MariposaMorena08
Member
God has called me to this ministry and I have only danced once. How many other sisters out there dance for the Lord?? Maybe we can share info. and tips?
Praise/Liturgical Dancer Roll Call
- Thread starter MariposaMorena08
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MariposaMorena08
Member
Girl, I need to pray for God to help me choreograph as well! (Adding that to the prayer list) I'm sorry that your group disbanded! I know how dislocated you must feel; I no longer attend the church where I danced. I've only danced once and that was to the song "More than Anything". I can't remember who sings it though.
I read on praise dance all the time and I always am reading that you have to practice and practice. My problem is that I don't feel any anointing with the songs that I have. I feel that God gives me a movement to a song, but the rest of the choreography is a complete enigma!
When I danced that ONE time, I felt no anointing either. I think that was because God let me know some guidelines for my dancing. They may seem strange to other people, but they are for me. Which leads me to believe that my first dance was to have been solo...? How long have you danced? Do you have a background in dance?
I read on praise dance all the time and I always am reading that you have to practice and practice. My problem is that I don't feel any anointing with the songs that I have. I feel that God gives me a movement to a song, but the rest of the choreography is a complete enigma!
When I danced that ONE time, I felt no anointing either. I think that was because God let me know some guidelines for my dancing. They may seem strange to other people, but they are for me. Which leads me to believe that my first dance was to have been solo...? How long have you danced? Do you have a background in dance?
Sweet C
Well-Known Member
Hi fellow praise dancers!
I am currently a praise dancer for my church, and we have a very unconventional ministry in some senses. We emcompass a lot of different techniques, styles, and music. Right now, we just finished a Christian street dance to "Its Your Birthday Shorty" by Canton Jones, and I tell you I have to be doing the Firm 3X a week and running at least 2x a week along with practice in order to keep up. We have danced off of many of the songs from Israel's Live in South Africa CD as well as Shekinah Glory's last one too since I have been there, so these are 2 CDs I would definitely recommend b/c they have many different songs, so you have more options to work with. We dance sometimes during praise and worship along with the P&W team (this is typically ripples with one person leading the movements), mime (solo and group), street/jazz, and modern/free form styles.
I have been dancing for a while. As a child, I was in dance class for about 8 years, though dance is something I don't consider myself very good at. I have two cousins that are very gifted in this area. They could listen to a song about 2x, get up and start moving to it, and you would never tell that they freestyled the whole thing. Now me, I got to work for it, but we all have our own strengths. I am a lot better at modern than I am with street, and I have yet to try mime yet. Before being at this church in this particular dance group, I was in two others previously. One was mostly street and the other was mostly modern. Outside of the ministry, I dance around the house praising God, at church, hey just about everywhere I suppose.
When it comes to dance, its key to remember that its a ministry, and that b/c you are going before the people, you have a greater responsibility and will have to prepare yourself for ministry just like the Levites did in 1 Chr 15. Also pray and ask God to stir up the gifts that are in you.
kisz4tj: Are you a member of a church now? Maybe you can talk to your pastor and ask if it would be possible to start a dance ministry at the church. It would probably be the easiest for you to start off with praise and worship if you work with ripples.
Mariposa: My suggestion to you would be to fast, pray, and seek the face of God for further direction b/c this is where the ministry truly starts. After receiving that, everything else will fall into place.
I am currently a praise dancer for my church, and we have a very unconventional ministry in some senses. We emcompass a lot of different techniques, styles, and music. Right now, we just finished a Christian street dance to "Its Your Birthday Shorty" by Canton Jones, and I tell you I have to be doing the Firm 3X a week and running at least 2x a week along with practice in order to keep up. We have danced off of many of the songs from Israel's Live in South Africa CD as well as Shekinah Glory's last one too since I have been there, so these are 2 CDs I would definitely recommend b/c they have many different songs, so you have more options to work with. We dance sometimes during praise and worship along with the P&W team (this is typically ripples with one person leading the movements), mime (solo and group), street/jazz, and modern/free form styles.
