A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO

TAMBOURINE DANCE
"Praise Him with the timbrel and dance." Psalm 150:4
Dance is a praise and worship offering to the Lord and a response to being in the
presence of the Almighty. Dance is demonstrated by motioning the body, hands, and/or
feet rhythmically, using prescribed or spontaneous steps and gestures. Every movement is
to be expressed in a manner that gives glory to God rather than to ones self. Dance is
creative and reflects our Master Creator from whom creativity originates. Playing the
round tambourine drum as a percussion instrument and combining dance movements
constitutes a powerful and unique expression which reflects upon the end-time
celebration in heaven.
Each series of movements and tapping of beats of a particular routine or
choreography called a "pattern." All patterns are given a title, a key scripture verse, and
an explanation along with a choreography diagram and detailed instructions. A specific
Biblical principle is assigned to each pattern much like a word is correlated to a hand
motion in sign language. When we play our tambourines and dance we are declaring
God's Word in our lives and in the earth. Ephesians 6:17 states that the sword of the
Spirit is the Word of God. Thus, our tambourines and dancing with them becomes a
visible prophetic sign of wielding, as a sword, God's truth.
The tambourine or timbrel is the Jewish symbol of victory and jubilee. Miriam,
the sister of Moses, picked up the tambourine and led the women in triumphant dancing
after crossing the Red Sea. God freed Israel from the bondage of slavery in Egypt. He
then prepared and led them to the Promised Land where they could freely worship. As we
pick up our tambourines and dance, we join in the freedom found in the Exodus story.
The joy of our salvation is kindled afresh each time we play our timbrels and we are
reminded of the joy that is to come when Jesus Christ (Yeshua The Messiah) returns.
Jehova-Nissi means, "The Lord is my banner," Exodus 17:15. In Song of Solomon
2:4b, the banner of the Lord over us is love. The ribbons placed on our timbrels represent
God's banner over us and a testimony of what God has done, is doing, and will do in our
lives. Just as a timbrel dance pattern has specific Biblical meaning, so does each ribbon
pattern. Each color and number of ribbons signifies a particular Biblical standard. Psalm
20:5a shouts, "We will sing for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God we will
set up our banners."
Romans 12:1-2 reminds us that it is our reasonable service of worship to present
ourselves as living and holy sacrifices acceptable to Him. Anyone who is willing to study
and explore new expressions of offering love and gratitude to God will gain insight and
spiritual fruitfulness. The tambourine and dance ministry can increase intimacy with God
in worship. What an exciting opportunity for any individual regardless of age and skill to
enhance their praise and worship experience! Everyone can learn to expand and extend
themselves, whether privately or corporately, to deeper dimensions of worship.

1996 2008 Wendy Campbell All Rights Reserved. www.JoyShoppe.com

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO
TAMBOURINE DANCE
EXAMPLE OF A CHOREOGRAPHY PATTERN
This actual pattern can be found in the Ambassador Tambourine Dance Choreography Book
with the complete Word study and explanation of movements.

Title: Upright
Key Scripture: The upright will behold His Face. Psalm 11:7b
[A Word study would be written here]
[An explanation of movements would be written here]
Diagram -

1996 2008 Wendy Campbell All Rights Reserved. www.JoyShoppe.com