2009 Year in Review
In April 2009 this website was transformed into the blog you are reading today. It is still a work in progress, but the new format has allowed me to share more content with you all. In the past 9 months we have posted 112 articles and logged over 200 of your comments!
In case you missed some of the content, here is Paneh’s website year in review! There is a lot here, so I suggest you bookmark it and refer back to it from time to time.
Top Posts of All Time
1. The Starting a Dance Ministry Series continues to be the most popular page on this site. There are 3 parts: Part 1: The Spiritual, Part 2: The Practical, and Part 3: The Administrative. I am also working on my first E-book, Starting a Dance Ministry: Prepare Now or Repair Later. This guide will go into even more detail and include a high level flow chart to assist in the decisions that must be made from the very beginning. If you would like to receive more information about the E-book when it becomes available…you can sign up here:
2. What to “Wear”: Praise Garment Resource List quickly rose to the top of the list. I compiled this list later in the year and the number of views skyrocketed!
3. 3 Tips & Resources for New Dance & Mime Ministries was also very popular among those seeking information
4. I was surprised at the interest in A Spiritual Leader’s View of Dance Ministry. But this observatory report that started as an academic project by my pastor’s wife, Lady Joyce A. Wells has helped leaders and dancers see things from the other’s point of view.
Most Community Involvement
As much as I enjoy writing articles, I enjoy interacting with you all even more. These posts had the most community involvement
1. The Dance Ministry Ethics Series was something we did at the end of October. Each day a topic was launched for discussion, some were considered breach of protocol, while others were unanimously unethical. Read over each discussion and the comments. By the way, even though the “week” is over, comments are still open and you are welcome to leave yours!
Day 1: Invited Guests Leaving After Ministering
Day 2: Contracts Required for Ministry
Day 3: Self Promotion or Creative Marketing
Day 4: Praise Dance Competitions
Day 5: Inspiration or Imitation?
2. The 31 Dance Minister’s Choreography Tip Challenge is something I did for fun on Twitter & Facebook. I asked my friends to submit choreography tip in 120 CHARACTERS OR LESS. These were posted on Facebook & Twitter (1 per day) for the entire month of November. At the end of the month, they were all compiled into one post. This could not have been done without you all!
3. The 2009 Equipping the Saints Conference Recap was one of my personal favorites to write as it gave me an opportunity to reflect on such an awesome event! It’s not awesome because of anything I did…but because the Lord himself manifested HIS presence. Writing the recap is a way for me to reflect on the event, thank you for sharing your miraculous testimonies. To God be ALL the Glory!
My Personal Favorites
These are the ones I enjoyed writing the most. I hope you enjoy reading them as well!
The Dance Minister’s Choreography Devotion Series. This was done in two parts. Each part ran Monday – Friday with a new dance choreography technique was explained how to execute properly as well as how we, as ministers, can reflect on the awesome God we serve while moving for His glory! Part 1 cover the five ballet positions, while part two will beginner / intermediate ballet techniques:
g. Releve'
h. Piroutte
i. Jete
j. Chasse'
2. As I mentioned earlier, I love event hosting and planning so writing How to Plan Events and The Truth About Hotel Room Blocks was a pleasure. If you’re planning an event at a hotel in 2010 and you’re unfamiliar with hotel contracts, rules and the lingo, you should read those articles.
3. My other passion is personal finance. I am working on a project on that very topic that I hope to release at the end of 2010. In the interim, check out D.A.N.C.E. Out of Debt and read about the DUMBEST (Financial) Move I’ve Ever Made.
Worth a Second Look
These articles were either written early on or during a down time. For some reason or another they didn’t get many views. So in case you missed them, here they are again:
1. Miriam: Praise Dancer, Prophetess, Leader and More
3. The Spiritual Side to Technique series: Balance & Alignment
4. Tips for Ministry Excellence Series: Appearance & Communication
5. Tips for Traveling Dance Ministers
6. What Exactly is Liturgical Dance?
This is less than ONE THIRD of the content currently on the site and the goal is to constantly add more! If you never want to miss an article, I suggest you sign up for e-mail or RSS subscription. This is different from the monthly newsletter. You’ll receive an email as soon as a new article is published.