I have been dancing for a while. As a child, I was in dance class for about 8 years, though dance is something I don't consider myself very good at. I have two cousins that are very gifted in this area. They could listen to a song about 2x, get up and start moving to it, and you would never tell that they freestyled the whole thing. Now me, I got to work for it, but we all have our own strengths. I am a lot better at modern than I am with street, and I have yet to try mime yet. Before being at this church in this particular dance group, I was in two others previously. One was mostly street and the other was mostly modern. Outside of the ministry, I dance around the house praising God, at church, hey just about everywhere I suppose.
When it comes to dance, its key to remember that its a ministry, and that b/c you are going before the people, you have a greater responsibility and will have to prepare yourself for ministry just like the Levites did in 1 Chr 15. Also pray and ask God to stir up the gifts that are in you.
kisz4tj: Are you a member of a church now? Maybe you can talk to your pastor and ask if it would be possible to start a dance ministry at the church. It would probably be the easiest for you to start off with praise and worship if you work with ripples.
Mariposa: My suggestion to you would be to fast, pray, and seek the face of God for further direction b/c this is where the ministry truly starts. After receiving that, everything else will fall into place.
For both of you, keep practicing. The more you dance, the more you will 'feel' it when the right song comes along. Allow God to prepare you for this.
It's like faith and prayer. Although we don't always feel 'faith' or even feel the prayers we pray, we still know to continue on with it.
Although I am not 'active' in a Praise / Liturgical Dance in Ministry (our church doesn't have one, it's not the season as yet), I still have to keep active in this gift. I have to practice every move and keep my body flexible no matter how I may feel, inside or out.
Everyone has a 'dry period' with everything. Your gifts are so strong that it only seems that you cannot come up with a choreography. You have a high expectation of yourselves and you both refuse to sell out for anything less than giving your best to honor the Lord with your gift of Dance. To you it's like your tithe and offering; you only want to give God your very best. Hence, you feel uncreative.
A dry spell or dance block, happens to every dancer that I personally know. Especially when it's time for them to participate in a show. Each time we had a recital for our students, they all went 'blank'.
None of what they learned in class for the pass several months came to their rememberance. 
But they danced anyway and gave wonderful performances that their families were proud of.
Keep the worship music going. I always have worship music playing around me. During the day through my computer at work; on my CD player commuting to and from work; at the gym and when walking. And with each note, I have a rhythm in my heart that can be put into dance.
This prepares me for my dance sessions with my teacher. For although the music I am rehearsing to in class in of a different country and culture, my spirit has been filled with the presence of God first and keeps me in flow with him no matter what dance I do.
Keep dancing angels. Whether you feel like it or not. Keep the music on around you. And write down the dance moves that you visualize when you hear the rhythms and the melody of the songs. If only one move, write it down and then practice these moves until you have them tight.
There your choreography will come together, one small move at a time.
Happy Dancing...
"Shimmie..."
It's like faith and prayer. Although we don't always feel 'faith' or even feel the prayers we pray, we still know to continue on with it.
Although I am not 'active' in a Praise / Liturgical Dance in Ministry (our church doesn't have one, it's not the season as yet), I still have to keep active in this gift. I have to practice every move and keep my body flexible no matter how I may feel, inside or out.
Everyone has a 'dry period' with everything. Your gifts are so strong that it only seems that you cannot come up with a choreography. You have a high expectation of yourselves and you both refuse to sell out for anything less than giving your best to honor the Lord with your gift of Dance. To you it's like your tithe and offering; you only want to give God your very best. Hence, you feel uncreative.
A dry spell or dance block, happens to every dancer that I personally know. Especially when it's time for them to participate in a show. Each time we had a recital for our students, they all went 'blank'.
