Prophetic Dance: When and Where?

When and where is it appropriate to minister through prophetic dance?

prophetic dance quote

Every time we are ministering through dance, having prayed over the dance and received inspiration from the Holy Spirit about what to do and how to do it, our dance is prophetic. In addressing the question above today, however, I’ll focus on the aspect of prophetic dance in which we direct our focus to individuals, bringing a word from the Father to them. We make eye contact with these people and deliver a message through movement especially for them. To minister through prophetic dance in this way, we need permission both from the leadership and from the person.

Continue reading “Prophetic Dance: When and Where?”

Why dance in church? Is it biblical?

theology of danceThis past weekend, I was blessed with the opportunity to meet with the Pastor and the Children’s Ministry Director my church. They had gathered several people who love dance to discuss the possibility of incorporating dance at our church, beginning with children.

This was an answer to prayer. It was such a gift to have these leaders come to me and to ask me to share about dance with them. I have been ministering outside my church in dance through workshops and classes this past year, but have not danced in my church.

It has been hard to imagine dance being welcome in this church. There are just one or two people who raise their hands in worship. Our Pastor and Worship Leader are very intentional to avoid or minimize anything that draws attention to the leader or a specific person. They do this because they want the congregation’s attention focused on the Lord and not the leaders, which I highly respect. The worship team leads from the side of platform and have said that they want to be “invisible” for the same reason. I appreciate their hearts and their humility.

Nonetheless, you can see how it would be hard to see how dancers could lead worship, since the goal is for leaders to be invisible. As dancers, our goal also is to point to the Lord and not to ourselves, but we use a visual art to do this.

In addition, the denomination operates under what is called the “regulative principle,” which basically states that we don’t incorporate anything in the worship service that is not expressly prescribed by scripture. So, if dance is to be incorporated in corporate worship, the Pastor and elders need to have solid theological grounds for doing so.

congregational danceDuring the discussion, my Pastor turned to me and asked,“If someone new came into our church and saw people dancing and asked, ‘Why?’, what would you tell them?”

He wasn’t asking, “Is it okay for Christians to dance?” or, “Can dance be used in evangelism in the community?” He felt secure that the answers to both of those were, “Yes.”

He was asking specifically, “Is dance appropriate in the sanctuary, in corporate worship? Continue reading “Why dance in church? Is it biblical?”

Bless your City by Dancing in their Parade

parade praise dance I sense that the Lord is calling dancers out of the four walls of the church and into the cities. At this critical time in history, when there is so much turmoil, confusion, and change, we have an opportunity to be part of the blessing our cities and ushering in God’s presence. Where His presence is, every good thing follows.

A powerful way to let God use your in your city is to dance in their parades, to get out in the streets and bring a dance of joy, healing, and hope.

My friend and fellow student in the Dancing for Him Dance Ministry school, Bobbi Muncy, has danced in countless parades over the years and knows how to it. (You can see that in the pictures, right?)

I asked her to write for us, sharing how she finds opportunities to dance in parades, what she does to prepare, and what practical tips she can offer us to help us be ready to truly be a blessing.

Read on to hear from Bobbi:

“Everyone loves a Parade!

“A friend asked recently how she could do a parade with her team and bring glory to God. To say I was excited to share is an understatement! I have been doing parades for over 14 years.

“It all started with a call from a friend of a friend. They asked if we would be willing to be in the NE Minneapolis Parade. All we needed to do was bring flags and dance. We just showed up and the rest is history.

“Over the years the dancers, music, cities and and the costumes have changed. But we continue to bring glory to HIS name and take back the streets for Jesus. Our motto is “the praise goes forth first!” This is based on 2 Chronicles 20: 17-21. NKJV When King Jehosephat realized what he was up against, he called everyone to pray and fast. He then consulted his people and appointed the men to sing and give praise to the LORD. As they praised the LORD, He took care of their enemies! That is how we see parades.

