31 Dance Ministry Choreography Tips

I challenged my friends on Twitter & Facebook to come up with dance ministry choreography tips in 120 CHARACTERS or Less.  These tips were then published everyday during the month of November on Twitter & Facebook using Tweet Later to schedule my posts in advance and the Twitter Facebook Application that pulled my tweets to Facebook.  The responses have been very positive, and there have been many requests to have all the tips in one place.  Here you go!  All 30 (plus 1) dance ministry choreography tips!

If there is a name following the tip, then that is the person that authored that tip.  (FB) means the tip was submitted via Facebook.  If there is no name, it is a tip that I contributed.  A special shout out to the top 2 contributors: Poetry Daughter & Dawn Churchill!  Thank you to everybody who contributed!

Tip 1: Be conscious of your spacing

Tip 2: PoetryDaughter (FB) – All movements should be clear and clean!

Tip 3: SarondaJackson (FB) – Be conscious of the skill level as a group and individually

Tip 4: Cearthur Clavon Moore (FB) – seek your performance/song that ministers to you first

Tip 5: Antionette Thompson Turner (FB) – seek ye first the Kingdom of God

Tip 6: Antionette Thompson Turner (FB) – Know who you are ministering to

Tip 7: Telleha Howard (FB) – Don't rely too heavily on the technical

Tip 8: @PraiseDancer -Use simple steps for beginner dancers so they are not required to master more than they can handle.

Tip 9: Poetry Daughter (FB) – Better to do simple movements well than complex ones poorly.

Tip 10: Poetry Daughter (FB) – make sure that everyone knows the movement and is doing it the same way.

Tip 11: Desiree Griffin-Berry (FB) – With every movement, give HIM reverence.

Tip 12: Poetry Daughter (FB) – Encourage those who are not confident, don't put them down!

Tip 13: Dawn Churchill (FB) -ALWAYS find scripture(s) that correlates to your chosen song"

Tip 14: Amanda S. (FB) -Utilize the nuances in the music / don't focus on movement for every word being sung.

Tip 15: @DancingMinister -Choreography is not about teaching technique. Include flags, banners and other tools.

Tip 16: Poetry Daughter (FB) -avoid straight line across..use windows, diagonals, circles, triangles, and levels!

Tip 17: @PraiseDancer – Break the choreography into sections. Begining, chorus, ending etc.

Tip 18: @PraiseDancer Choreograph a strong ending, so your dance is memorable leaving a lasting mental impression of worship.

Tip 19: @Vioree: Spoting is very important…

Tip 20: Poetry Daughter (FB) Generally, anytime your foot leaves the floor, it is either pointed, or flexed

Tip 21: Sukky (FB) Factor the garment in. Overly long and superfluous garments can trip you.

Tip 22: Sukky (FB) Make sure space is large enough to accommodate dancers, and tall enough to accommodate flags.

Tip 23: Sukky (FB) Don't choreograph around one person in group presentation.

Tip 24: Don’t worship the dance…worship HIM that created the dance

Tip 25: Remember, you do not need a move for every word

Tip 26: Use all 8 directions (front, back, left, right and angles)

Tip 27: Don’t look at the floor when you dance unless that is part of the choreography

Tip 28: Dawn C (FB) Make certain to research the WORD for scriptures that correlate to your chosen song.

Tip 29: Dawn C (FB) ALWAYS choreograph instrumental parts of music.

Tip 30: Dawn C (FB) ALWAYS choreograph your entrance and exit. ALWAYS dance as soon as the music begins

Tip 31: Krishondra G (FB) You don't need words to dance. Dance to The Word that's in your heart.

 

 

This was challenging to do in 120 words or less!

 

 

I'd love to hear from you!  Do you have a dance ministry choreography tip that was not mentioned?  Do you have a comment or suggestion on a tip mentioned above?  Let us know in the comments!

I'm thinking about a part 2 of this "project" for January 2010….stay tuned…

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Give Away: Phenomenal Choreography for Worship Ebook

November 2009 marks the fourth year for the Paneh Newsletter.  It has been a pleasure to compile the information through the years. 