Props to the Top Referrers of 2009
Aside from search engines, Facebook, and Twitter traffic. Many readers arrive here from someone else’s website. This is to show some love to Paneh’s top referrer’s. Check out their sites as well:
2. Done Unto the Lord Ministries
I am looking forward to all that lies in store for you and me in 2010. I intend to write more articles and continue to encourage interaction. I'm also plan to continue to blog carnivals and weekly round-ups through out 2010. I also hope to publish more guest posts…so if you have an article or would like to write on a relevant topic…please contact me!
Blessings, Love and a Happy New Year!
Paneh Weekly Roundup #9: Writer’s Edition
I’ll let you all in on a little secret. I am working on a few “writing projects”. The first one should be finished before the end of the year! And speaking of writing projects….the deadline for the Phenomenal Choreography for Worship EBook Give Away is quickly approaching. Be sure to enter by leaving a comment after you check out all the awesome links below!
Fun Blog Facts:
There are 77 million users in the U.S. visiting blogs every month
There are 7.4 million active blogs
Statistics from Technorati.com
Teaching Tip: Adult Ballet Class: Working with kids is not the same as working with adults. There are mental differences as well as physical. This article lists practical factors to consider & questions to ask when working with adults.
Do you like to write? Do you have a blog with topics of interest to worship arts? Let me know in the comments!
If you would like to write a guest post here, contact me and let me know that too!
Paneh Weekly Round-up: Zero Balance Edition
Every Thursday, I will post a link round-up of articles I’ve found while researching the Internet. While all may not be directly related to dance ministry or worship arts, I hope it will be of benefit to the dance ministers, mime ministers and worship artists that frequent this site.
the borrower is servant to the lender
- Proverbs 22:7
Equipping the Saints Conference Recap
September 15, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Event Recaps, News and Updates
I am constantly amazed by how the Lord continues to manifest HIS splendid presence at the Equipping the Saints conference in St. Louis, MO. Worshippers came together from across the rivers and across the ocean with one purpose: To lift up the name of Jesus!
As we praised and worshipped on one accord, He manifested HIS presence in such a tangible way. There were testimonies of physical healings, deliverance and revival.
This year, we welcomed International guests from Bahamas, Barbados, Antigua, and Bermuda! It was a special pleasure to fellowship with you all. I count it an honor that you would travel to the United States to attend Equipping the Saints. It is my prayer the conference exceeded your expectations and you left spiritually full, armed and equipped. Ready to take new knowledge and inject it into your respective community.
Thursday Night
Enter into HIS gates with thanksgiving and into HIS courts with PRAISE!
Wings of Praise started us off Thursday with a wonderful procession. This was followed by congregational praise & worship led by Minister Rekesha Pittman. Kudos to all the congregational dancers that volunteered!
Silent Praise from Omaha, NE ministered Praise Him in Advance by Marvin Sapp. This ministries testimony truly blessed me! (Read it in full below!) Since the conference, they have started a praise dance, mime, African, and flag ministry. They are truly doing the work of the ministry. To Dr. Anderson and the rest of the Allen AME leadership….keep up the GOD work! I see the Lord all over those youth and the best is yet to come!
Patricia Burnett you touched my son’s chest during your prophetic dance and he has been seeking the Lord every since. Thank you so much for allowing God to use you in such a might way!!
- Miriam A. , St. Louis, MO
Ms. Lauren Brown ushered us into the Holy of Holies with an anointed worship medley. This P.K. (that is "preacher’s kid) is the daughter of our evening speaker Pastor Tanya Brown. At 14 she is letter the Lord use her mightily through song, prophecy and the preached word!
Our speaker, Pastor Tanya Brown from Bethesda Temple of Alton, IL stepped into an atmosphere that was charged for worship. As she shared her testimony of the Lord’s grace, mercy and miraculous power the Spirit of the Lord began to fall and His people. To God be ALL the Glory!
Friday – Breakout Sessions & Dance Intensives
This year we introduced several new sessions and a 4-hour dance & mime intensive. Some of the new classes include Preparing to Meet the Bridegroom, Understanding the Times: Issachar & Israel, Raquad! Step it Up, Processions & Pageantry, Streamers in the Desert and About My Father’s Business.
