From the Mail Room: Oct 2009
October 20, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under From the Mailroom
Periodically, Paneh will post questions collected from the previous month. If you have a question, feel free to send me an email with the subject "Question from the Mailroom." Where applicable, I will supply Scriptures to support the answers. Some items are matters of opinion and experience. If that is the case, I will say that as well. You all are welcome to offer your point of view on a given question in the comments. Iron sharpens iron!
1. I wanted to know what type of dance do you recommend a dance ministry do during praise & worship? What is appropriate in a large setting?
There is no specific “type” (ballet, modern, etc) of dance that is exclusive for praise & worship. Whatever type is used should fulfill the purpose of ushering the people into the presence of the Lord. The dance ministry should compliment whatever it is the singers are ministering. The goal is not for people to look and see what it is the dance ministry can do, but see the Lord moving through them. My suggestion is to keep it simple during praise & worship. Simplicity does not mean repetitive however. You can march in a line or circle, face different directions etc. Also, when used properly, items such as flags, billows and streamers can be very effective during praise & worship.
When worshipping in a large setting, you can strategically position dance ministers in various locations throughout the church. Everybody does not have to dance in front of the people. For example, position some in the aisles and the balcony.
2. I have seen ministries, for example dance with 5 people, then when the next song is sung some dancers may leave and maybe 1 or 2 are left….so they are doing a solo or duet…then on the next song ..another transition comes where the dancers are switching out or all may come together and dance. Do you consider this appropriate or distraction?
If the dancers are transitioning with the psalmists and complimenting what it is they are doing I don’t see it as inappropriate. This is like during song ministry, the choir may sing 2 or 3 selections. If the second selection has a soloist or a different choir director they will adjust accordingly.
1 Cor 14:40 says Let all things be done decently and in order.
The ministry should make every effort to transition seamlessly. Those transition out should not be talking or going over choreography (that would be distracting)! They need to stay in a posture of worship even though they are not leading worship at that time.
3. Can you tell me what the difference is between a dance company and a dance ministry at church?
There are subtle differences between a Christian dance company & a dance ministry. Typically, a dance company’s priority if performing in various venues, while a dance ministry’s focus is…ministry. There is an expectation that a dance company possesses a certain skill level (there are professional and amateur companies) and typically there is a more defined level of commitment from the participants. Being a part of a company may expect members to pay some sort of fees or dues which normally goes towards operating costs and technical training. Company’s may also receive commission for their performances.
It is my opinion that every Christian Dance Company should also be a dance ministry. However, every dance ministry does not have to be a dance company.
For example, I am a student & part-time instructor at the Anointed Feet Christian Dance Academy of the Arts (AFCDAA), it is an academy, but it also has several companies that will travel and minister.
Minister Rekesha Pittman is the artistic director of Reign Dance Company. They are an excellent company, however they are definitely a ministry!
Now What?
We would love to hear from you! How does your dance ministry operate during praise and worship? Are you a part of a dance company? Does it operate differently than a ministry? Leave your comments below!
Carnival of Praise Dance #1: Animal Kingdom Edition!
It is my honor & privilege to present Carnival of Praise Dance #1: Animal Kingdom Edition! While a "carnival of praise dance" may be new to some of you, the concept of blog carnivals has been around for a while. Like a real carnival, a blog carnival puts a lot of interesting "stuff" in one place. Eventually, this carnival will travel to other sites as it gains momentum. Read this article for more information on blog carnivals and how to participate or host future carnivals of praise dance.
If you’re a new visitor to Paneh Praise Dance & Mime Ministry, I’d like to welcome you! You can stay connected by subscribing to our RSS feed (What is RSS?), Twitter, and/or Facebook
But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.
Rev 5:5
Editor’s Choice
Rekesha Pittman, author of Dance Ministry Talk writes Uneventful. This is an article about an unsettling trend happening in the worship arts arena.
Jocelyn Richard, author of The Praise Dance Life submits Worship Dance Garments that Preach. This article is an interview with worship dance garments designer Pamela Stovall. The article highlights the biblical mandate for priestly garments for worship dance.
