Europe would be considered a western culture, but Africa, South America, and other native lands would not. Three common forms of movement have largely positive associations within American culture. American folk dancing has little of the negative baggage of popular dance. The fact that mainstream American society often misunderstands or pokes fun at it underscores folk dancers' own witness of wholesomeness and healthiness to such dancing. The use of arm or bodily gestures is also quite common with young children in our public and private schools.
People also have extremely positive reactions to sign language interpreters in churches.
I don't think the picture of movement and dance in this country is nearly as problematic as some would suggest. It would seem that elements of dance which have no association with the profane, etc. I was glad for the chance to do more thorough research on the issue. In typically Roman fashion, it tries to be strong when addressing the issue of dance in western culture. American folk dancing has little of the negative baggage of popular dance.