The facilitators were all phenomenal! They eagerly shared scripturally sound advice, revelations and knowledge. Thank you all for sharing your gifts.
The dance intensive we just that….INTENSE! Those that braved the 4-hour workshop learned foundational techniques that they could apply in movement. I peeked in both classes and they covered conditioning, positioning, posture, walking, body alignment, choreography and so much more. Everyone definitely looked as if they received a full body workout!
For His Glory Dance Ministry started our evening service with Anthem of Praise. These girls ministered with flags under the anointing.
The few students from the Mime Intensive session along with facilitator Minister Robert Hayes reminded us that We Need the Glory. Their cry for the GLORY to fall resonated with the attendees as we shifted into worship.
Pat & Gary Anderson of Wings of Praise blessed us with Let the Veil Down Let the Praise Go Up by Judy Jacobs. They used the billows in such a way it felt like the Lord was breathing on us!
Minister Rekesha Pittman encouraged us to FLY! The Lord used her to minister to people prophetically and set the platform for our evening speaker Prophet Barbara McClain to bring the Word!
Saturday- Breakout Sessions, Five Fold Ministry Panel & Prophetic Wedding Feast
I was overwhelmed with the number of people that showed up for Between the Porch & Altar intercessory prayer! Under the leadership of Dr. Ann Higgins we strategically prayed for our nation, Jerusalem, our visiting nations, and dancers everywhere to name a few.
We continued with our daily breakout sessions including new sessions: God’s Order for Garments TM, Streamers in the Desert and Challenges in Ministry (taught by my pastor!).
After the last breakout session, we held a 5 Fold Ministry Panel Discussion. This was an opportunity for the attendees to ask their questions directly from those operating is various areas of ministry. There were some great questions…I’ll post the Q&A that I can remember on the website, so be sure to bookmark this site and check back!
Dr. Ann Higgins blessed us with a ministry selection in the evening before our speaker. The selection was so appropriate for Equipping the Saints – fill us up & send us out!
Elder Cecilia Beasley was our evening preacher. The Lord allowed her to release a prophetic song…only 7 words, but it is still in my spirit: Thy Kingdom Come…Thy Will be Done. It still brings tears to my eyes every time I think of it!
Immediately following her sermon was the Prophetic Wedding Feast. Wings of Praise created a beautiful depiction of the Marriage of the Lamb. There were streets paved with gold, beautiful banners, and communion. It was such a personal worship experience as we were individually escorted through a canopy to ascend the the wedding feast. It was an awesome reminder of the glory that awaits those of us whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life!
Sunday – Morning Worship & Fellowship!
On Sunday we caravaned across the river to my church home, O’Fallon Apostolic Assembly, for our 8:00 am service. Dr. Ann Higgins preached a RHEMA WORD! She encouraged us to step into position so we could continue to see Jesus.
After service, we traveled to one of my favorite restaurants (Bristol’s Seafood Grill) for an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch. We ate, laughed, and recapped all the events that took place…officially marking the end of EQS2009.
Special Thank You!
Equipping the Saints 2010!
Many of you have contacted me about pre-registering for Equipping the Saints 2010. Once all the information is finalized early registration will open. I hope to have the dates and location confirmed and available by the next newsletter release.
Heads up! There will be an "Early Registration" challenge. All I’ll say now is community effort will be necessary for it to work.
I has been my honor to serve as your conference host for a 3rd year and I am looking forward to the 4th should be Lord delay His return.
Conference Photos!
Class Descriptions for Equipping the Saints 2009
September 2, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under News and Updates
Below you will find class descriptions for the daily breakout sessions offered at the 2009 Equipping the Saints Dance & Worship Arts Conference. Registration starts at $25, registration form is below!
Choreography / Movement
Acting Out! (Mime)
Learn the fundamental techniques use in mime as well as the spiritual requirements to minister effectively.
