I have been ministering through dance for the past 23 years, and I have seen this special gift rise up in the church like
never before! God is doing a great work. He has changed the hearts of many Pastors to allow worship through
movement to go forth. When I first started out praise dancing in 1983, we had to be covered from head to toe, the
garment had to be "non-offensive" (no neckline, full skirt with dance leggings, dance shoes-- and it had to look like a
choir robe ☺). We have come a long way!
In 2006, I had the chance to see many dancers minister in different venues. As I spent time in prayer, I heard the Lord
saying "Worship Me, Glorify Me, humble yourselves…" When I go out and see worship dancers, I pray for the above
title to become a revelation: Purpose not Performance!
The word "purpose" seems to be an equivalent of the word "decree" as used in regard to man's relation to eternity.
More correctly stated, it softens the word "decree" and refers back to the cause of the decree (what is the dancer's
cause?) as lodged in an intelligent design and forward to an aim consistent with the character of God.
Intentions: What is your intention concerning the Gift that God gave you?
CALLING…
Calling (From Easton's Bible Dictionary): A profession, or as we usually say, a vocation (1 Corinthians 7:20). The "hope
of your calling" in Ephesians 4:4 is the hope resulting from being called into the kingdom of God. We should treat our
ministry as a profession, not a performance. When we perform, we get into the flesh and do not allow the Holy Spirit to
flow through us. "We" get in the way and quench the Spirit from taking control as the lead Dancer.
Performance: A musical, dramatic, or other entertainment presented before an audience. We are not performers, but
demonstrators of what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church in this day and time.
It is important to cultivate and grow the abilities and proficiencies that God has given your in your ministry. You just
have to keep in mind that while growth is important, you can’t ignore the importance of the Comforter and allow
performance to take over.
PRAISE AND MISSION- IT SHOULD SPEAK THROUGH ALL OF US!
How have I kept the momentum going for the last 23 years? Through prayer, fasting, dying to my flesh, reading the
Word of God, knowing my calling, spending time with God in worship, being sharpened by mentors, and being
encouraged by my dance ministry.
Eventually, you performers will tire of doing the 'same thing' over and over again and will get bored... My fellow
dancers- allow your ministries to stay fresh, new, and relevant in the Holy Ghost!
served the Lord in dance for over 20 years. Sherry has been blessed to facilitate dance conferences, and is in the process of writing a book on the ministry of
dance. Sherry offers free dance technique classes at Zoe on Saturdays at 11:00am in Room 53.
reminded of the TV show "The Amazing Race." It seems as
though many ministries are racing to be the first to "arrive,"
mark a territory, claim a region, stake a claim, etc. The problem
is something I refer to as "Planting a Flag." Historically, raising
or planting a flag in a region signifies a territorial victory. The
issue is that the flag being raised is not that of Christ or the
Kingdom, but the name of the individual or ministry itself.
As many have taken "Christ" out of Christmas and replaced it
with "X-mas," I fear that this is not only happening during the
holiday season. Many ministries have followed the popular
trend of taking CHRIST out, making the ministry name BIGGER
than the name of Jesus. These "INSERT YOUR NAME HERE"
Ministries may not even realize what is happening. When the
namesake goes, so does the ministry! Often, I have ministered
in dance and the emcee could not recall my name, but
remarked on the message and ministry that went forth through
the dance. Each time that this happens, I praise the Lord even
more: "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)
or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each
esteem others better than himself.
Phillippians 2:3
experiences concerning "praise dance." I was overjoyed when we were booked each weekend of
each month- a calendar full of "engagements!" We felt so anointed and became confident that our
ministry was the benchmark of what God was doing in the movement ministries. As He lovingly
does, God stepped right in and revealed to me the ugliness and truth of what was really happening:
the ministry became my God, I placed the relationship with my dance partner above my relationship
with my spouse, and everything that I thought was "order" was not God's order in my ambition to be
"in ministry." I had to put the dance ministry on the altar of sacrifice, ask my husband for
forgiveness, and let the Lord teach me His ways anew. I thank Him for His correction and grace.
