouldn’t have to follow the strict Mennonite rules.” Many students seem perplexed as to why such a rule exists. Sherman Eberly answers, “Well technically, we do allow dancing. Although the school doesn’t host dances, the SCO parents provide an After Banquet at JMU where students are permitted to dance.” Mr. Eberly further clarified the school guidelines which state that “students are encouraged to follow parental and congregational guidelines on the matters of on-campus or off-campus dancing.” He explains that the school itself has no specific regulations restricting students from dancing. Rather, the matter is dependent on both the individual’s choice and consent from parent and church.

Times are changing, and it has certainly opened up different mindsets regarding dancing. Not all Mennonites are die-hard conservatives, and many Mennonite families today are becoming more liberal. In fact, some families permit and even encourage certain kinds of dancing. As family members become more involved in one another’s lives, parents are becoming more involved in what their kids are doing. Dancing at EMHS is still somewhat an issue to be debated, and it could garner major support as a lot of people would be in favor of it.

 

~Minji Chung

 

Comments

[Nike Free Run shoes]

Also, the information provided doesn't give enough detail like when machinery is going to be parked in front of a resident's driveway

[Bachelor of Health and Movement (sport)]

Essentially, dancing has been and is important because it is part of us as humans, we live, we love, we laugh and we dance. Dancing has manifold advantages, for both young and the old. Dancing contributes immensely to the personal improvement of the child and thereby enhances all types of skills that are required for better education.