African Dance
You’ll learn African Dance that you can use in your warfare & upbeat choreography
Congregational Movement
Worship is not a spectator sport! This class will show you how to lead your church congregation in movement. Those that take this class will assist in leading choreography during praise and worship at one of the evening services
Davidic Dance
David danced before the Lord with all his might!"(2 Sam 6:14-15) We too can dance before our God as David did. This class will focus on learning some traditional Jewish folk dance steps so you can learn how to choreograph your own dances. I will teach choreographed dances to Messianic music as well. Beginners are welcome.
Intensive! Dance (All Levels | Ages 10 & up | Friday 12:30 – 4:30pm)
Dance Ministers will learn to exemplify body placement, ballet positions, movements and will strengthen in their muscle development. Learn Ballet exercise combinations and across the floor combinations. Intermediate & advanced dancers will perfect such movements as arabasque, tendue, roun-de-jaun, rounded arms, turn-out position and more.
Intensive! Mime (All Levels | Ages 10 & up | Friday 12:30 – 4:30pm)
NATURAL MAN – Mime Exercise, Facial Expression, Body Positioning (Inclination, Isolation), Illusuions: French Style Techniques: Mime. vocabulary words, Object Identification And Much More….SPIRITUAL MAN – Blood and testimony (Rev.12:11), Compassionate movements (Matt 9:36 & Mark 1:4)
The Art of Humility, Man in The mirror, Crucifying THE BIG EGO, The HIDDEN AGENDA, And Much More….
Raquad ~ Step it up!
The devil is under our feet! This class is designed to teach the fundamentals of stepping as a ministry. Participants will learn beginner and intermediate combinations as well as biblical scriptures they can declare as they take authority with their hands and feet.
Prophecy, Intercession, and Spiritual Warfare
Growing in the Prophetic
This class is designed to bring you to another level in your relationship with God. In order to be used as “God’s mouthpiece” you must clearly hear from HIM
Teach My Hands to War
Gain on understanding of the fundamental principles of spiritual warfare.
Unmasking the Ministry
It is time to take the mask off! Too many ministers are dealing with past hurts, unforgiveness, and insecurities. It’s time to face the issues that have kept ministries bound. Be free and learn how to set others free!
Preparing for The Bridegroom
This study will help those in attendance gain a better understanding of God’s plan for the church ,and how they can prepare for Christ’s return by drawing from the rich symbolism of a Jewish wedding. Discover fascinating biblical truths that point to the climax of history—the marriage feast of the Lamb!
Intercession & Dance
Class description coming soon
Classes designed with LEADERS in mind
Battle Scars pt1: The Wounded Soldier
Many leading soldiers on the battlefield have been spiritually wounded. In this 2-part intimate session the healing will begin. This is a closed door session and pre-requisite for part 2.
Battle Scars pt2: Scarred, But Not Destroyed!
Scars show where the wound USED TO BE! Leaders be prepared to be set free from past hurts so you can move forward in the fullness of your calling! This second part will continue uninterrupted from Battle Scars part 1.
Challenges in Ministry
This lesson will primarily deal with issues such as: How do you know God has called you? How do you respond to your call? How do you carry yourself at your home church? How do you handle yourself in another church? And more! The principals are relevant to all types of ministry. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A.
The Master Instructor’s Class
This class (half movement / half lecture) is designed to teach leaders how to become more effective leaders through spiritual devotion & technical instruction
Starting a Dance Ministry: Prepare Now or Repair Later
Build on a solid foundation. If the Lord has given you the vision to start a dance ministry this class will put you on the right path.
Classes designed with YOUTH in mind
Effective Choreography for youth
This class will teach children and their leaders how to build age appropriate choreography
The Five Positions of Worship (Youth)
This session will give youth a scriptural foundation for dance as they learn movements and corresponding scriptures to commit to memory.
Kingdom Kids: Walking in My Authority
This class is for the Joshuas, Daniels, and Esthers of today! Our youth posses authority! In this interactive class they will learn about their arsenal in a fun way they can understand
Flags, Pageantry & Processions
Processions & Pageantry
Has God called you into such a ministry as this? Topics include: Purpose of both men and women on the team, selection of appropriate costumes, the meaning of colors and their affect, an array of symbolic tools to use in pageantry, selection of the song to use and how to break it down and more.