famous). If the Lord has blessed you to have a great name and exposure, this is wonderful! If you are convinced that it
is YOUR time to shine because you have served in dance ministry for several years, have a special revelation from the
Lord that the WHOLE WORLD needs to hear, and YOU are going to be "the one" to minister uniquely throughout the
nations- BEWARE! Do not be one of many who "went... but were not sent." Please, do not invite yourself to go out to
minister because you think that you have something to impart. It is better to be invited. Doesn't the Word say "Your gift
will make room for you?" Unfortunately, too many of us are trying to make "room for our gift." Luke 14:8-11 warns us:
Ministries, which is devoted to the teaching, development, and growth of Worship Arts Ministries in churches, the
community, and the nations through ministry conferences, workshops, online resources and various media outlets. She
has also established the Las Vegas Liturgical Dance Network for dance ministers in the Nevada region.
by Dawn Pruszkowski
"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true
worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for
they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is
spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
schools, and colleges. She has ministered in dance throughout the United States and Eastern Europe. Dawn has
been a teacher at worship conferences such as "The Meaning and Purpose of Praise and Worship" in San Diego,
CA, the "LaMar Boschman's International Worship Institute" in Dallas, TX, and "Worship in the Valley" in
Knoxville, TN. Dawn and her husband Wiesiek have produced instructional DVDs that have been distributed
worldwide and featured in several dance catalogues. You may purchase them online at www.worshipsteps.com
endorse events listed below. Please be prayerful and led of the Lord when selecting and attending ministry
gatherings. Please contact event organizer with any questions or for more information regarding these events.
Judah First Fellowship Presents:
"In the Beginning GOD CREATED" Genesis 1:1
Divine Choreography - Divine Collaboration
A Choreography SEMINARSHOP (10:00am - 5:00pm)
Location: Music Center - 135 North Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA
Registration: $10 ($5 for Judah First Fellowship Leaders)
RSVP with Min. Stine McDonald at stepsbygod@sbcglobal.net
March 15th - 17th
Breaking Free Forever Men's Dance and Worship Conference
e-mail: cjhardy2@msn.com
Phone: 614-519-0375
August 8th - 12th
Dancing Preachers International 2007 - Barbados
website: www.sabrinamckenzie.org
symbols we use while ministering. Just as God gave the priesthood biblical instructions on the making of the holy garments, so He
designed and gave us accessories and symbols with which we use to worship Him.
As we enter into the typical “holiday season” for a lot of sacred artists, there are plenty of symbols and accessories used in ministry
choreography. Let us be certain of symbolic meaning, confident of the relevance to the piece being ministered, and of the flow with the
choreography, colors, garments, etc. Let us ask God our Father: What message am I trying to convey to lead people unto you? Does the
symbol/accessory enhance my garment? Is the symbol/accessory truly representative of the message being displayed through
movement? Most importantly, Lord, are You pleased?
The word symbol is a noun, meaning 1) An authoritative summary of faith or doctrine: CREED, and 2) Something that stands for or
suggests something else by reason of relationship, association, convention, or accidental resemblance; especially : a visible sign of
something invisible <the lion is a symbol of courage>.
The word accessory is also a noun, meaning 1a) A thing of secondary or subordinate importance: ADJUNCT, and 1b) An object or
device not essential in itself but adding to the beauty, convenience, or effectiveness of something else <auto accessories> <clothing
accessories>
Aren’t the meanings totally awesome? The fact that you can add a symbol to your garment that speaks to the authority of our Lord and
Saviour, as well as it can add to the beauty of our sacred art.
REMEMBER: Symbols and accessories are holy and scripture-based!
