dance ministries informed and connected so that we may strengthen one another in our service through movement for
the advancement of the Kingdom on earth.
This past year we witnessed record-setting increases in readership, victories, challenges, and setbacks, but the Lord
has let us see another year. We pray that we may continue to deliver the Word of the Lord in season.
I thank each and every writer that has penned words from Heaven that ministered to us over this past year: Lavetta C.
Williams, Sherry Traylor, Minister Cynthia Dempsey, Paulette Rolle-Alesnik, Yvonne Owens, Sally B. Reynolds,
Grace Schraner, Dawn Pruszkowski, Lolita Johnson, Danese Turner, Matthew A. Pittman, Pastor David A.
Bullock Sr, Minister Lynn Bullock, Derek L. Johnson, Pastor Parett "PT" Smith, Marlita Hill, Vanessa Manley,
Robin Deane, Charmaine Hinds, Deacon Telly Timpson, Nick Wells-Miller, Tabra Mobley, Te'Ressa Washington,
Jade Queen, Dante Johnson, and Sacrificial Praise Dance Academy.
My desire is that God get all the glory out of this.
Thank You Lord for your mercy toward us. We lay our gifts before you and ask that the Holy Spirit usher us through
another year. Let our words flow like a life-giving river, bringing healing and refreshment to Your people, in Jesus name.
His Thankful Servant,
Rekesha Pittman
Company Keepers Editor-in-Chief
GOD'S LAW,
Copyright Law and The Liturgical Dancer
Part 4: Creating Original Works
your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King. Thus says
the Lord, who makes a way in the sea and a path through
the mighty waters…. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it
shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a
road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Almighty, Our Creator, Our King, Our Lord – HIMSELF, made the declaration that He will do a new thing. We cannot fully
comprehend the magnitude of what that means. Isaiah 34:19 contains the Lord’s promise to all of us who are waiting for
new life, new direction, rebirth, regeneration, renewal, and evidence of God’s abundant life to manifest in our ministries.
The new thing that God does will burst forth and bear fruit. It will grow and it will come forth. It is like a seed that has
been growing unseen under the ground. One day it will “suddenly” push through the earth and green stalks will spring
forth above ground. Hold on Beloved, God’s new thing is on the way.
As this promise pertains to the ministry of dance and the worship arts, the Lord has ways that are new to us of
expressing the heart of God to the people in the earth. God promises that He will even make a road in the wilderness.
He will open passageways into areas that were once wild, rough country, wastelands and untamed. He will make rivers
in the desert. Praise the LORD that God’s Living Waters will flow from the LORD Himself through the places that were
once dry, arid, sparsely populated, not containing much life, desolate tracts, barren regions, with inhospitable
surroundings, and harsh environments. He is the River of Life! The LORD Himself will cause rivers of living water to flow
out of Himself, through us, out of us, out of our ministries and into all the earth because of the new thing that He will do.
The truth that it is rivers (with an “s” on the end) gives us the assurance that this will not be a one-time event. God will
continually keep His promise. He is faithful and He will do it. Hallelujah!!!
The previous parts of this series (see Company Keepers February, March and April 2007) have dealt with
understanding how copyright law applies to an already copyrighted work. This part encourages you to go forth and
create the new things that God desires to show you. There are dances, choreographic styles, movements, songs,
music, scores, plays, books, poems, dramatic interpretations, mime pieces, musical instruments, and currently unknown
and unnamed types of creative works that have not yet been seen on this side of glory. Yet, it is the Lord’s desire to
place those things into the prepared hearts of His prepared people.
I encourage you to stretch yourself and consider using different types of materials to choreograph your pieces. You can
also use this as an opportunity to stir up and discover hidden gifts and talents within the ministry members. Often times
those who participate in the arts have multiple ways of expressing God’s creative genius. You never know what hidden
treasures God has placed in your midst. Here are a few suggestions for creating original works:
1. Music In The Public Domain. Rather than using copyrighted materials, use music that is in the public domain. [It is no
longer covered by copyright law protections and is free for anyone to use. For more information on this, see Part 3 of
this series in the April 2007 Company Keepers Issue that provides a more in-depth discussion of this concept.]