None of what they learned in class for the pass several months came to their rememberance. But they danced anyway and gave wonderful performances that their families were proud of. Keep the worship music going. I always have worship music playing around me. During the day through my computer at work; on my CD player commuting to and from work; at the gym and when walking. And with each note, I have a rhythm in my heart that can be put into dance.
This prepares me for my dance sessions with my teacher. For although the music I am rehearsing to in class in of a different country and culture, my spirit has been filled with the presence of God first and keeps me in flow with him no matter what dance I do.
Keep dancing angels. Whether you feel like it or not. Keep the music on around you. And write down the dance moves that you visualize when you hear the rhythms and the melody of the songs. If only one move, write it down and then practice these moves until you have them tight.
There your choreography will come together, one small move at a time.
Happy Dancing...
"Shimmie..."
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Mizani_Mrs
Well-Known Member
Wow, I have always loved all forms of dance. I feel a calling to my churchs dance ministry, but i am so shy. I had the dance team perform at my wedding 2months ago...they did an awesome job. i was so thankful. They danced to Total Praise. theyve also danced to You are Holy.
Mizani_Mrs said:
"Answer the call..." For you will do all things through Christ who strengthens you." And you'll be giving glory and honor to God with the gift that He's called you to.
God bless you,
Yours in Dance and for the love of giving Him Praise...
"Shimmie..."
MariposaMorena08
Member
Mh-hmmp! (pointing at Mizani Mrs) You sound like you are running away from your calling. (I should know! HA!) You're letting shyness block you and I was (and still am) allowing fear to block me. I would definitely follow the call!!
Sweet C, I am not a part of a church. God just gave my hubby and me a sign that we weren't to continue on with the church that we had joined. Btw, they did nothing hurtful to us; they were great people! We are afloat again, but I feel that God will hone some skills in me during this time so that when the time comes for me to join/start a dance ministry, I will be ready. My home church, out of town, does not allow dance. Most members like it, but out Pastor is so afraid of going too far with it. Remember our church in prayer. I do need to fast and pray! I have to pray this perfectionist (on the negative end) spirit off of me; the one that leads me to be afraid of dancing solo.
Shimmie, great advice! How do you write dance moves that you don't have the words to explain? My dance knowledge comes from a total of 2 years worth of dance many years ago.
Dancers, how long have you been dancing? How do you "pick out" songs to minister to? Also, are you a member of a national/international network?
Sweet C, I am not a part of a church. God just gave my hubby and me a sign that we weren't to continue on with the church that we had joined. Btw, they did nothing hurtful to us; they were great people! We are afloat again, but I feel that God will hone some skills in me during this time so that when the time comes for me to join/start a dance ministry, I will be ready. My home church, out of town, does not allow dance. Most members like it, but out Pastor is so afraid of going too far with it. Remember our church in prayer. I do need to fast and pray! I have to pray this perfectionist (on the negative end) spirit off of me; the one that leads me to be afraid of dancing solo.
Shimmie, great advice! How do you write dance moves that you don't have the words to explain? My dance knowledge comes from a total of 2 years worth of dance many years ago.
Dancers, how long have you been dancing? How do you "pick out" songs to minister to? Also, are you a member of a national/international network?
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Sweet C
Well-Known Member
Mariposa, girl you better walk in that calling. Dancing solo is to me easier than with a group, b/c if you mess up, you can always make something up, till you get back on track. With a group, everyone has to be together and if you mess up, its typically a lot more obvious, if you don't know how to recover well. I see nothing wrong with you being a perfectionist, as long as that doesnt go overboard, b/c God wants us to do things decently and in order. You remind me a lot of the head of our dance ministry. She was telling us at last practice that when she started, she only had God chastising her, and after going through that season, she knows what to expect, and pushes us accordingly. Our dance ministry is under the church, so we aren't members of any network right now. Also with songs it really just depends on what type of dance is being done. For one of the songs we recently danced to, one of the girls in the group had a vision about it, and the scripture that would be read in certain parts. When she played the song and read the scripture, everyone caught the vision that was there. It just flowed so well. Our next dance our head just picked out a song and asked us to have a street dance to it by Monday. So we have our work cut out for ourselves.