Silk Flags (How to use & make them)
The title says it all! Learn techniques to effectively use beautiful silk flags in worship. A portion of the class will also discuss how to make your own flags.
Streamers in the Desert
Have you always wanted to dance with streamers but didn’t know how? Now is your chance to learn. This class will cover different moves and dance phrases to put together as choreography or as improvisational praise dance. Rev. Wendy Campbell’s method for using dance streamers will be taught. Please bring your own streamers to class.
Business, Support, Finances and Administration
About My Father’s Business
Are we Non-Profit, For-Profit, LLC, or Sole Proprietor? How do we go about managing bank accounts, websites, phone numbers, advertisements, and a growing database of emails? The business of ministry can be a daunting experience if we are not aware of all of the possibilities that will help us survive and become profitable. This class is designed to clear up some common misconceptions about the business of ministry and inspire good stewardship concerning budgeting for conferences, garments, ministry travel, and more!
The Power of Change
Is your ministry hindered by finances? Do you find yourself counting the days until the next paycheck? Are you or someone you know plagued with debt? It’s time for CHANGE! It’s time to D.A.N.C.E. out of debt. You’ll hear the testimony of someone that was plagued by debt and has since CHANGED.
Practical Applications & Biblical Studies
God’s Order For Garments TM
A "Genesis to Revelation" teaching that unveils God’s pattern for garments according to the Word. This class will ignite the listener and reveal the intended significance of garments according to God’s order, and not man’s opinion. More than just a quick walk through Exodus 28, this is a must-hear and apply Word of deliverance for the Kingdom dancer of today!
Praise & Worship: Your Lifestyle & Ministry
If you want to see God’s Glory, Experience His Fullness and Behold Him Face to Face, it requires a life of Worship. This class is geared toward the inner man. It is designed to teach and take you through the different realms of worship and praise. Praise is a vehicle the leads you into worship. This class will instruct you and prepare you for ministry either in dance or song. It is what you do in private that make the reward greater in the open. See lives changed, people set free, yokes destroyed, burdens lifted, become a worshiper and watch how God will blow on your ministry.
Called, Now What? -Instruction for Women in Ministry
Class description coming soon
Event Recap: Dance Ministry Detox
August 21, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Event Recaps
Dance Ministry Detox was a time of healing and deliverance. The conference was ran with such a spirit of excellence. The information was timely, relevant, and practical.
Being an effective movement minister means being whole. Too often, we are satisfied with effective dancers. Dancers ministering through hurt, unresolved issues, and financial turmoil to name a few. D.Md dealt with these issues head on! The no-nonsense candid approach of the facilitators set the tone for the "detox treatment program".
When you arrived at D.Md, you did not register…you "checked-in" to a treatment facility complete with a hospital tag that served as your registration badge for the weekend. The room was draped white just like a hospital. This was NOT your typical dance conference!
On the first night, we wore all black. Minister Rekesha preached on the Spirit of Haman. She broke down this spirit verse by verse so we can identify it as it tries to creep into our ministries. The next time you read Esther….take a close look at Haman. Many of us prophesy the favor of Esther…well watch out…because when you get Esther, you get Haman too!
It was refreshing to be surrounded by facilitators who were transparent and approachable. Even the facilitators left refreshed.
As we continued our detox treatment, you could hear shackles being loosed. The garment of praise was replacing the spirit of heaviness.
The manifestation of HIS glory on the last night left everyone speechless! For well over 15 minutes everyone sat still, completely silent in HIS presence. The Lord himself applauded with 3 claps of thunder followed by rain!
The Lord used Rain Rein Reign Ministries (RRR) to bring rain to the desert! A natural manifestation of what was taking place in the spirit realm!
Tremendous Kudos to Rekesha Pittman for hosting an outstanding conference and the ladies of Reign Dance Company blessed us tremendously through their ministry in dance and labor of love. For future RRR events check out http://www.rainreinreign.com or http://companykeepers.
Diversified Praise Conf.
July 7, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Events List
Title: Diversified Praise Conf.
Location: Hampton, VA
Start Date: 2009-08-14
End Date: 2009-08-15
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
