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!
Equipping the Saints Conference Recap
September 15, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Event Recaps
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!
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.
The Truth about Hotel Room Blocks
July 14, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Practical Advice
As an eventholder, I’ve come to realize there is a delicate balance in securing a number of guest rooms for an event. You have to do a best "guestimate" of how many people will attend. Of those attendees, how many are local commuters? You want to block enough rooms for your attendees, but you also don’t want to be stuck with the bill. Here is…
The Truth about Room Blocks
When attending an event outside of your local area, it is tempting to try to save a few dollars by booking our hotel room "outside the block", in other words at another hotel, through an Internet site, or with an employee or family discount. While this may seem like a good idea, often there are indirect financial consequences.
Hotel meeting room space is very expensive. It costs thousands of dollars to use the space for a few evenings. Hotels are willing to discount the cost of meeting room space if you can ensure them revenue through other means (sleeping rooms or food & beverage).
- How to Plan Events
- How Would you Rate it? by Rekesha Pittman (Company Keepers)
Feel free to share your thoughts below!
ETS-S World Convention
June 26, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Events List
Title: ETS-S World Convention
Description: http://www.eth-s.org/Events/2009/World_Convention.htm
Start Date: 2009-07-07
End Date: 2009-07-10
RCMA Convention
June 26, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Events List
Title: RCMA Convention
Location: Fort Worth, Tx
Description: http://www.rcmaweb.org/Conferences/2010FortWorth/GeneralInformation/tabid/195/Default.aspx
Start Date: 2010-01-26
End Date: 2010-01-29
3 Tips & Resources for New Dance & Mime Ministries
April 17, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Practical Advice
If your dance ministry has not formally started yet, you may want to read Starting a Dance Ministry: Prepare Now or Repair Later first.
Col 3:23
Phil 4:6-7
, Mary Alessi: When Women Worship
, Israel: A Deeper Level
For a more comprehensive list, check out my praise dance & mime ministry books list
ChristianDance.com is an excellent source for finding conferences, workshops and seminars. Pray and be open about traveling about traveling outside of your local area. The conference the Lord may want you to attend may be outside of your city, region, or even country!
Transformed by Praise
April 14, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Events List
Title: Transformed by Praise: Worship Arts Clinic
Location:
Allen Chapel AME Church
2842 Monroe Ave
Omaha, NE
Date & Time: Saturday May 16th (8:30am – 4:30pm)
Classes Include:
Lord Prepare Me – Starting a Dance Ministry
Acting Out! Mime
Dance Before the Lord!
Flags
For more information, contact the host Jessiline Anderson:
drj7@cox.net or 402-679-2744
Dance Ministry Detox
April 4, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Events List
Title: Dance Ministry Detox
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Date: 2009-07-16
“A ministry of healing for the wounded sole.”
“Detoxify” your ministry through Biblical principles and
technical training. Classes will provide applications for
the spiritual and physical elements of movement ministry.
Intense workshops and training classes will aid in
releasing the movement minister
to dance without limitations.
http://danceministrydetox.eventbrite.com
Dance for JOY Workshop
April 4, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Events List
Title: Dance for JOY
Start Time: 9:00
Date: 2009-04-25
End Time: 17:00
DANCE FOR JOY
A Youth Praise Dance Workshop
Ages 5-15
Saturday April 25, 2009
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Registration
$10 (by April 15th) for youth
Parents attend for FREE w/youth registration
Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch and access to all workshops!
Topics Include
Dance for JOY parts 1 & 2
Mime
African (tent.)
Step
Sign Language Choreography
Parents / Leaders Track
Purchase your tickets below, or click here for more information