2. The Word of God. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God and the Word was with God. The same
was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made. ” (John 1: 1-3)
The Holy Scriptures are and should be the very foundation of every piece that we create. You can create dances to the
actual Word of God being read. The Scriptures can be read during the dance or you can pre-record them on a CD or
tape.
3. Prayers, Poems, Dramatic Works. You can also consider writing and recording your own prayers, poems, dramatic
works or other narratives that God gives you and dance to them. A few years ago, three young ladies and I ministered
to a very powerful warfare prayer that we pre-recorded. While we ministered, two anointed drummers played for us. It
was a blessing.
4. Original Music. God is placing new songs and musical scores into the hearts of His people. The list of CDs being put
out by praise & worship teams, church choirs and new Christian artists grows daily. If God places it in your heart,
consider asking the musicians at your church (or others that you know personally) to create music and/or songs
specifically for you to choreograph pieces to. [NOTE: These works may also be entitled to copyright protections and
may require permission from the owners. However, it is generally easier to obtain permission when the individuals
created the work specifically for you.]
MY PRAYER FOR YOU
"Father God, I pray that you will give Your children the courage and boldness they need to create the new and
original works of worship arts that Your heart longs for. Father God, please allow their spiritual ears to be open
to hear Your voice and a strangers they will not follow. I pray that they will permit You to sanctify all of their
movements so that they do not even smell like the world. Stir-up every gift and every talent that You have given
them. Please allow them to come forth in their set time. We declare that no weapon formed against them will
prosper and every tongue that is speaking against them shall be condemned – those tongues and the words
they have spoken shall not be fit or able to stand because of your power, majesty and glory at work in Your
precious children. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen."
THE COMMISSION
Now, go forth. Spend quiet time with the Lord. Read His most Holy Word. Fast. Pray. Listen for His voice. Allow the
LORD to open the eyes of your understanding so that you may begin to see, think, feel, and respond as He does. Grant
Him permission to show you what messages He wants taught or preached through the dances that He wants to come
forth. Create and minister the new and original works that God needs to come forth in this time and season.
“This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.” Isaiah 43:21
TIPS OF THE MONTH
Tip #1 – The Earth is the LORD’S and the Fullness Thereof
Tip #2 – Do Not Limit God
* As the song by Israel and New Breed says: “I hear the LORD saying, ‘Take the limits off, release Me.’” God wants to do
things that you have not experienced in the earth realm to date. He has dances that are too powerful for some because
of the great personal cost that such choreography must come from. Take the limits off of God.
* God has new choreographic methods and new dance forms that He desires to release in the earth specifically to
dance ministers within the Kingdom of God. A few years ago the Lord spoke to me and said, “Cynthia I want to give you
a method. I know that everyone talks of how they studied under the X method or the Y method of dance with this
choreographer or that one. I do not discount that. But I Am God. Who do you think allowed them to tap into the new
movements that they learned? Before there was an Ailey, Fossie, Horton, etc. – I AM!!” Study, get training to enhance
your gift and hone the skills. Yet, remain open to the truth that God just might choose you to create the next “new dance
method” or the next “new dance form.”
Closing Prayer
it is not and should not be used as a substitute for legal counsel or legal advice.
uses every gift and talent HE has given her to glorify and worship Him in spirit and in truth. She is married to Horace Dempsey and they
have three precious daughters. She is the author of the dynamic book entitled GOD’S Precious Dancer (see review Company Keepers
January 2007). She serves as Christian Education Coordinator/Chapel Teacher at a private school; writes the yearly curriculum, teaches
chapel weekly and in 2006 created an original Vacation Bible School Curriculum. She has been saved since she was a young girl and
dancing since age four. She is an attorney and as part of her practice, provides legal counsel and Godly wisdom to dance schools and
companies, liturgical dance ministries, performing arts corporations and other arts related individuals and organizations. She has more
than 15 years liturgical dance experience as a minister of dance, choreographer, instructor of youth, teens, and adults, and a workshop
and seminar speaker. She is a member of the Jericho City of Praise (JCOP) under the anointed and prophetic leadership of Apostle Betty
P. Peebles, D.D., Senior Pastor. Cynthia serves as the JCOP Dance Ministry Administrator. Minister Cynthia serves on the Board of
Directors of two non-profit arts organizations. You may contact her at LAWCJD@yahoo.com or call (571) 235-3584 for more information or
to order books ($20 plush shipping).