Below are some symbols you may consider using:
HELMET = Protection of the Mind
Isaiah 59:17, Ephesians 6:17
JEWELS = Saints in Varied Glories
Malachi 3:17
NET = Gospel Power to Catch Men
Matthew 13:47-48
ROBE = Office
Exodus 29:5, Leviticus 8:7
Luke 15:22, 20:11, John 19:2,5
FRINGE = Remembrance
Tassels on Garments (NKJV)
Numbers 15:37-41a
TRUMPET = Voice of Prophetic Utterance
Judges 7:18-22; Isaiah 27:13
Jeremiah 51:27
CROWN = Royalty
2 Kings 11:12; Leviticus 8:9
THE GLORY AND BEAUTY OF GOD: COLORS
Saints, as we continue this theme of learning all that is required of sacred artists, colors are stunning and striking, and give much
credence to the overall ministry being presented unto Adonai and His people. Colors are very attractive to God as evidenced in Exodus 25-
32. Our Creator evidently wants a picturesque scene before Him, colors that are delightful: a mercy seat of pure gold; tabernacle with 10
curtains of fine twined linen and, blue, purple and scarlet; covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red; the pillars round about the court
shall be filleted with silver, hooks shall be of silver & sockets of brass; an ephod of gold, blue, purple & scarlet - things that may make you
go "Hmmm..." Colors OBVIOUSLY were enjoyable unto YHWH, singularly and in combination(s).
"Worship the Lord in the splendor (beauty) of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth." Psalm 96:9
Apparently the Tabernacle, the priestly garments, and items in the Ark of the Testimony coincided. Not just in their purpose, but in color as
well. How charming!
Colors have great significance spiritually as they do in the natural realm for our visual enjoyment, i.e., a golden sunset, grey skies, blue-
green seas, etc. Additionally, color combinations can have different meanings. When choosing a color for flag/streamer usage or in
choosing your garment, it's important to keep in mind the symbolic meaning behind each color.
Below are a few examples:
Custom Made DanceWear
and Ministerial Attire
Shalom Dance Ministry
www.ShalomDanceMinistry.com
email: womennpower@aol.com
Phone: 908-887-2808
always seeking Christ for more of Himself for yourself.
THIS SEASON AND EVERY SEASON, LET US TRULY BE IMITATORS OF CHRIST!
Shalom ooVaracha (Peace & Blessings)
LaVetta
**Some of the above names from Lambert Dolphin's “The Names of God.”
nationally & internationally teaching & ministering at conferences, workshops, Bible Studies, etc., on the Biblical aspect of praise & worship, liturgical dance,
pageantry (flags, banners, streamers) and all that it entails to be a sacred arts minister. She is a member of Destiny World Church & the former Dance Director;
current staff writer and Assistant Editor of Company Keepers, National Liturgical Dance Network (NLDN) administrative assistant and member of the International
Dance Commission & Sacred Dance Guild. She is one of the founders of the NLDN-GA Chapter and former Administrative Assistant. She’s currently enrolled in
the Eagles International Training Institute pursuing licensing as a minister of dance. She mentors 10 ministries in California, Connecticut, Florida, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia & Texas. Contact her at destinedtodance@hotmail.com.
pleasure for me to have been afforded the opportunity. Dare to Dance, Inc. Express Your
Worship Conference 2006, held in Tampa, FL November 8–11 was an awesome
experience - one to be remembered in my heart forever. I was able to meet the
conference host, Paulette Rolle-Alesnik and her husband Joseph Alesnik up close and
personal, and they embraced and welcomed me to the conference. The conference
catered to the whole man, physically, spiritually and emotionally. I hadn’t fully realized how
dancing could be done in that many various forms unto the Lord.
I digress for a moment to talk about some differences in dance conferences/workshops
in the United States vs. those here in the Bahamas that I’ve attended. I find several dance
conferences here in the Bahamas aren’t as detailed as those in the US; detailed in the
sense of teaching and giving practical illustrations on the variety of dances we can offer
unto our God. We mainly view Liturgical dance as movement to worship music and for
many, that's it – nothing more, nothing less. I believe many churches in the Bahamas are
expanding as God is revealing His truth about dance to various types of music and varied
dance genres, including pageantry.
including myself, who are now taking formal training classes to enhance the ministry gift of dance. Liturgical dance is still quite new for
some churches here; by new I mean not older than 25 years. Dancing during church services is fairly recent, mainly within the last 5 years
compared to 20 years ago. We still have some traditional churches who continue to view dancing in the church as evil and satanic and
they don't support it.