“Scripture also says, “my word shall not return void” Isaiah 55:11 NKJV. The songs we use always bring a message not only to the people, but they fill the atmosphere!  Imagine Michael W. Smith’s “Forever”. The words of the song fill the atmosphere and chase the enemy away! We have also danced to “God’s Not Dead! It is fun to see the look on some of the faces in the crowd.

“I usually start praying about what parades we should do starting in January. Many of them we do every year as they almost always ask us to come back. When I am thinking of new area, I check with the local Chamber of Commerce to get dates and applications. Be aware, some parades charge a fee to participate. I have paid up to $100 for a parade and it turned out to be nothing but a drunk fest. Really seek God first before committing.

“We do the parades with flags and tambourines. I use a minimum of 5 people doing tambourine. I love to include flags and banners when I can. Especially if I have kids or extra people. These can be choreographed if need be.  I have also had a dancer out front leading us.

“We use the same songs for every parade and usually for a few years. This way everyone becomes very proficient with the routine and can worship from the heart. We do about 3-5 parades a year in and around our community. We use the tambourine patterns from Shachah Ministries.

“Here are some practical tips:

•Keep it simple as this is a parade and you are moving most of the time.

•Keep your dress modest and be creative! Color is awesome!!

•Be sure to wear good shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses if needed.

•Stay hydrated. But note that there usually no bathrooms near the line ups, so be prepared.

•Line up is usually and hour prior to the parade. I highly suggest you go in as a team so no one gets lost.

•Pre test your sound system to make sure everything is working properly.

•Try to arrange someone to pick up the team at the end of the parade as everyone will be very tired.

“Remember to pray continually as “the enemy seeks to devour”. This is frontline warfare. Pray for your team and for the people you will be passing on the streets. Pray protection over backlash as the warfare can be very intense!

“There is a lot more to what I have written here. Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have! I would love to hear from you!

“You are LOVED! John 3:16″

Take a minute to join the discussion by sharing in the comments:

Have you danced in a parade? If so, what tips would you add?

What did you gain from this post? Feel free to share it.

 

What I learned about planning a Praise Dance Camp

summer praise dance camp collageWe just finished a fabulous week of Praise Dance Camp in Pasadena. I’m so grateful for the week, for your prayers, and for how the Lord worked.

Read on as I share four things I learned about planning a summer praise dance camp for children and to watch a 4-minute video recap of the week. Continue reading “What I learned about planning a Praise Dance Camp”

Dance in Thanks for our Freedom

live as free people wdmHappy 4th of July. I encourage you to find some time today (maybe just before going to bed), to dance a prayer of thanks for the incredible freedom we enjoy in our country and to pray for our leaders.

“1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior…” -1 Timothy 2:1-3

thanks dance postures

celebrate dance postures

Intercede through movement: Compass about

tree of life 2 peace paradeI love the word “compass” which appears many times in the King James Bible. Sometimes, it’s translated, “surround” in newer versions.

The King James Bible page defines compass as, “To stretch round; to extend so as to embrace the whole;” or “To surround; to environ; to inclose on all sides;” or “To go or walk round.”

Psalm 32:10 says,

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.

Psalm 5:12 says, For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

The Lord walks around us. His embrace is on all sides. It is protective like a shield, a barrier through which the enemy’s arrows cannot penetrate. The Lord compasses us with mercy and favor, surrounding us with His blessing.

When the people of Israel compassed Jericho, the Lord broke down the walls of the city. (Joshua 6)

When we intercede for others with movement, we can circle them, either with an embrace, wrapping our arms around them, or by walking or dancing in a circle about them. Sometimes when I’m praying for a friend, I will envision them before me and walk around them as I pray. So often, when we pray for someone in bible study, we gather around them to lay hands on them. They are compassed about.

Try this: Compass your child as she or she sleeps. Compass your home as you pray. Take an early morning prayer walk and compass your neighborhood, your office building, your City Hall. As you compass, intercede. through your prayer and your walking, you make a barrier through which the enemy may no longer pass. Embody the Lord’s favor and mercy.