kisz4tj
New Member
I listen to gospel music alll the time in my house and sometimes I'm just overwhelmed and I start to dance, my daughters love it. I danced modern in Jr. High, and didn't start dancing again with my praise dance group until 2002 (when I joined), and it disbanded in 2003 so I wasn't there for a full year. I soooo miss it.MariposaMorena08 said:
What do you mean by guidelines for dancing?
Where do you read on liturgical dance? I'm thinking about attending a workshop in Sept. There will be a session on liturgical dance, its in DC.
kisz4tj
New Member
ITA, that was great advice from Shimmie. I thought the same thing about how to write down moves. Right now I would love to minister to a song by Karen Clark Sheard called Favor....whoooo wheeee....if I did I probably couldn't even finish the song without breaking down.MariposaMorena08 said:
Sweet C
Well-Known Member
kisz4tj said:What is ripples?
A ripple is when someone does a move and the person after them copies the move within a certain number of counts. For example, lets say you have four dancers, Kisz4tj, Sweet C, Mariposa, and ShimmieGirl and we are in a diamond formation such that kisz4tj is the top of the diamond, Sweet C is the back of the diamond, and Mariposa and ShimmieGirl are the two middle points of the diamond. You start off doing a particular move to the music, 4 counts later, Mariposa and ShimmieGirl follow and do the same move you are doing, another 4 counts later (total 8 later), Sweet C follows the move. This is a way to get everyone to do the same thing, and gives them enough time to watch and catch on to what the other person is doing, and the transitions from move to move go smoother no matter what formation the dancers are in. This is great for praise and worship, b/c a lot of the time, you might not know what P&W team is going to sing. So you can practice doing this to a couple of different songs, so that everyone gets an idea of what is expected.
kisz4tj said:
Oh I hear you on Karen Clark Sheard. And Kisz4, that's where it starts. A song that begins you move you from the heart.
Here's another tip: During your quiet time. Sit on the floor, put on your music and just close your eyes and close everything else out. And whisper,
"I love you Lord. Come into my heart and just lead me with your loving Holy Spirit into "Dance" that worships you."
While you are there in His presence, you will feel and see moves to certain rhythms and melodies, even the accents of the music. Most Praise dancing is done to the Melody of the music. (The top layer, the lyrics).
While most other dancing is done to the rhythm (the lower layer, the beat of the music).
The accents, give you a point of 'change' to either transition your 'flow' to the next level of your dance or to capture the audience with a move that is unexpected and keeps their attention.
Praise dance is not only worship unto God, but it is also soothing to the viewer. It releases them from all kinds of stresses that they may have inside.
This in mind, when you are planning your dance performance, allow God to show you how to be soothing to the viewer while yet still giving him Glory.
Once you have these two objectives as your focus, you will forget about being shy. For it's not about you, it's about God and the ones He's using you to minister to. You are being used to bring joy into someone's heart. A joy and peace that they will go home with and each time they hear the song you ministered, they will remember the peace that your dance gave beauty to it.
I love you, ladies...
"Shimmie..."
BabeinChrist
New Member
I would love to praise dance but I have no natural rhythm. I love praise songs and listen to them often but my body wont cooperate with my mind when I try to express the song through movement
Please pray for me. I would like to do a praise dance for our Church Anniversary in October. I know that God can perform miracles so if it be His will then maybe I can pull it together.
Please pray for me. I would like to do a praise dance for our Church Anniversary in October. I know that God can perform miracles so if it be His will then maybe I can pull it together.
BabeinChrist said:I would love to praise dance but I have no natural rhythm. I love praise songs and listen to them often but my body wont cooperate with my mind when I try to express the song through movement
Please pray for me. I would like to do a praise dance for our Church Anniversary in October. I know that God can perform miracles so if it be His will then maybe I can pull it together.