Dawn Churchill submits Choreography and Ministry Suggestions for Solo Dance Ministers. How do I know if I am called to minister in dance as a soloist? How do I prepare for such ministry? Do you have any suggestions for making my solo pieces more effective? Get the answers to these questions (any many more) by reading this article! (Note ~ content in this article can be applied to movement ministry teams/groups.)
As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God.
Saronda Jackson writes Let Judah Go Up First – Experiencing Worship!
This is a word of encouragement for those of you in the midst of the battle to send up Judah (your praise)!
Nichelle, author of Dance Advantage submits Dancers Connecting to Their Faith and Enriching Their World. This is a guest post on her site written by Randall Flinn, director of Ad Deum Dance Company. It explores the relationship between faith and dance – it’s existence throughout history, as an expression of praise in worship and fellowship, and as a means for Christian artists to engage culture with relevant expressions of their faith and world view.
And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”
Valisha McFarlane, author of Everyday Purpose submits Clothed From the Wardrobe of True Worship. As dance ministers, we know our garments that we choose to minister in are very important. However, we must not forget to clothe ourselves in the spiritual garments that please the King. He desires for us to worship Him by daily by walking in humility, love, compassion and forgiveness.
Sukky Fagbohun, author of Praise Free and most recently PraiseDancer711 submits Can Dance Exist without music? The message of this article could be summed up in one word "Worship" In order to portray worship as as an integral and continuous part of the human, the article examines the question of dance, and the possibility of its existence without music.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
His Hem Ministry reminds us that there are a beautiful array of colorful garments to choose from in Color Us Resplendent.
Since the carnival is posted here, there really isn’t a need for me to include a submission. But I don’t want to miss out on all the fun! I’m submitting an article that is part of a 3-part series on one of my favorite topics Starting a Dance Ministry. The article deals with the spiritual, practical and administrative aspects of launching a new ministry on a proper foundation.
We’d love to hear from you! Leave your comments below and on the sites of those that submitted an article. Would you like to participate in the next carnival of praise dance? Check for the latest schedule information here or on BlogCarnival.com
Starting a Dance Ministry (Part 1 of 3)
April 14, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Practical Advice
One of the seminars I teach is called Starting a Dance Ministry: Prepare Now or Repair Later. While this article series is not meant to be a replacement for the seminar, it is my prayer that new dance ministries will be able to use this as a resource as they launch into a new area of ministry.
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? ? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. ? He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. ? But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46-49
The power of preparation and building on a strong foundation is often not appreciated until the storm comes. However, it is the preparation and strong foundation that enable us to survive the storm.
How to prepare?
Use AAA (Not the car people!)
Assessment
Take a look at the current situation. Is there a dance ministry or has there been one in the past? If so, what happened to it? How does the leadership feel about dance ministry? Answering these will help determine how to proceed.
Alignment
Ask yourself “Am I lined up correctly?” , “Am I postured to take a leadership role?”, “Do I have the time necessary to submit to this ministry?”
Attitude
What is your attitude about yourself? God? Leadership? Your peers?
Prayer
Pray specifically & strategically about the possibility of starting a dance ministry. Address the 3-As listed above as you seek the Lord for an answer and guidance
James 5:16b
Vision & Purpose
You have to have PURPOSE and a VISION!
A vision statement isn’t something that is just put in a manual or on a website to sound “catchy” – it keeps you on track, brings about unity, is a catalyst for passion and energy. Your vision is a” ministry motivator!”
Proverbs 29:18 Where this is no vision…the people perish
Your vision will keep you on track! If you are seeking to start a dance ministry within your church, this should align with the vision of your local assembly. For example, if your church has a strong focus on evangelizing and outreach, then that will probably be the focus of your dance ministry. Alternately, your pastor may be seeking the dance ministry to assist in setting the atmosphere for the preached word; write that into your vision. Make sure you internalize and revisit your vision often to stay focused.
Starting a Dance Ministry part 2 addresses practical issues such as advertising the new ministry, sample rehearsal schedules, garments, and fund raising. Additionally, Starting a Dance Ministry part 3 addresses the necessary administration documents
** If you will like to be notified as soon as information is posted, subscribe to my RSS feed***
Also, check out Praise Dance Central’s article on starting a dance ministry. They have covered a wealth of information!
