Communicating a Clear Message
January 13, 2010 by Lakita
Filed under Choreography
This is a guest post from Wynne Henry, she is a dance/drama minister and a member of the dance ministry at Zoe Christian Fellowship of Whittier. She has a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Cal State Dominguez Hills and teaches Drama, Dance to youth in her community, and also loves to write poetry. She is working on her poetry collection entitled "Images Emerging".
During the 31 Days of Choreography Tips for Dance Minister’s challenge, one of her tips was to communicate a clear message through dance. She explains this below:
We have all experienced the power of a message that was clearly communicated through movement. However, at times, it seems that just the opposite happens when the dancer’s message is unclear. Often, dancers zealously wave their hands and arms, move without an exact motivation, or leave blank spaces in the dance where they are just standing, waiting for the next verse of the song. All of these types of movements may have great personal meaning for the dancer, but the audience is left out of the message, leaving them to respond only to the music or the emotions expressed by the dancer.
Dance ministry is a visual representation of God’s Word and the message being communicated should have an exact beginning, middle, and ending. Movement does not have to be set to every word of a song; it is possible to interpret one sentence of a song in 5 inspired movements. The use of sign language and gestures can also be added to express the message. Understanding stage directions such as upstage, downstage, stage right, stage left, and center stage help in making the most of available space.
As movement ministers, if we remember that our messages should be so clear that they can be received even if the music is turned off, we will always have a clear visual expression that will leave a lasting impression on the audience.
©2009 Wynne Henry
Poetry of Motion!
The Time Space Continuum…for Dancers
January 5, 2010 by Lakita
Filed under Choreography
photo credit: Haags Uitburo
During the 31 Days of Choreography Tips for Dance Minister’s challenge, I mentioned that you need to be conscious of your spacing.
Space
He stretches out the north over empty space – Job 26:7
When ministering through dance as a soloist or group, you want to take advantage of your space. Whenever possible, rehearse in the space you will be dancing so you can see how to use it effectively. A group of dancers can be strategically positioned to cover range and depth, while a solo dancer must rely on the movement in the choreography to utilize space.
Soloists will be the main focus during the duration of the dance. The congregation should not feel like they are watching a tennis match so discretion must be used with the amount of movement. Keep all movement relevant!
Moving forward is strong, authoritative & direct, while moving backwards can be used to show emotions like fear, doubt, or guilt. Circular motions can be used to represent the eternal nature of our God, and expansive moves and be used to show how grand He is.
And Time
Then the LORD appointed a set time – Exodus 9:5
Another important aspect of choreography is the use of time. Some selections are too short to effectively minister, and others are too long! A congregation may lose interest if the song is long and repetitive. Also, your ministry may not be well received if you are expected to stay within certain time constraints. It is always better to ask than to assume!
Typically short songs can be appended with another song, or if possible a live psalmists and musicians can augment the selection. This should be coordinated ahead of time and with a worship team that is in tune with the way the Lord wants to move the service. I love We Need the Glory from the Songbook of Micah Stampley album, but I wish it didn’t end so abruptly. Asking singers and musicians to continue allows the spirit of worship to saturate the atmosphere.
Perhaps more common…songs are too long. I recommend newer groups keep the choreography between 5-7 minutes. However many songs are well over 10 minutes. There are 3 solutions:
1. Choose another song (probably not your best option)
2. Work with a sound technician to fade out the song at a certain point (easiest option)
3. Use audio editing software (ex. Audacity) to edit the song done to size yourself
There is no “one size fits all” rule to using time & space. However, if you are conscious of these very important elements and the options available, you’ll be able to make informed decisions during preparation regarding your choreography.
My the Holy Spirit lead and guide you as you dance in HIS presence!
A Dance Minister’s Choreography Devotion: Chasse
July 3, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Choreography
Part 10: Chasse’
Chasse’ [Sha-say] / Chase. A step where one foot "chases" the other out of its position. Typically done in a series to transition positions or to gain momentum for another move, like a jete’ (leap)
and David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?" "Pursue them," he answered. "You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue."
- 1 Sam 30:8
RECOVER ALL the enemy has stolen! In order to understand the power behind this verse you MUST read 1 Sam 30:1-8
The enemy came in an took all that was precious. The Bible says the Amalekites took the women and the children and burned the city with fire. The people wept until they didn’t have any more power to weep.
Have you ever been there? It seems like everything is lost.
Is it your time to pursue? Sometimes we have to go on the offense! David knew how to encourage himself in the Lord and ask for instructions. The Lord responded with instructions and a promise. It is worth noting that the Amalekites did not kill their captives…they took them away. I believe their intention was to DISCOURAGE. The root word DIS means to take away. In other words, they wanted to take away their COURAGE.
Have you allowed the enemy to DISCOURAGE you? The Bible says:
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deut. 31:6
Practice your chasse’ (see the video demonstration below) and ask the Lord shall I pursue?
A Dance Ministers Choreography: Jete
July 2, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Choreography
Part 9: Jete
Jeté [zhuh-TAY] Throwing step. A jump from one foot to the other in which the working leg is brushed into the air and appears to have been thrown.
By my God I can leap over a wall. (Psalm 18:29)
I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; Psalms 18:1-2
David paints a picture with his song to depict the LORD delivering Him from the hands of Saul and his enemies. (Read the entire chapter). David knows that with God he can do those things that would otherwise be impossible! The wall described in Psalms 18:29 was more than likely a type of fortress wall. They are very thick, solid and tall. They are designed to be a barrier.What are you willing to leap over with God’s help?
As you strengthen your physical body and practice your jetes, strengthen your faith by meditating on the true source of your strength!