Company Keepers previously stated,
“The Lord is moving us forward as
never before in the Worship Arts
Ministries. We are looking forward to
seeing the dance ministry in print
media, television, and film as well. We
continue to pray for grace, favor and
fervor as we go "into all the world"
and spread the gospel through
dance!” The report of the Lord is that
Jehovah has heard the prayer and
granted much favor in the above-
mentioned arenas.
Las Vegas, God continues to use the sacred arts ministry of dance to impact the nations- not just by radio, but on
television and on the Internet for the world to view. Our great God will not allow something as simple as hearing His word
to be an obstacle for many in His Kingdom. He truly is using the AIRWAVES to reach and connect sacred artists across
the globe. God is using mankind in unique and innovative ways beyond ordering and listening to tapes, CD’s, DVD’s
and books. He is connecting the media to liturgical dance in ways unprecedented! Recent examples include Streaming
Faith (www.streamingfaith.com) connecting with Sabrina McKenzie Ministries (www.sabrinamckenzie.org) and is
scheduled to air the Dancing Preachers 2007 International Conference in Bridgetown, Barbados August 8-12.
In Atlanta, GA last month (April 2007), Minister LaVetta C. Williams, Dancing Before the King Ministries was privileged to
interview on Focus on Praise. Focus on Praise is televised programming that airs on Cox Channel 18 on Tuesdays at
6:30pm and Fridays at 11:30am in Macon, GA. The interview took place during the Apostolic-Prophetic Connection’s
conference with Apostle Elizabeth Hairston (Founder) and Rev. Eyesha Marable, Founder of the National Liturgical
Dance Network. The interview will air Saturday, May 26, 2007.
The interview’s focal point was the connection of sacred artists and what resources are available to assist them getting
connected. LaVetta mentioned being a founding member of the State of Georgia Chapter of the National Liturgical
Dance Network (NLDN) and NLDN’s goals and vision. NLDN features chapters in over 20+ states and international
chapters in Canada, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and South Africa. NLDN’s theme is Inreach and Outreach ministry
through dance. LaVetta is also a member of the International Dance Commission, a unique commission featuring over
38,000 members worldwide, founded by Sabrina McKenzie. This commission is exceptional in that it is taking not only
the sacred arts to the nations, but stresses the how and why of the government being a major player in the lives of
Christians. LaVetta also talked about International Christian Dance Fellowship and its many chapters, including CDF in
the United States and Sacred Dance Guild. LaVetta gave website information for each of these organizations,
encouraging the listening audience to become a member and join those that will best interest them in their callings as
sacred artists.
Minister Rachel Moore, a powerful worship dancer and author is using a unique and powerful factor to reach sacred
artists. Minister Moore also wanted LaVetta to specifically discuss another media medium, Company Keepers, another
ministry resource distinctive to the body of Christ, mainly liturgical dance ministries. LaVetta talked about the vision of
the Founder and Editor, Rekesha Pittman, discussing how she became a Staff Writer and then Assistant Editor. She
was overjoyed with the impact of Company Keepers and how it has consistently continued to have a readership higher
than the previous month. God has truly kept his hand involved in all that Company Keepers staff does and it has
encompassed its readership to over 100% in one year. Glory be to the Most High!
The interview was very successful and Minister Moore invited LaVetta’s personal ministry to the studio in Macon, GA.
The interview will take place August 24, 2007. She solicits your prayers that this meeting of the minds will be as
informative and powerful as the Lord will allow.
This past Sunday May 13th, our very own Editor-in Chief, Rekesha Pittman was invited by Webminister Duana Heard to
dance on the airwaves yet again on KCEP Power 88FM in Las Vegas, NV with Special Guest Sabrina McKenzie. Dance
ministry in Las Vegas continues to take the radio by storm!
on the following day and times:
With Pastor Henry "HB" Black
9:35am - 9:45am (Pacific Standard Time)
12:35pm -12:45pm (Eastern Standard Time)
Station Hotline: (702) 647-3688
With Sister Nina Griffin
3:00pm - 4:00pm (Pacific Standard Time)
6:00pm - 7:00pm (Eastern Standard Time)
Hotline: (702) 731-5588
Rekesha Pittman (Rain Rein Reign Ministries)
Sabrina McKenzie (Sabrina McKenzie Ministries & Dancing Preachers International)
Simply call the above numbers at the indicated times,
and you will be able to speak with us LIVE on the air!