To celebrate, I thought it would be fun to give something away!

I recently had the opportunity to review Minister Jocelyn Richard's e-book, "Phenomenal Choreography for Worship".  She has graciously allowed me to give away 2 copies of her book.  I'll give away 1 now, and another in December.

UPDATE: This drawing is now closed, however, if you would like to purchase a copy of Phenomenal Choreography for Worship, you may do so on Minister Jocelyn Richard's website >>>

 

A winner will be selected randomly using random.org.  You may enter using 1 or all of the following methods:

1. Post a comment in this post about the book review.  Your comment can be about choreography or simply indicate you are entering the contest.

2. Enter by Tweeting about the contest (be sure to include @Paneh so I can track the entries).  Below is a sample tweet you can copy/paste: @Paneh is giving away Phenomenal Choreography for Worship by J. Richard Ebook RT to enter to win http://panehpraise.com/u/22

3. Mention the give-away (include URL) on your blog or site.  Be sure to notify me with the URL so I'll include your entry.

You may only enter using each method ONCE.  So you can enter up to 3 times only if you use all three methods.

 

UPDATE: This drawing is now closed, however, if you would like to purchase a copy of Phenomenal Choreography for Worship, you may do so on Minister Jocelyn Richard's website >>>

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Paneh Weekly Roundup #7: Giving 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.

We are entering the holiday season, this time of year means different things for different people.  Some focus on giving, others receiving, for some it means spending and others celebrating and memories.  I wrote a guest post for Christian Personal Finance called There is No Such Thing as a Free Lunch – Or is there?, it has to do with the concept of giving selflessly.  As we prepare for Thanksgiving festivities & Christmas productions, let’s go out of our way to be a blessing to others.

 

Enjoy these articles from around the web!

Do You Hear What I Hear? – Reverend Stephanie Butler reminds us to be open to receive a fresh wind from the Lord.  Just like he communicated to young Samuel (1 Sam 3:1-12), He is still communicating today.

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,
and he will repay him for his deed.
Proverbs 19:17

 

Dancers, do you know why you are told to breathe while Stretching?  4Dancers blog explains the “why” of this important stretching element.  For those that teach, it may help to explain why breathing properly is important.

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:3-4

Homemade Christmas Ornaments & Decorations – Debt Free Adventure shares these ideas to help decommercialize Christmas and get together as a family creating these crafts

 

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
James 2:15-16

 

Sign On the Dotted Line started as a comment by Minister Rekesha Pittman on Dance Ministry Ethics #2: Contracted Ministry.  The response was so thorough and passionate that it deserved to be its own blog post! 

Conduct a food drive or help out at a soup kitchen this holiday season

His Hem Ministry provides information on a Tambourine workshop this weekend in Pennsylvania hosted by Shachah Ministries International.

In case you missed any of the articles posted here this month, there is a full recap in the October Summary

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Book Review: Phenomenal Choreography for Worship

I was honored when fellow dance minister Jocelyn Richard asked me to review her book PHENOMENAL CHOREOGRAPHY FOR WORSHIP. I finished the book last weekend and this has been my first chance to publish the review. Jocelyn’s formal dance training started at a young age. She studied at the Joffrey Ballet School and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater school. Combine this with her desire to serve the Lord and His people through dance and she is more than equipped to discuss Phenomenal Choreography.

The book contains scriptural foundations for dance as well as a summary of various dance genres incorporated in worship (ballet, modern, folk etc). Jocelyn explains all aspects of choreography, then leaves the reader with choreography action steps. The book is more than a “How To” guide or list of definitions because it will cause you to think for yourself and enable you to think creatively.  Various elements are explained such as: abstract vs. literal movement, levels, directions, musical selections and many more.

This book would be a great addition to dance ministries desiring to increase their “dance vocabulary” and widen their range of motion. Dance ministry leaders could implement the choreography action steps into rehearsal exercises; otherwise, some of the material may be difficult for new dance ministers.