You have rhythm, it just has to be birthed out of you. The 'dance' seed has already been planted into your spirit, the evidence is your desire to dance. Each time you hear music, your spirit immediately responds to it.
Let's get you into a 'birthing class'. Yes, a dance class to bring forth the life that dwells within your belly, the love of dance.
Once you're in a dance class, each move you learn will bring you closer to givng birth to your first dance. Each dance gives life to another. For there are many dances that are within you waiting to be birthed out.
As for classes, there's a beginning ballet for adults, lyrical dance, jazz, and modern. They each tie in to one another, some are considered the same, but the name of the dance doesn't matter, for your purpose is to take the lessons and flow with the loving Spirit of God, to give Him glory with the gift that lives in your heart, and to bring joy to the hearts of those who see you.
Let your first perfomance be in a Senior home. Dress like an angel in full white and flowing apparel. The reception that you receive from them will take away any and all fear that you may have to dance in front of an audience. For the joy you put into their hearts, making their day, will never be in vain and you will bare no shame.
Happy Dancing,
"Shimmie..."
BabeinChrist
New Member
ShimmieGirl said:You have rhythm, it just has to be birthed out of you. The 'dance' seed has already been planted into your spirit, the evidence is your desire to dance. Each time you hear music, your spirit immediately responds to it.
Let's get you into a 'birthing class'. Yes, a dance class to bring forth the life that dwells within your belly, the love of dance.
Once you're in a dance class, each move you learn will bring you closer to givng birth to your first dance. Each dance gives life to another. For there are many dances that are within you waiting to be birthed out.
As for classes, there's a beginning ballet for adults, lyrical dance, jazz, and modern. They each tie in to one another, some are considered the same, but the name of the dance doesn't matter, for your purpose is to take the lessons and flow with the loving Spirit of God, to give Him glory with the gift that lives in your heart, and to bring joy to the hearts of those who see you.
Let your first perfomance be in a Senior home. Dress like an angel in full white and flowing apparel. The reception that you receive from them will take away any and all fear that you may have to dance in front of an audience. For the joy you put into their hearts, making their day, will never be in vain and you will bare no shame.
Happy Dancing,
"Shimmie..."
That was wonderful advice. Thanks for the love and encouragement Shimmie!
a_ caribbean_dream
New Member
ShimmieGirl said:Oh I hear you on Karen Clark Sheard. And Kisz4, that's where it starts. A song that begins you move you from the heart.
Here's another tip: During your quiet time. Sit on the floor, put on your music and just close your eyes and close everything else out. And whisper,
"I love you Lord. Come into my heart and just lead me with your loving Holy Spirit into "Dance" that worships you."
While you are there in His presence, you will feel and see moves to certain rhythms and melodies, even the accents of the music. Most Praise dancing is done to the Melody of the music. (The top layer, the lyrics).
While most other dancing is done to the rhythm (the lower layer, the beat of the music).
The accents, give you a point of 'change' to either transition your 'flow' to the next level of your dance or to capture the audience with a move that is unexpected and keeps their attention.
Praise dance is not only worship unto God, but it is also soothing to the viewer. It releases them from all kinds of stresses that they may have inside.
This in mind, when you are planning your dance performance, allow God to show you how to be soothing to the viewer while yet still giving him Glory.
Once you have these two objectives as your focus, you will forget about being shy. For it's not about you, it's about God and the ones He's using you to minister to. You are being used to bring joy into someone's heart. A joy and peace that they will go home with and each time they hear the song you ministered, they will remember the peace that your dance gave beauty to it.
I love you, ladies...
"Shimmie..."
