“King of Kings you are … Lord of Lords you are.”
The song rang through the Dance St. Louis rehearsal space recently as Alvin Ailey teaching Artist Theara J. Ward led a class to create choreography based on these words.
“You need to listen to the words and make sure that your dance reflects what the song is saying,” Ward said.
Members of the liturgical dance workshop taught by members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (presented by Dance St. Louis) were asked to call upon a higher power to create movement.
“You are worship leaders,” Ward said.
“It is your job in the church to usher in the spirit, and it is a serious and awesome responsibility.”
Her “down to business” demeanor instantly dispelled the common misconception that real dancers frown upon praise dance and scoff at the liturgical dance community.
Every one of the skillful and calculated steps she presented were acts of ministry. The guests from several area churches – including Westside and Mt. Gideon – studied her intently.
“Don’t be afraid of the technique,” Ward offered as advice for dance ministry teams.
“They should learn to be able to use the technique to demonstrate what they want to say.”
Each participant held hands and shared in a fervent prayer led by Ward, thanking God for the day’s event. Cries of thanksgiving for the opportunity to learn and grow in the spirit rang through the hall. Members left to share their newfound inspiration with their congregations.
“It showed us the importance of worship and the importance of us being worship leaders and how we need to make sure that our relationship with God is right and that we know what we are dancing about,” said Beverly Coleman of Westside M.B. Church.
“You were truly a blessing to a number of congregations as well as our own,” Lydia Houston of Mt. Gideon told Ward.
“At this period time when worship is being restored, it is important for people that have been trained to begin to train dance teams,” Ward said.
“People haven’t lent themselves to go back and give what they have, and so now it’s time.”
Dance St. Louis will be present Alvin Ailey at the Fox Theatre April 11-12 at 8 p.m. To purchase tickets, call (314) 534-1111. For more information, visit www.dancestl.org.
People of African Descent
Next weekend St. Louis will host the Metropolitan Community Churches People of African Descent Conference at the Sheraton Westport Lakeside Chalet, 191 Westport Plaza, from April 17-19.
The organization – dedicated to developing leaders, strengthening networks, building alliances and supporting churches and organizations – will have a host of workshops and guest speakers from around the country at the bi-annual event. Spirituality, leadership and empowerment, homophobia and the black church, justice and political activism, anti-racism work and wellness/wholeness are among the scheduled topics. For more information, visit www.mccchurch.org/PAD2008.
Fabulous Females of Faith
Centennial Christian Church will presents the Fanciful, Fabulous Females of Faith Concert on Sunday, April 13 at 3 p.m. at Centennial Christian Church, 4950 Fountain Ave. The concert will feature Centennial Christian Church Women’s Choir, Mrs. Mildred Hylton, Marlisa Hudson, The Harvestors Women’s Chorus from Central Baptist Church, Mt. Zion MB Women’s Chorus and violinist Charlen Hunter. For more information, visit www.cccstl.org or call 314-367-1818.
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“It is your job in the church to usher in the spirit.” – Theara J. Ward, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