A Dance Minister’s Choreography Devotion: Pirouette
July 1, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Choreography
Part 8: Pirouette
Pirouette [peer-WET] means whirl or spin. It is a complete turn of the body on one foot. This can be done by turning inward, toward the supporting leg or outward toward the raised leg. To execute properly, your body should be centered over the supporting leg with the hips and shoulders aligned. The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." (Zeph 3:17)
The Jeresulem Bible says:Zephaniah 3:17-18 “Yahweh your God is there with you, the warrior savior. He will rejoice over you with happy song, he will renew you by his love, he will dance with shouts of joy for you, as on a day of festival.”
You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance - Ps 32:7
A Minister’s Choreography Devotion: Releve’
June 30, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Choreography
Part 7: Releve’
Relevé [ruhl-VAY] means raised. It is the raising of the body and is performed either in a smooth motion or with a little spring. Releve’ can be done in a variety of positions, including the five basic ballet positions
In part 6 (plie & fondue) we concentrated on lowering our bodies and focused an attitude of worship. As we raise our bodies in releve we can remember the prophetic words of our risen savior:
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
John 12:32
Jesus was lifted up on the Cross
Jesus raised from the tomb
Jesus was lifted up out of the sight of the disciples (the ascension)
And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
Acts 1:9
As ministers, we must Lift HIM up, not ourselves or our churches (the building), or our particular ministry. When Jesus is Lifted, he will do the drawing…HIS word says so.
Well, can’t we be elevated? Yes, but our own elevation must be a spiritual one! As HE takes us to a higher place, our vision/outlook changes. However, in order to go to that higher place, you must lower yourself first.
A Minister’s Choreography Devotion: Plie’ & Foundue
June 29, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Choreography
Plie’ [plee-AY] is means bent or bending. In ballet it is refering to the bending of the knees. Plies can be executed in the five ballet positions, though 3rd position is often eliminated. This exercise makes the joint muscles soft and pliable and gives the necessary flexibility to the tendons. It also helps with balance.
Fondue [fawn-DEW] means sinking down. It is lowering the body by bending the knee of the supporting leg. It’s like a plie’, except using one leg.
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. Ps 95:6
It is interesting to note that every time the word bend is mentioned in the Bible, it has to do with bending of a bow. The bow is an offensive weapon used in warfare, however, what I want to concentrate on something else that happens when we execute a plie’ or fondue. We lower our body. As we lower ourselves, we elevate HIM to a higher place. In order to ascend to a higher place of worship, we must lower ourselves. We can not worship the Lord our maker from an equal platform.
The literal translation for worship, is to lie prostrate. This is as low as one can get in our natural bodies and is a great representation of what should be happening in the spirit realm as we worship.
We worship HIM from a place of humility, and transparency. Dancers perform plie’ exercises so their muscles are pliable and flexible. You can not move properly if you are hard and stiff. So as you lower your natural body, meditate on how we are to worship HIM!
A Minister’s Choreography Devotion: 5th Position
May 29, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Choreography
Day 5: 5th Position
The feet are closed, one foot in front of the other with the toes of each feet aligned with the heels of the other. Both arms are rounded and raised over the head (you should be able to see your hands without lifting your head).
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers
Ephesians 4:11
This is the what has been called the five fold ministry. Not only is Jesus complete, the Lamb of God, our Risen Savior, and Almighty…He is an EQUIPPER. He has given some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers for the equipping (or perfecting) of the saints for the work of the ministry.
The gifts are not for you! It is about equipping you so you can equip others, multiplying the laborers for the kingdom. Whatever your spiritual gift area is, use it for HIS glory. As you train & equip your physical body to master 5th position, reflect on how you can use your God-given gifts within the body of Christ.
A Minister’s Choreography Devotion: 4th Position
May 28, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Choreography
Day 4: 4th Position
The feet are placed the same as in third position with the front foot moved forward. One arm is rounded, held above and slightly forward of the head, the other arm remains in second position.
In first position, we can meditate on His completeness. In second position, we remember Him as the Lamb of God, while in 3rd position, we praise our Risen savior. That brings us to fourth position
Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.
Matthew 14:25
From this one verse, we can reflect on HIM as Almighty, what an awesome demonstration of HIS power! He is not constrained by elements such as gravity. Even the winds & the waves obey HIM. Read the entire section
The fourth watch of the night was between 3am and 6am, I imagine the disciples were disoriented from the sleep and probably on edge to say the least due to the storm. They did not recognize Jesus coming to them, but when He identified himself it was Peter who asked to be bid to come.
So Jesus bid Peter to come, and he stepped out of the boat.
>>> In fouth position we step forward
There are many lessons that can be gleaned from Peter’s experience that are beyond the scope of this devotion. A main focus is that Peter DID walk on water while he was focused on Jesus. As soon as he became distracted by the elements surrounding him and lost sight of who was in control of those elements he began to sink.
For whatever reason, 4th position is harder to grasp than the previous positions. Students would lose focus when they step out causing their posture and position to shift. As we step out into 4th position, remember to focus on your position and relationship with the Almighty!
For more on FOCUS and Peter’s experience, check out Attention Soldier
A Minister’s Choreography Devotion: 3rd Position
May 26, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Choreography
Day 3: 3rd Position
Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day (Luke 24:46)
"If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless, and you are still under condemnation for your sins." (1 Corinthians 15:16-17)
He is Risen indeed! There is no condemnation! I am so thankful that He did not stay dead, but He rose with all power in His hands. He fulfilled His promise and we can look towards the future with hope. While perfecting your 3rd position, praise God you serve a risen savior!
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25)