DO NOT MISS YOUR CALLING!
IDC California FREE Workshop
Host: International Dance Commission
-California Chapter
Faithful Trinity Church
535 N. Eucalyptus Ave - Inglewood, CA
CA State Coordinator: Sherry Traylor
Special Guest!
Minister Sabrina McKenzie
email: danceroneheaven@yahoo.com
with Day 3 Dance Ministry
Friday- May 25th @ 7:00pm
Fellowship
Saturday- May 26th @ 2:00pm
Reflection
Sunday- May 27th @ 7:00pm
Promise
"Experience the Glory of God
Through the Art of Dance."
Glory Christian Fellowship International
225 D West Torrance Blvd
Carson, CA
(310) 538-9185
www.glorychristian.org
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.
Carnival Center for the Performing Arts
Ziff Ballet Opera House
Miami, Florida
To purchase tickets: 305-628-8920
Website: www.mcintyreinstitute.com
May 26th - 27th
"A Weekend of Worship Workshops"
Host: Messianic Dance Camps International & Settel
International Ministries
Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel - Buena Park, CA
Website: www.mdci.info
Email: mindy@mdci.info
Phone: (661) 317-0435
June 1st - 2nd
"Come Away My Beloved" Into His Presence...
Worship / Liturgical Dance Retreat & Conference
Reisterstown, Maryland
Host: International Liturgical Dance Fellowship
website: www.ildf.org
June 2nd
"My Worship is For Real"
Dance Workshop 2007
Belmont Missionary Baptist Church
Raymond, MS
Contact: La'Boris Cole
Email: godsdancers07@yahoo.com
June 11th -15th
"Worship is My Passion"
West Virginia
Host: Restoration cathedral@yahoo.com ,
Website:
Phone: 304-253-9649
June 20th -23rd
"5th Annual Music & Dance Unto the Lord Conference"
Tampa, Florida
Website: www.geocities.com/dutlconference
Phone: (813) 503-6863,
Email: dutlconference@yahoo.com
June 22nd 23rd
Worship, Celebrate, Dance!
Stockton, CA
Host: Dancing For Him Ministries, Lynn M. Hayden
Website: www.dancingforhim.com
July 2nd - 8th
International Youth & Cultural Festival 2007
Nassau, Bahamas
Host: Creative Cultural Arts Agency
Website: www.cc-dn.org
Email: ccdn@reborn.com
Phone (242) 394-4776 or (251) 243-4380
July 6th - 7th
Touching Heaven, Changing Earth
777 Worship Conference & Celebration
Mississiauga, Ontario Canada
Toronto Congress Centre
Host: Worship in Motion
website: www.777worshipconference.org
July 6th - 7th
Dancers... Consecrated for His Presence
Thee Liturgical Dance Conference 2007
Compton, CA
Host: Dancers Array "N" Christian Evangelism
Phone (310) 639-2826
July 13th -15th
Project Dance
Sydney, Australia
Registration Deadline: June 13, 2007
Website: www.projectdance.com
On One A-Chord
3rd Annual Bay Area
Liturgical Worship Arts Conference
Host: Passion For Worship Dance Company
& Ministries, Inc.
Website: www.passionforworshipdance.com
July 20th - 21st
One Body, One Spirit Dance Conference
Columbia, SC
Hosts: GA, SC and NC Chapters of the
National Liturgical Dance Network
Website: www.natldancenetga.org
Phone: (803) 772-1462
July 26th - 29th
Word In Motion Urban Dance Festival
Los Angeles, CA
Hosts: Word in Motion
Website: www.wordinmotion.com
Email: festival@wordinmotion.com
August 2nd - 7th
Kingdom Arts Conference 2007
An International Arts Symposium
Barbados
Hosts: Kingdom Reach Barbados, Operation Save Jamaica and
other ministries in Trinidad & Tobago
Website: www.praiseacademyofdance.org
Email: mbweekes@yahoo.com
August 8th - 12th
Dancing Preachers International 2007
Barbados
Host: Sabrina McKenzie Ministries
Website: www.sabrinamckenzie.org
August 16th -19th
"2007 Christian Prophetic Poetry Writer's Retreat:
The Season of The Scribe."
