In Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," the group of girls, led by Abigail Williams, finds themselves in trouble for dancing in the woods because their actions are seen as a direct violation of the strict Puritanical norms of their society. The girls, especially Abigail, are caught engaging in what the community considers sinful behavior—participating in a forbidden ritual that suggests witchcraft.
As the story unfolds, their dancing becomes the catalyst for a series of events that lead to the Salem witch trials. The fear of witchcraft is prevalent in the Puritan community, and the girls' behavior raises suspicions and leads to accusations against others, ultimately spiraling into hysteria and widespread panic. The initial trouble over their dancing symbolizes the broader themes of fear, repression, and the consequences of mass paranoia in the play.