Who should purchase this book?

• Dance ministry leaders & their groups for training
  
• Individuals that want to increase their dance vocabulary
  
• Anyone who wants to spark or improve their own creativity
  
• Groups or individuals who find themselves getting “stuck” when choreographing a ministry selection

Who should NOT purchase this book?
If you are looking for outlined choreographed steps for a dance ministry piece, this is not the book for you! This book will give you the tools needed to create effective choreography, but it does not create it for you.

My Final Thoughts / Suggestions:
Great job Minister Jocelyn!

If a picture is worth a 1,000 words, how much is a video worth?! I don’t know if it is possible, but a video blog series to accompany Phenomenal Choreography would be a welcomed addition!

 

Get your copy of Phenomenal Choreography for Worship Here

 

Connect with Jocelyn Richard on The Praise Dance Life, Facebook, and Twitter

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Paneh Weekly Roundup #5: Cell Phone 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.

 

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From the Mail Room: Oct 2009

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!

 

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Paneh Weekly Round-up: Fellowship & Family 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.

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Exodus 20:12

 

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:7

 

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Poll: What type of articles do you want to see

Please use the poll below to let me know what type of articles/posts you would like to see here.  The purpose of this site is to be a benefit to the praise dance & worship arts community by providing information on subjects you all would like to read about.  This is a community so your feedback is appreciated!

The choices are:

1. General articles about dance ministry.  This could be choreography, garments, music, colors, starting a dance ministry, etc

2. Book reviews, like the one I recently wrote on The Purpose of the Dance by Dr. Ann Higgins

3. Event Recaps on various dance ministry events ( e.g. Dance for Joy event recap)

4. Opinion posts.  I haven’t wrote any opinion posts here yet because I wasn’t sure if people would be interested.  However, the brief opinion posts I’ve left on Facebook discussing creative artists stealing intellectual property and dance ministers leaving an event before it is over has generated a lot of discussion.

5. Interviews with other dance ministers

6. Guest posts, that is articles posted here from other dance ministers (guest post example)

7. Other – please let me know!

 

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Carnival of Praise Dance #2: Equipping the Saints Edition

It is my honor & privilege to present Carnival of Praise Dance #2: The "Equipping the Saints 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

Below you’ll find the submissions to this month’s carnival.  Since I just finished hosting the Equipping the Saints Dance & Worship Arts conference, I thought it would be fun to call this the "Equipping the Saints" edition.  Between the articles are a few of my favorite pictures^* from the conference, when you’re done here, check out the Equipping the Saints Conference Recap.

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Exodus 3:14

 

 

 

 

Rekesha Pittman, author of Dance Ministry Talk writes "Copy, Right?"  A candid discussion about intellectual property as it relates to creative arts ministry.

Jocelyn Richard, author of The Praise Dance Life submits Praise & Worship Dance, Mercy Seat.  Sometimes we must minister in dance in the mist of a personal trial.

 

 

And he that sat was to look upon like jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
Revelation 4:3

Dawn Churchill submits Dancing With Prophetic Purpose. Practical advice to consider when selecting a song for ministry.

Valisha McFarlane, author of Everyday Purpose submits Giving God Glory.  What is your worship EGO?  Are you guilty of edging God out of some of your situations?  Let this article shed some light on a few ways you can purpose everyday to exalt God only and give Him the glory He so rightfully deserves.

 

 

Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
Psalms 99:5

Pastor Lynn Hayden, author of Dancing For Him Blog submits His Eye is on the Sparrow The message of this article is how deeply God cares for us.

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 the first of a 2-part series entitled Tips for Ministry Excellence – Part 1 - Excellence in Communication.  The article defines the spirit of excellence and lists practical advice to improve communication in ministry.

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

Past Praise Dance Blog Carnivals: 

#1: September 2009 – Animal Kingdom Edition

 

 

*Photos courtesy of Charles Heard Photography if you would like to order any of the conference pictures, please contact him directly.

 

Editor’s Choice

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Equipping the Saints Conference Recap

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!

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