Host: Voices of Christ Literary Ministries International
Hampton, Georgia at the Calvin Center.
Website: www.voicesofchrist.org
September 6th - 8th
"The Wedding Feast" Women's Conference
An Invitation to Intimacy for the Bride of Christ
Host: Minister Lynn Bullock
Website: www.life-truth.org
Email: sacpraise1@yahoo.com
Phone: (336) 736-3098.
September 7th - 8th
Equipping the Saints
Dance & Worship Arts Conference
Fairview Heights, IL
Host: Lakita Humber- Paneh Praise Dance & Mime Ministry
Website: www.praisedanceministry.com/conference
Email: register@panehpraise.com
Phone: (618) 407-6145
September 13th - 15th
24-7 Three Six Five: Eternal Worship
National Dance Conference
Las Vegas, NV
Host: Rain Rein Reign
Website: 2007RRRDanceConference
Email: 247365@rainreinreign.com
September 21st -23rd
Project Dance- Atlanta
Registration Deadline: August 21, 2007
Website: www.projectdance.com
September 28th -30th
“Shout for Joy, Raise the Banner, Setting the Standard”
2nd Annual International Creative Arts Conference
Atlanta, GA
Host: Anointed 2 Dance International Ministries
Website: www.anointed2dance.com/events.html
world as this will be an international dance magazine. If interested, please
contact Charmaine Hinds directly at the information below:
Worship In Motion Ministry
Phone: (905) 461-1086
Fax: (905) 461-1086
Email: info@worshipinmotion.org
website: www.worshipinmotion.org
all those who choose to use our products,
or any worship instruments/weapons,
should understand the meaning of them.
All of our products are sent out with an
explanation of their symbolic meaning and
some directions as to how to use them.
his weapons before he goes to battle, we
want all believers to understand their
worship weapons. We are more than
happy to come to your Church or dance
ministry to teach on our products and to
demonstrate how to use them.
We specialize in wing flags, which we
carry in several sizes and designs. We also
carry several other styles of flags,
streamers, tabrets, and other misc. items.
offer a wide variety of handmade items, as well as prayer shawls and
shofars from Israel. We want to give the Lord our best, not only in our
worship but also in our lives and in our products.
We stand behind all of our products 100%. The Lord created the arts
and intended for them to be used to glorify Him. Our goal is to
continually bring the worship arts back into corporate worship, into the
lives of believers and into their personal worship times. We love
custom orders and are more than happy to work with your own creative
God-inspired ideas. Feel free to contact us any time.
God Bless,
Chris and Erin Mosher
The Father’s Bride
– Minister Yvonne Peters
present fresh, relevant words and articles that endeavor to speak to the
lives of all our readers worldwide. One of our goals is to consistently bring
you articles truly reflective of honoring our great God, our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ. To inform you what the Messiah has given each
writer - words girded in Spirit and Truth – the spirit in which He gives us
the message just as He did the scribes of His Holy Word, and truth as we
write down not what we want to say, but what Daddy says is truth for such
a time as this.
This article is reflects this. This month we present something that is a first
for Company Keepers. We present to you all a living sacrifice, a true
worshipper who is regarded as one of the pioneers in liturgical dance,
Minister Yvonne Peters. I had the privilege of meeting this Titus 2 woman
about 6-7 years ago. I tell you Beloved, I could’ve sat at her feet then and
even now, just marveling at a Bride awaiting her King, always in
preparation, always reflecting the character, light and life of Christ. She is
truly an anointed vessel of God fit for the Master’s use.
and powerful force advancing the Kingdom of God as she leads many, many around the world in praise and worship unto Adonai.
As a pioneer in the Christian dance community, it is only fitting that as some would regard Company Keepers as pioneers in the
sacred arts community of an on-line magazine, then rightly we would connect with someone who has stayed the course as a living
example, pursuing and giving wisdom, advice, words of encouragement and her life’s testimony – just a reminder to us that as a
Body of Worshippers, we remain steadfast, face down, always, always, always, seeking our God for what is pure, right, just, and
worthy of worship unto His people.
