We are watching the figure skating dance competition at the Winter Olympics. This captivating event combines athletic prowess with artistic expression. Pairs of skaters perform choreographed routines to music, showcasing intricate footwork, synchronized movements, and expressive storytelling on ice.
Every dance was highlighted by high lifts, crazy spins, and courageous faith in one’s partner. As my granddaughter sighed, “That is definitely not something for someone with trust issues.”
Of course, the grace, elegance, and athletic excellence made me wonder how the judges might evaluate the rhythmic beauty of my dancing feet minus the skates. What iconic comparisons would the commentators use to describe my dancing style?
Think about the elegance of Fred Astaire, the energetic athleticism of Gene Kelly, the technical brilliance of Mikhail Baryshnikov, the rhythmic tap of Gregory Hines, the unforgettable lifts of Patrick Swayze, and the innovative moonwalk of Michael Jackson. These legends embody the heights of performance seen on “Dancing with the Stars.”
None of those examples share the same universal dance floor with me. No one compares my dancing to these experts. While I love to dance, I tend to avoid public displays—promising my family I would not embarrass them with my unique, non-descriptive style.
This week, I learned an unfamiliar word that perfectly captures my approach to dancing.
BALTER.
Balter means to dance with carefree exuberance, often in a clumsy or ungraceful manner. It is a rarely used word that describes joyful and spontaneous dancing at a very unskilled level. The term refers to the pleasure of dancing, not to technical precision.
In contrast, my wife’s dancing is a portrait of beauty and grace. Born with rhythm, she shines as an excellent dancer—whether as a cheerleader, a social debutante, or a wedding guest. She floats like a butterfly, glides effortlessly like an ice skater, and sparkles with a spellbound shimmer.
Unfortunately, she is married to a Boogie Dad whose dance moves are legendary, if largely original. The beauty and grace of dance seem confined to my imagination, never manifesting elsewhere in my body.
My children have always called my movements the Steve Martin crazy dance, made famous in his comedy routines and movie scenes. It is a happy dance: index fingers pointed up, hands raised to head level, and feet shuffling rapidly.
In truth, I was performing this version long before Steve Martin made it a spectacle under bright lights, dressed in his trademark white suit, banjo slung across his back, and a wild gleam in his eyes.
The audience always anticipated the unexpected. A funky beat would fill the room, launching the star—not with grace, but with joyful, exaggerated awkwardness that was hilarious.
The dance began with a stiff-legged march, knees high and arms flailing as if fighting off invisible bees. Each step was accented by slapstick facial expressions—a cross-eyed look or jaw-dropping confusion—followed by off-balance twirls and wild spins.
As the music changed, Steve Martin would attempt a series of “serious” dance moves: a moonwalk (backwards and sideways), a robot (with intentionally jerky malfunctions), and ballroom twirls with an imaginary partner who kept stepping on his toes. Each move was technically wrong but performed with such enthusiasm that the crowd erupted in laughter.
Martin would pause, pant theatrically, then burst into his signature “Wild and Crazy Guy Shuffle,” sliding across the stage on his heels, arms swinging overhead, embracing chaos until the dance ended in a goofy grin. Comic gold.
Steve Martin launched a lucrative career, while I crashed into forbidden public appearances.
Growing up, I was taught that Baptists do not dance; they do not smoke or chew or go with girls who do.” I never smoked and did not chew. So, I guess two out of four is not bad.
However, I later discovered that it was not a mandate from the #1 Textbook. The Baptists around me simply lacked rhythm and joy—two essentials for enjoyable dancing.
Do you Want to Dance?
Bobby Freeman famously posed this question in his song, capturing the joyful spirit of dancing. The Beach Boys had a great version.
Well, do you want to dance,
and hold my hand?
Oh baby, do you want to dance?
Well, do you want to dance under the moonlight?
Squeeze me all through the night.
Oh baby, do you want to dance?
Do you Want to Dance?
The #1 Textbook tells us there is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Seasons change in life, but every season comes with a divine purpose and a promise for your good.
Dancing is much more than rhythmic physical movements to music. Dancing is an outward expression of an inward reality of gratitude and celebration.
Do you remember when you met Jesus, how He took your hand, looked deep into your eyes and heart and gave you life? Remember how He whispered, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
Did your heart want to dance when He shared all your sins are forgiven? In Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan described that moment when he lost the burden of his sins at the cross as three great leaps of dance before he continued on his way singing.
In God’s presence is fulness of joy (Psalm 16:11). In every circumstance, God holds your hand. There is a reason for joy…and dancing.
Hey! Let’s get real. There are nights your heart is on the floor, but it is not for dancing. It is being stomped on by others hoping to dance on your grave. You hurt. You cry. Then this amazing Lover of your Soul takes your hand and asks you to dance…again.
Do you remember those fearful and tough times when God changed everything to better?
God has turned my sorrow into dancing…and clothed me with gladness…O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever (Psalm 30:11-12).
Esther danced when God delivered her people (Esther 9:18). David danced when the Ark of the Covenant was returned to God’s people (2 Samuel 6:14). Others even accused him of crazy balter dancing.
Praise God with dance (Psalm 150:4).
The #1 Textbook encourages us to never stop dancing.
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1).
Baptists better take lessons or they will be the balter dancers in heaven. Since God created me with that crazy rhythm, maybe I will be a heavenly instructor for the least experienced dancers.
I am practicing now.
One of my highlights was one of my home rehearsals. I performed the Balter moonwalk across our living room’s imaginary stage while lip-syncing the Eagles’ Love Will Keep Us Alive. The family audience reacted with embarrassment as eyes rolled and voices moaned—but deep down, they knew no one else could pull off this performance like dear old dad.
Sadly, the family thought it was bad entertainment when it was intended as a public announcement.
I will die for you, climb the highest mountain.
Baby, there is nothing I wouldn’t do…
But we just cannot afford Johnny’s Pizza tonight.
Don’t you worry; when we’re hungry, love will keep us alive.
Now, my grandkids get to witness their Bubba’s spontaneous expressions of joy to the tune of I’ve Had the Time of My Life or Dancing in the Moonlight. Thankfully, they inherit their Babe’s rhythm and my sense of humor.
I hope my grandchildren will always dance. I hope you dance again, too.
I know some of you feel as if your dancing days are gone. Maybe you lost your dance partner. Maybe there are physical limitations or emotional roadblocks.
There is still a Time to Dance. You have a personal invitation from the Lord to dance with Him and for Him. Just as I love to watch my grandchildren dance, our Heavenly Father rejoices when you dance.
The classic song I Hope You Dance always moves my heart to tears with its powerful message. I pray the Lord might use it to tug at your heart as well.
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Livin’ might mean takin’ chances, but they’re worth takin’
Don’t let some hellbent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin’ out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
Come, my soul, dance before the God of grace, and let my heart leap for joy!
Join in today. At least, dance in your heart!
Never lose your sense of wonder and do not take one single breath for granted. When you come close to selling out, reconsider. When you get the choice to sit it out or dance…I hope you dance.
People all over the world…join hands…start a Love Train. David started that song and dance long before the O’Jays.
People all over the world …Join hands
Start a love train
Love train
LOVE FIRST...LOVE MOST 