I totally agree with your on the quiet time tip. I always pray to God to help me prepare something that will be minister to his people. I have been the praise dance director at a different church apart from my home church (its a long story! lol) for a little over a year now and it has been quite a journey. I have both young men and women aboard and my main challenge has been finding a way to include both sexes in certain dances. Anyone have any tips?
carribean_dream said:
You have an honorable position...a teacher, one of the five-fold ministry gifts. I can imagine the joy you feel, even with traveling between two churches. While I don't have the experience you have as a director, I hope that I can be of some help.
As a Dancer, music takes you on a journey. And I know that you, personnally cannot listen to music of any kind and not 'dance' in your spirit. It's just there. God put this gift inside of you. And out of precious few, He is able to trust you with this gift. For not all, give Him glory.
So as the teacher that you are, try this.
Listen to some CD's by Winans Phase 2, Men of Standard, Tonex and other male Christian groups you are lead to, for they all have a male story to tell.
In your prayer time, just relax and as you listen to the words, write down all that you would imagine the male dancers would be doing to act the songs out. Where do you see the females coming in? Yes or no? The key is a Godly principle that we all know, God first, then man, then the woman.
I know, why the men first? But it's a principle that God put into order and God's order always works.By this, by putting the men in the choreograpy first, the women will then just follow or fill in. (I hope I'm making sense)
Now no matter how awkward it seems, write down what you see in your spirit. I promise you, that your gift will come through. Just keep telling yourself, that Dancing is the manifestation of the music. Dancing tells the story that gives God the Glory.
My teacher keeps raising the bar. Whenever we cry, "...I don't have a choreograpy"...
, She has us go home, listen and write what we see the music doing. At first, I didn't understand, but now it's all I do. I sure hope this helps. Remember, it's your gift inside that has you glowing.
"Shimmie..."
a_ caribbean_dream
New Member
ShimmieGirl said:You have an honorable position...a teacher, one of the five-fold ministry gifts. I can imagine the joy you feel, even with traveling between two churches. While I don't have the experience you have as a director, I hope that I can be of some help.
As a Dancer, music takes you on a journey. And I know that you, personnally cannot listen to music of any kind and not 'dance' in your spirit. It's just there. God put this gift inside of you. And out of precious few, He is able to trust you with this gift. For not all, give Him glory.
So as the teacher that you are, try this.
Listen to some CD's by Winans Phase 2, Men of Standard, Tonex and other male Christian groups you are lead to, for they all have a male story to tell.
In your prayer time, just relax and as you listen to the words, write down all that you would imagine the male dancers would be doing to act the songs out. Where do you see the females coming in? Yes or no? The key is a Godly principle that we all know, God first, then man, then the woman.
By this, by putting the men in the choreograpy first, the women will then just follow or fill in. (I hope I'm making sense)
Now no matter how awkward it seems, write down what you see in your spirit. I promise you, that your gift will come through. Just keep telling yourself, that Dancing is the manifestation of the music. Dancing tells the story that gives God the Glory.
My teacher keeps raising the bar. Whenever we cry, "...I don't have a choreograpy"...
I sure hope this helps. Remember, it's your gift inside that has you glowing.
"Shimmie..."
Wonderful Shimmie, thank you. I will do on the tips for concentration for the boys. It's funny about that glow you were talking about towards the end. The other day an old friend i hadn't seen in awhile made a comment about that. All glory to God!
carribean_dream said:
I felt your 'Glow' all the way over here...
That's how settled and determined you are to live for Jesus. AND that's how much you're in love with Him. His love always Glows through those who love Him, such as you. Carribean, may I share this? Carribean, Live your dreams. Your dreams to dance and give God glory with your gift. It's pure for it comes from the pure heart of our Father God. I say this because you will encounter opposition 'in the House', (those of our faith), but that's just human nature.
Be prayerful about those who 'seem' to oppose, for God is using you to heal them and set them free. He's using you to set the order of the house and to open the hearts of those whose once were closed. Be prayerful, so that you will be prepared and strenghtened to Dance on clue...God's clue.
Blessings and love,
"Shimmie..."