Sons and Daughters of Zion enjoy the interview and glimpse the Father’s Love for His Bride. This interview can’t begin to capture
her life, and I pray that you contact Minister Yvonne and/or attend an event where she is ministering, teaching, etc. If I were to
describe Minister Yvonne’s life with a scripture, it would be “Beware that you might entertain angels.” She is definitely one of God’
s angels here on earth. I guarantee you will be blessed. Let her life be an inspiration for you to remain faithful to your call.
Minister Yvonne: I come from Hispanic roots. My grandparents were immigrants from Spain and dance was and is a part of our culture,
apart from any spiritual aspect. We love to dance! I was raised on a cattle ranch in Lutz, Florida. My father was a cattle rancher & I had never
traveled outside of Lutz until I was in my 20’s. I lived a very narrow life and I’m always amazed how the Lord has opened up the nations for
me to travel. I was not raised in a church but in retrospect, as a young girl I can pinpoint when I knew the Holy Spirit was anointing me to do
what I do.
I had an Aunt who took me to church periodically. She lived very close to us and in her home she had what we called a ‘sitting parlor.’ If I
was a very good girl, my Aunt allowed me to play in this parlor. While in this parlor, I would dance by myself and sing this beautiful old song
“I Believe for Every Drop of Rain that Falls.” While singing and dancing, I could feel these waves just come over me and I would just cry.
Looking back, I knew God was manifesting Himself upon me – I was about 8 years old.
Then came my teenage years and they were very rocky. I got very lost and it was such a dark time in my life. I hit rock bottom, was divorced
and a single mother. In my 20’s I gave my life to Jesus and my life changed dramatically. My current husband Carl witnessed my
transformation. He and I saw how God was restoring me unto Himself. [Note – Yvonne gets very emotional here and I could feel God’s love
wrapped around she and I in this moment – WOW! Saints, we must be very careful who we cast off and discard while in their dark places –
thank you our Kinsman Redeemer!]
LaVetta: How did you get stared in liturgical dance what is your dance background?
Minister Yvonne: Growing up I had a natural ability to dance and didn’t start any technical training until I was in my 20’s and trained faithfully
until my early 30’s. You see it’s never too late. I was training like young people start training in their youth.
I started dancing with Joann Cisery, my former dance partner for 10 years. I got saved around Christmas in 1978; this was about the end of
the Jesus people movement – right before the charismatic movement started in churches. I was radically saved and I became radically
obedient – faithful to reading my Bible daily, living a holy life. The first time I danced in church was 1979 during Easter service. At this time,
Joann nor I knew of no one nor had we ever seen dancing in church. Our Pastor gave us permission to dance and we danced faithfully
during special seasons.
I clearly remember sitting at the water’s edge in 1980. Just watching the beauty of the Lord. God told me He was taking my dance all over
the world. I laughed and said “no way.” I was living the best life working in corporate America, possibly making more money than I ever
made in my life, making the most out of being a single mother with two small children in a nice condo. God said to me “Yvonne, quit your
job and I want you to work in the church as a kindergarten teacher.” You can imagine what I was thinking. Going from a job making a
fantastic salary to a job that only paid about $100 per week. Nevertheless, I was radically obedient so I gave my job two weeks notice and
taught for about one year.
The next big event regarding liturgical dance for me came when I went to Israel, now my second home, for the first time in 1983 to the Feast
of Tabernacles, one of the highlights of my life. I have been every year since 1984, except maybe once or twice. In 1983 this was the first
time I met dancers from all over the world, other pioneers in the sacred arts community like Valerie Henry, Randall Bane and Karen Kerr
from South Africa. All of these pioneers, like myself, were dancing in our living rooms, not at churches. Dance was not readily accepted as it
is today but even so, from 1979 to about 1983/1984 liturgical dance became much bigger than I could’ve imagined.
I can say by all natural rights that God is sovereign. I’ve danced next to the most technically trained people who could dance circles around
me, i.e, a prima ballerina for the Moldovian Dance Co. Yet God told me, “I chose to bring you another way. I chose to birth you in worship
and then I’ll teach you how to dance.” [LaVetta: Another emotional and WOW moment for me Saints.] I say this because for some, it’s never
too late. Whatever moves, move it to the glory of God. There are many challenges for all of us seeking God for our gifts. I have friends who
come from professional dance backgrounds who’ve had their own struggles with their call, just like many who are in the church. What I’ve
learned is there has to be a breaking – a holding place where we have to submit what we don’t have and what we do have – place it on the
altar and leave it there until God touches what is fully required or what is fully crafted.
