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!
The Pupose of the Dance Book Review
September 28, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Book Reviews
I recently read The Purpose of the Dance by Dr. Ann Higgins. This book would be a great addition to any dance ministers library, but would be especially useful to ministry leaders and those new to ministry. It covers items such as garments, taking authority with our hands and feet, movement, and types of dance to name a few.
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.
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: 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)
A Minister’s Choreography Devotion: 2nd Position
May 26, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Choreography
The feet are turned out completely and spread apart. The arms are raised to each side (slightly rounded), the elbows should be lower than the shoulders.
then He said, "Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God." He takes away the first that He may establish the second. Hebrews 10:9
While in 2nd position, think about the 2nd sacrifice, which was Jesus himself, a once-and-for-all permanent sacrifice. HE did what no Levitical priest and animal sacrifice could do. That is why we call him the Lamb of God!
Jesus is our High Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. It is no longer necessary for a human priest to make yearly sacrifices.
As you stretch your arms out in 2nd position, remember that the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross supercedes all other offerings. What glorious love He has for us that He would give His life!
A Minister’s Choreography Devotion: 1st Position
May 25, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Choreography
Day 1: 1st Position
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."
Revelation 22:13
While in 1st position, meditate on HIS completeness. Jesus is our everything, our all in all, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). There is no one else who can make this claim but HIM!
Standing Ovation
April 29, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Encouragement, Guest Posts
This is a guest post from Evangelist Tracy Gibson, founder and director of Done Unto the Lord Ministry. The original text was sent as an email April 29th and is reprinted with permission in it’s entirety.
Greetings,
As I worshipped this morning and spent time in study, I was reminded of Stephen. No, he was not a dancer, but he was a man who’s life and Spirit were sold out to Jesus. Stephen surrendered his whole life to Christ’s will and purpose. The more Stephen poured out his life for Christ, the more Christ poured His life into Stephen. The word says Stephen was full of faith, grace and power doing great wonders and miracles among the people – so much that the people were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake (Acts 6:8-10).
Stephen’s life was a great testimony to those of us who stand before the people of God to lead them into intimate places of worship, deliverance and freedom – that we must continue to walk worthy of our calling. Stephen was faithful, righteous, powerful, honest, forgiving, committed, determined, a worshipper, a servant and allowed the Holy Spirit to lead him even into death. Stephen had one brief performance (ministry), one time on stage (the dance floor) to shine (for Jesus), but it shaped the lives of many and changed the kingdom for ever. There was one man holding the coats in the back who needed to see and hear Stephen on that day and his name was Saul (Acts 7:58). Not only was Saul later converted to Paul, but on that day as Stephen gave his all – he received the best standing ovation anyone could ever receive. The word of God says
"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." (Acts 7:55-56)
As dancers when we seek to surrender every part of our life to the Father and fulfill God’s purpose, allowing the Holy Spirit to have complete control we become the very image of heaven’s dance on earth. Beth Moore puts it best, "A person full of the Holy Spirit cannot be full of one’s self." Let us as the Levites live a life that will honor the Father and bring Him great joy. Just as Stephen stood before the people and his face shown like an angel, when we stand to minister, let it be the radiance of the Holy Spirit that people see. Let us loose ourselves in God so much that people are not able to resist the spirit by which we speak (the movement of our body for Christ). Let us remember the testimony of Stephen and walk worthy of our calling. Let us proclaim and decree that we will be faithful to our Lord and our ministry of dance. Let us announce that we will walk in righteousness and power and live a life of integrity before a Holy King.
Let us shout to the world that we are a minister of the dance that is loving and forgiving, who is committed to the call on our life to be a Levite. Let us stand and declare that we are determined to continue taking dance back from the world and build the Kingdom of God with it as we worship in Spirit and in Truth. Why? Because we are servant of the Lord. When we move in Christ and for Christ if we reach one soul we will receive the most important standing ovation any dancer can ever receive – that of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. So, Minister as you dance and dance as you minister for the Father has need of your life – your whole life.
Take a look at the picture I have attached. I captured this image of Deacon Bonnie Wilson on Sunday April 26, 2009 at the "Victorious In Motion" Praise Dance Anniversary Celebration. Some may say "Yeah, it’s just the focus of the camera", but look around at everything else as it stays in focus. I believe and others who have seen this photo – believe that this is how we look as we minister through the power of the Holy Spirit – which is the anointing we move in "Jesus Christ" Himself. I believe this is what Heaven sees and those who are transformed by our anointed movement. I believe this is what Stephen looked like as he stood before the people and the Heavens were OPENED! Be blessed and continue to move for the one who moves you and "His Glory shall be REVEALED". Great blessings.
His Servant,
Evangelist Tracy Gibson
Founder & Director
www.doneuntothelord.com