Take a look at these verses as well: Psalm 139:3, Psalm 118:10, Psalm 116:3

Jump Start your Devotions

If you have purchased Devotions in Motion, I have good news to share about it. I’ve added to it.

At the request of my good friend, Diane, I added a “straight through” video of all 5 devotional dances. This way, once you have learned the dances, you can use this video to dance them straight through in your devotions. I hope you find it helpful. It is available on your Devotions in Motion download page, which you received from me.

If you don’t have Devotions in Motion yet, but have been wanting to purchase it, it will be on sale for $15 through Sunday night. After that, the normal price will be $20.

I’ve also created a 2 minute video to give you a glimpse of Devotions in Motion. If you’re wondering if it would benefit you, this should help you figure that out. You can watch it here:

You can purchase it below or click here to learn more.

 

Price: $20 Sale: $15


THESE ARE VIDEO DOWNLOADS – Within 24 hours of purchasing them, you will receive an email link giving you access watch the videos online and to download them to your computer.

 

Devotions in Motion are Coming

Devotional Dances
From the dance to Psalm 17:8 Hide Me Under the Shadow of Your Wings

Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

He also said, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Mathew 6:6

I have found that when preparing to dance in ministry or to teach a class, I need to also be dancing at home in private. When I dance in private, I connect with Jesus. He’s the source of all true creativity, healing, beauty, and power. If I want those things to flow from my dance in ministry, I need to spend time with Him in private.

I also find that there is a battle that goes on inside me in the morning. I know that when I offer my body in praise and worship (that means I move in my devotions) that I experience breakthrough in my life. But something inside me resists moving. I want to sit comfortably under my covers, read the bible, and pray quietly. Now, there are plenty of mornings when I do just that, and it’s a lovely time with God.devotions in motion

But there are many mornings when I know He is saying, “Amy, get on your knees,” or “Amy, you need to move. I want more from you.” I always receive from Him when I’m obedient to Him, and yet, I so often resist it.

So, it’s been really helpful to me to have a pattern of prayer and some simple movements to do early in the day that get me moving. I’ve developed these devotional dances over the years from some of my favorite verses and from choruses to some of my favorite worship choruses.

Based on the acronym  ABIDE, they give me starting point to engage my body, and, by engaging my body, to engage my heart.

I have taught them to classes of children as a pattern for prayer to begin our class, preparing ourselves to worship from the heart.

I’m excited about this project because it is truly accessible to worshipers of all ages and skill levels. The movements come out of expressive sign and can be done first thing in the morning, before you are ready to move your whole body. They can be done in a small place, beside your bed, on your couch, in your prayer closet. Because they consist primarily of upper body movements done in a posture of prayer, you can do them when your family is still asleep without awakening them.

On the videos, I teach these five devotional dances, step-by-step, so you can do them with me. I also include live video footage of me teaching this to a class of children, so that you can see how it works to teach them to a group. You will be blessed by their hearts of worship.

When you purchase Devotions in Motion, the videos will be available to watch online or to download and keep on your own computer. I have my heart set on releasing a physical DVD, but that happen later.

What can you do if you are interested in these videos? If you aren’t already subscribed to my mailing list, make sure you subscribe right now, so that you’ll get an email as soon as it is available. Please also be praying for this project, that I’ll do it in the time and way that is pleasing to Him and that will benefit others.

Take a minute and share in the comments. I’d love to hear what you think. I’d also love to hear how dancing in your devotions makes a difference in your life.

3 Versatile and Beautiful Patterns for Worship Garments

Patterns for worship garments
Red overlay adapted from McCalls pattern 4490)

Several years ago a dance ministry leader encouraged me to raise my standards for dance garments, to seek to dress beautifully for God’s glory. My biggest objection was financial. I did not have a budget for a new wardrobe of worship garments.

She encouraged me to seek a seamstress for my team, so I started praying about that. I approached people whom I knew sewed and asked them to consider sewing for the team. Though both were willing, neither was enthusiastic.