LaVetta: That last statement is so powerful and such a word for dancers. What would you say regarding the never-ending argument about
trained vs. non-trained (technique vs. non-technique) dancers in church?
Minister Yvonne: I believe dance is a language, a non-verbal language. We study it just like we study the English language. We studied
English where we learned to speak, meanings of words, sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, etc. Well, we have to learn to ‘speak’
the dance language. Your body speaks the language instead of your mouth. Learning the dance language helps you communicate more
clearly what the Holy Spirit gives you to say. If the interpretation of that doesn’t look well, it’s like baby talk. Like babies, they can’t really
express what they want or need; it’s immature because they’re babies.
This of course has biblical support. When David introduced about 17-18 ministries (Ministry of Instruments, Ministry of Dance, Ministry of
Song, etc) to the Lord in Chronicles when bringing up the Ark of the Covenant, the priests that participated in the 24/7 worship were skilled.
Can you imagine one of them playing an instrument without being skilled? What would that sound like? It’s the same with dance. There is
a sovereign call (anointing) for dancers and the responsibility is to answer that sovereign call, not to become puffed up with training vs. non-
training.
Lord, give me the discipline to practice? It is hard but we must become disciplined – this is a biblical mandate. This is coupled with us
using comparisons. One suggestion I have for all dancers is don’t compare – the Bible says we’re not even supposed to compare
ourselves to ourselves. It really isn’t a debate it’s both - the anointing with the excellence of training.
LaVetta: There is a mighty youth movement as it relates to dance. What would you say to the youth?
Minister Yvonne: There is a tendency for young people to copy form and miss the consecration. I’ve seen this many times as I’ve
pioneered. Unless we maintain a high standard, the next generation gets diluted. Unless the pioneers (and adults) keep what is righteous
at a high level, the youth won’t present a mediocre level. Not just excellent with our craft, but excellent in spirit and what we’ve plowed for –
just like our ancestors from any culture.
LaVetta: You’re a wife, mother, minister, teacher, choreographer, grandmother and Director among many other things. How do you
balance all you do?
Minister Yvonne: This has been the most difficult part of my life and probably the one thing that has brought me the most pain. There is
always the pull for what we love to do.
My husband Carl has been my greatest asset. I have always trusted him and his covering decisions for my life. [LaVetta: At this moment
Carl comes into the room laughing & being funny. Yvonne tells him we were just talking about him. He is an awesome man of God and I
can truly say he & Yvonne are one.] I can say that Carl recognized the call of worship was a valid call long before I became a
dancer/worshipper. I say emphatically that if ever Carl said no to any travel, teaching assignment, etc., I would’ve agreed and I would not
have fought about it with him later. Carl has proved himself so many times to be selfless in so many ways. I just would have honored his
decision.
One memory in particular stands out. One of my sons was about 12 years old. I was getting ready to leave for Israel for the Feast of
Tabernacles, which is about a 3-4 week commitment. My son was crying something fierce, begging me not to go. I was so torn. Carl simply
reassured me that my son was having a selfish moment. He said go, and my son would be well upon my return. Nothing meant more to
me than Carl’s reassurance at that moment.
I recommend this to every dancer: make sure you have a healthy, spiritually sound covering for your life: a husband, a Pastor you can trust
your life to, etc., someone that will not counsel you for their own selfish gains. This is very important. Don’t surround yourself with YES
people. When you submit these kinds of decisions to someone, it violates their comfort zones when you go in answer of what God has
given you. So they tell you not to go. You want to be around people who know God’s will and best for your life.
LaVetta: You mentioned Israel and the Feast of Tabernacles. What words of wisdom do you have for dancers regarding this?
Minister Yvonne: I say as worshippers, the more we love God, the more we love what God loves. We know He loves the nation of Israel. A
trip to Israel will transform your life and widen your perspective.
It has also been such a blessing from a cultural perspective. Culturally separate doesn’t represent the God of the universe well – the
biggest blessing for me.
The Feast of Tabernacles is one of three biblical feast, yet the only one that has not been fulfilled (Zechariah). The Feast of Passover was
fulfilled with the death of the Messiah. The Feast of Shavout was fulfilled at Pentecost. But the Feast of Tabernacles will be fulfilled when
the Lord finally comes to rule and reign.
