Dancing
We take seriously and abide by the scriptural admonition in I Corinthians 10:31, and thus as believers are called to glorify God in whatever we do. Upon joining the Indiana Wesleyan community, we encourage our community members to exercise biblical maturity, grounded in the virtues and values of scripture. Our community life at IWU should embody such foundational principles as self-control, avoidance of harmful practices, the responsible use of freedom, and sensitivity to the heritage and practices of other Christians. Our individual choices are largely shaped by our discernment, and require community and individual accountability.
To foster the kind of campus atmosphere most conducive to becoming a Christian community of living, learning, and serving, Indiana Wesleyan has adopted the following institutional standard regarding dancing:
We recognize that dancing is an issue about which committed Christians disagree, and that discretion and maturity are required if dancing is to be an edifying activity. We therefore covenant together as a community to make decisions about our participation in dancing that reflect our commitment to Christ, our pursuit of holiness, our desire for purity in relationships, our adherence to biblical principles, and gracious sensitivity to others.
On Campus Dancing
Recognized campus entities (including departments, residence halls, student organizations, teams, etc.) that wish to host an on-campus event with dancing must receive the approval of the Student Development Office and comply with all policies with regard to venue, music, type of dance, faculty advisors, etc.
Performance choreography as it relates to public presentations of drama, music and cultural performances are permitted by the artists involved. Performances on campus are carefully screened and selected by University personnel as educational and appropriate to the performance.
Spontaneous Dancing
With regard to spontaneous dancing and other instances of dance that might occur on campus, it is expected that our community members will exercise appropriate maturity and sensitivity. In both structured and unstructured settings on campus, it is incumbent upon all community members to contribute to the wholesome, edifying environment we are hoping to build on our campus, and not serve as a “stumbling block” for others. (I Cor. 8:9; II Cor. 6:3) We agree to be careful to avoid erotic, sensuous forms of dance that are antithetical to our Christian faith. Students showing disregard to this basic admonition will be disciplined. Due to the more intimate and personal environment found in residence hall rooms and apartments, social dancing between the sexes is not allowed in these environments.
Off Campus Dancing
With regard to off-campus dancing, community members are encouraged to use biblically-informed discretion and discernment to avoid environments and activities that would compromise their witness and/or their pursuit of full devotion to Christ. In this regard, environments must be wholesome establishments such as churches, Christian organizations, professional dance studios, Christian youth centers and may possibly include, with appropriate supervision, community centers, YMCA’s etc. if the dance style avoids inappropriate forms of dance. Any other environments not listed would require the prior notification and approval of Life Calling and Integrative Learning or the student would be subject to discipline. Members of the IWU community are not allowed to go to dancing events at bars, nightclubs, or gatherings where alcohol or other prohibited products are sold or provided. As it is with all examples of off campus activity that is not approved, when University personnel learn of violations, the student’s behavior will be resolved through the standard disciplinary channels. Celebratory, folk, and ethnic dancing at wedding receptions is permitted as long as it remains wholesome and avoids any hint of sensuality.