Then, one day in worship team practice, a woman new to the team mentioned that she sewed and would love to create tunics for the team. She had a passion for worship dance and a desire to use her talent for sewing to bless the ministry.

I was moved by God’s answer to my prayer, and it confirmed that He was blessing the dance ministry He was calling me to. With this friend, I found several patterns that we used to create dance garments:

For the team, she used a simple tunic pattern that she adapted for each team member. She also used this pattern for the children, using it as a model and creating a simple pattern herself. (Pictured below on

pattern for worship dance tunic
Overlay adapted from Burda Pattern 7354.

the team.)

She created more intricate overlays for my solos, adapting costume overlays. My favorite came from a Medieval gown pattern. We adapted it in several ways, raising the neckline, shortened the length, so that I wouldn’t step on it, and omitting the sleeves. In addition, I had her leave the bottom half of the seams open so that the dress had flaps, which were very effective and made the dress easier to dance in. (Pictured top left.)

pattern for blue worship overlay
Overlay adapted from Simplicity Pattern EA989101.

The other pattern we used for an overlay was also a costume pattern. We also raised the neckline on this pattern.  (See blue and gold overlays.)

Lastly, I found this pattern online for circles skirts: You don’t even need to purchase a pattern, but can simply use the instructions to create the skirt.

Truly, having a skilled seamstress who wants to use her gifts to bless the dance ministry is a gift from God. All of these patterns have been wonderful but also needed to be tweaked to be appropriate for worship dance.

patterns for liturgical dance garments
Overlay adapted from Simplicity Pattern 2231.

Improve Attendance at Praise Dance Practice

dance leaders questionLast week I asked you to share what team related issues you are facing. I got some great questions, many of them expressed by multiple people, showing that they are common challenges for team leaders.

Over the next week, I’m going to respond to five questions. I’ve sought to  guide with biblical principles as well as to share from my own experience.

This first question was the most common question I received, so I’ll start with it?

1. How do you get children to attend praise dance practice regularly? 

The biblical principle here is faithfulness. It’s calling each other to let your “‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No,’” as Jesus instructed us in Matthew 5:37. Having both parents and children sign a written covenant before joining the team and/or before beginning rehearsals for a special occasion really helps with attendance. Faithfulness is important for children and parents. As God is faithful, His children need to grow in faithfulness. This means keeping the commitments we make to each other.

dancer's covenant
Having a covenant with our dancers calls them to faithfulness and helps them to know clearly what that looks like.

In our dancer’s covenant, I detail how many of the rehearsals a dancer must attend to be take part in a dance. (For example, they must attend 8 out of 10 or 9 out of 12 in order to participate. I leave room for them to miss a couple, understanding that life sometimes necessitates that.) I ask them to prayerfully consider the commitment before agreeing to dance. I also sign this covenant.

I make other commitments to them as well. I commit to pray for them, to prepare for our rehearsals and to teach biblically. So, they understand that we are committing to each other.

I also communicate with parents about my heart on this matter. I emphasize to the parents that I want the children to know the dance well enough to be free to truly worship. If there is a child who misses rehearsals early on, I’ll make a point to check in with them, seeing if anything is wrong.

In addition, I try to think practically, making sure my rehearsal times are family friendly times. When it’s possible to piggy back rehearsal time to a time when adults are at church too, that helps. This shows respect for the family schedule and the parents’ time and is what I appreciate as a parent “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” Luke 6:31

I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments section (at the beginning of the post).

If your team has a dancer’s covenant, how has that helped with team attendance?

What other strategies/approaches would you suggest to a leader to help with attendance?

Watch for these upcoming posts:

Thursday: Holding together Technique Training, Choreography and Spirit-Led Worship

Friday: Helping the Child who Loves Performing More than Worshiping

Saturday: Dealing with the Dominant Team Member

Sunday: Making Your Dance Team Male-Friendly