The name Simchat Torah is usually understood to refer to the joy we have in dancing with the Torah. An equally valid explanation, however, and one which is emphasized by the "Sisu V'Simchu" prayer after the dancing – is the joy that the Torah has from us.  That is, we do not dance only for our own pleasure. We also dance to honor the Torah.

Every other time of the year we have the opportunity to honor the Torah by learning and studying it and performing the Mitzvot. On Simchat Torah, however, the Torah Scroll remains rolled up and covered up! On Simchat Torah night the Torah is not available for intellectual study but only for being rejoiced by our dancing.

Throughout the year each of us attains our own unique, personal level of Torah study.
However, when it comes to circling around the Torah together on Simchat Torah, we are all equal – two feet each! In our dancing circle on Simchat Torah, the great Torah scholar and the simple, unlearned Jew are all equally close to the Torah. This is because in a circle, all are equidistant from the circle's center.  In our dancing circle, distinctions, based on one's level of Torah scholarship, are irrelevant. We just dance  together and united. Then the Torah is truly happy, because all Jews are then equal in their love of the Torah.

The dancing on Simchat Torah arouses us to increase our Torah study and perform the Mitzvot with more joy throughout the New Year.