There are two dance companies that participate during Feast called the Tabernacle Dance Company. One is a very skilled, professional
dance company; the other is the Jubilee pageantry company, which features billows, flags, banners, etc. There is a level of skill for Jubilee,
just not necessarily professional.
Here are a couple of ways you can participate in a visit to Israel: 1) Take a tour. The tourist season is the highest during the Feast of
Tabernacles, and 2) Become a volunteer with the Tabernacle Company. Put ICEJ (International Christian Embassy Jerusalem) in your
search engine and click on Feast of Tabernacles.
the Lord instructed. Unfortunately Minister Yvonne nor I had all day to sit on the telephone, but I tell you I could have – Just
listening to her testimony, encouragement and her life answering the call as a worshipper to the nations. It was truly an honor for
me that God would allow Yvonne to say yes to this interview. She was honored as well & grateful that I would think to interview her.
She is such a humble woman who I love dearly; a mother in the ministry who has impacted a nation of worshipping warriors for over
30 years all over the world. I can never tell you how much I appreciate you Yvonne.
About Yvonne Peters: Has a B.A. in English Education, Theatre & Speech - University of South Florida; Tampa, FL. She has
Classical/Modern dance training with Janet Beyer (Julliard graduate, New York, NY) and received a Certificate of Ordination from
Faith Covenant Fellowship. Yvonne has studied Chassidic/Yemenite dance styles at the Riga Choreographic School; Riga, Latvia
and during the past five years, has placed a special emphasis on the study and teaching of various cultural dance styles that have
included, but are not limited to: Irish Celtic, Scottish, Spanish flamenco and Israeli Chassidic/Yemenite.
Yvonne is a movement artist, choreographer and teacher - one of the leading pioneers in Christian Dance Ministry. Her passionate
love for God and deep commitment to His plans and purposes lead us to see more of our eternal calling as worshipers and dance
ministers. She travels nationally and internationally teaching on cross-cultural dance and the worship watch of the Lord. She and
her husband, Carl, are currently establishing 24-hour Worship/Prayer Watches under the ministries of Christian Assembly in
Columbus, Ohio.
She was a featured dancer and soloist in the (Handel’s) “Messiah Project” performed in Springfield, Missouri; a principal dancer on
Integrity’s “Sing Out” video led by Ron Kenoly, and choreographer for Integrity’s “Arise Jerusalem” video, led by Paul Wilbur.
A love for, and commitment to, Israel and its people are also part of an irrevocable call on Yvonne’s life. She has ministered there
through dance for over 20 years and is currently the Principal Choreographer and Dance Director for the Tabernacle Dance
Company of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem.
Besides occasional TV appearances, Yvonne continues to travel nationally and internationally lecturing, performing and giving
seminars on the restoration of individual and congregational worship within the present day church. She believes the art of dance
has been given by God Himself to be used as a personal and private expression of love and adoration to Him. However, in the form
of interpretive movement, dance can also be an effective public medium of communication to present gospel themes of past,
present and future salvation – in effect, a visual demonstration of Truth. Consequently, dance has the intrinsic ability not only to
edify, encourage and instruct, but to transcend speech, convict and change lives.
Yvonne and her husband, Carl, live in Columbus, Ohio. Carl is an actor and travels with Yvonne whenever possible, allowing the
added dimension of original, inspirational readings and dramatic interpretations in a combined ministry form they have called
“dramance.” They have been married 25 years, have two children, five grandsons and are awaiting the total restoration of His
kingdom -- both in Heaven and on earth – through His glorious, physical return in power and majesty. Contact Yvonne by e-mail:
cypeters@mindspring.com
As I Continue Dancing Before My King,
LaVetta
Ministries, traveling 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 where she served as the former Dance Director. She is the Assistant Editor of Company Keepers and a
staff writer, the 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 mentors 14 ministries
in nine different US states and internationally in the Bahamas. Contact her at destinedtodance@hotmail.com
Please submit dates for June & July 2007 only.
All submissions must be received by:
May 30th
for inclusion in the June 2007 Edition.
Sherry Traylor - Consulting Editor (Dance Director- Zoe Expressions / Founder- Heaven's Gates Dance Academy)
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)
Grace Schraner- Staff Writer (Founder- Steps of One Dance Studio)