Share your dance ministry start-up story! Let us hear the good, the bad and the ugly that others may learn.
The Praise Dance of David
April 12, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Dance in the Word
This was originally an article published in Paneh’s Newsletter (December 2005). I’ll be slowly migrating these articles to the website. Your comments / input is welcomed and appreciated!
Miriam and David
Worship dancers and much more (part 2 of 2)
In the first article of this series, Miriam: Prophetess and Praise Dance Leader, we explored the life of prophetess Miriam; praise dance leader and sister of Moses. This time we are going to launch forward in history and examine David. Most dance ministers are familiar with 2 Sam 6:14: And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod
This was definitely a high point in David’s life! He is king of Israel and the Ark is being returned to Jerusalem. David danced before the Lord as an expression of praise. Operating in total humility he took the place of the slave at the head of the procession representing his true worship and submission to the Lord.
What can we learn from David?
- The lessons we can learn from David go beyond the scope of this article, however here are a few points of interest.
1. Know God’s timing!
Samuel was sent to anoint David as Saul’s successor as king. What did David do after he received his anointing? He continued to operate in his current office (shepherd) and served as Saul’s amour bearer.
1 Samuel 16
13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
…
21And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armour bearer.
We must be careful to operate in God’s timing. Just because we are anointed to do a work it doesn’t mean that it is our time. David did not become ‘big-headed’ when he knew he would be king. He continued to serve where he was presently called.
As time passed, David had to flee from Saul. At times David was put in the predicament of fighting Saul’s enemies and running from Saul at the same time. David was even presented the opportunity to kill Saul, yet he refused to be ruled by anger or injustice. Not only did he not harm Saul under what seemed like optimal conditions, he didn’t allow his men to harm Saul either (see 1 Sam 24-26). David cut a corner of King Saul’s robe and was convicted to have done that!
He knew God’s promise was that he would inherit the throne of Israel. He also knew that Saul was in the way of that promise. But he also knew the blessings of being obedient and it was not his place to touch God’s anointed. This brings me to my second point:
2. The power of submission
David confronted Saul after he departed from the cave. David just spared Saul’s life after being on the run from Saul trying to take his life. David also knows that he has an anointing on his life to be the next king of Israel. Despite these conditions David did not confront Saul as if he was better than him or owed him any debt of gratitude, he did not even confront him as an equal. David bowed down before Saul and recognized him as ruler / king. Here he puts himself in a vulnerable position, Saul could have easily struck him, after all, he has been chasing him all this time. But David knew the power of submission and trusted in God to be his protection.
3. David knew how to kill giants!
We all know the story of David and Goliath. It’s a popular Sunday school story of how the young boy took out the giant with his sling. The odds were stacked against David: Goliath was a giant (9 ft tall) and a trained warrior, on the other hand, David was a shepherd that has never been in battle.
What giants are you facing? Impossible situations, people, haunting memories of the past etc. Whatever the giant let this popular story inspire you and give you confidence in the battles you face. Remember, the greater the battle, the more glorious the victory! To God be all the glory!
4. There will always be those that despise (hate) your praise
When the ark was finally returned to Israel we read that David danced before the lord with all his might. We go on to read that as his wife Michal looked on she saw him dancing and despised him in her heart. I won’t elaborate anymore on Michal at this time. The point is that we all will have “Michal’s” in our life, but we must not sit down on our praise!
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
Paneh’s New Website!
March 31, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under News and Updates
Kingdom Greetings!
If you are a returning visitor to this site, you’ll notice it has undergone some pretty drastic changes. The overall goal was to make the site more user friendly, interactive, and easier to update. A portion of Paneh’s vision statement is use the Internet as a medium of information sharing for dance ministers. Prayerfully, the new design will help accomplish that.
I’ll continue Paneh’s newsletter (subscribe in the top right), however I will also post articles here. Once the articles are posted here, you’ll be able to leave your comments, opinions and questions.
The new design is still a work in progress, so please check back often as I’ll be detailing the different features.
Blessings & Love!
Lakita