At the Express Your Worship Conference, I attended sessions in wide-ranging dance genres: hip hop, mime, flags and banners, and a
streamer class teaching us how to wave our streamers in unity. Every day had an impact on my life and I made the best out of each class
session I attended. Daily beginning at 6am we had Morning Prayer. During the 7am - 8am hour we gained much needed knowledge
regarding nutrition and had morning workout sessions that were fantastic. We continued with praise and worship service from 9am –
10am in order to prepare us spiritually for the practical workshops which were held until 5:00 pm.
Each conference participant had a choice of attending four (4) workshop sessions daily. I did not want to miss one opportunity to learn so I
hurried to class in anticipation of what God would do with me. I shared with my fellow dance ministers that I felt like I was in college,
moving from class to class to learn more. My soul, mind and heart were opened for whatever God wanted to pour into me. My focus during
this conference was “God I want all that you have for me. I will not allow anyone or anything to hinder me . Do with me what you will!”
I thoroughly enjoyed trying the different dance genres offered, but the one thing I realized was where my strength lay in bringing the glory of
God in the sanctuary as it related to movement. My strength: Dancing for me is a gift straight from God. The only formal dance training I
had was at the age of 5. I attended ballet classes for a few months. Ten years ago God spoke to me at a conference and said “get up my
daughter and dance.” At the time I felt foolish, yet realized it wasn’t foolish at all.
Paulette’s teaching and ministry style is a bit different from several US conferences I’ve attended; but her goal was for excellence to be
displayed in dance in whatever category of movement God has assigned you to. That is a goal I aspire to and I praise Jehovah we were in
total agreement.
Just about every church I've attended in the Bahamas now has a dance ministry- which is heartening. Many are now interested in taking
this sacred art to another level as God expands their minds in this creative arena. As a dance minister continuing to become
knowledgeable in this wondrous gift Christ has bestowed upon me, and as I answer the call as a representative from the nation of the
Bahamas, I remain steadfast to seek all that our Great God has for me. I will continue to attend praise and worship/dance conferences
and workshops as long as God releases me to go. My prayer for Paulette and her vision is to see God’s glory exposed in dance all over
the world. I understand that as dance ministers we must NEVER lose focus on the purpose of movement; when we don’t lose our focus,
dance ministries the world over will begin to blossom.
Dancing for God is a passion I’ve had for a long time. I feel as God begins to expand and enlarge my territory, I am commanded to inform
others how much this means to me. Dancing takes away my pain - when I move across the floor, swing my arms, lift my hands and move
my feet, I feel free. I think of nothing other than being in my Savior’s presence. Whenever I am under attack from the enemy, I play
worshipful music and simply begin to move, and move and just move. This secret place is where God relieves me of everything I may be
going through – all my burdens are released unto Him; I give Him my all – my tears, laughter, joy, safety and my whole heart. To every
dance minister, I persuade you to get in your secret place in movement where God is your only audience, your audience of one, and allow
His glory to show up in the midst. Every dancer has a favorite movement and/or dance genre, whatever it may be, find the place where God
is glorified and don’t ever stop moving. God bless you.
three gorgeous, smart and wonderful daughters, Sheldira, Cassana and Chymia. Each daughter worships the Lord in dance. Lolita is a member of Greater Love Ministries
International where Pastor Agnes Glinton is the headship. Lolita is the Dance Director of Little Shekinah and Shekinah Dance Ministry. She is the official choreographer for the
opening dance ministered every year at the Miss Liturgical Dance Pageant held in Nassau, Bahamas.
'Mas' Back Issues:
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
Sherry Traylor - Consulting Editor (Dance Director- Zoe Expressions Dance Ministry)
LaVetta C. Williams - Assistant Editor (Founder- Dancing Before the King Ministries)
Robin Deane - Staff Writer (Worship Arts Director- West Angeles / Founder- The Victory Praise Dancers)
Sally Reynolds - Staff Writer (Fine Arts Director- Covenant Worship Center Inglewood)
