If the strength of dance is visual communication and if we live in a culture that communicates visually, why aren’t Christian dancers being mobilized as a visual tool for the communication of the gospel? _ The answer doesn’t seem simple, but it can be. Dance is Prayer in Motion: Soul to Sole Choreography for Christian Dance Ministry clarifies how to use dance as a communication and ministry tool for the gospel. It educates Christian dancers, pastoral staff, and ministry leaders using clear guidelines for successful dance ministry. Mary Margaret Bawden presents practical material for dance ministry addressing leadership, choreography tools, a movement option called genesis that incorporates all levels of technical ability and style, a six-step method of choreography, and the 4 rehearsal essentials. Chapters also cover the biblical foundation for dance ministry and how pastors and ministry leaders who are not familiar with dance can use it to access the visual, creative nature of today’s culture.
“Mary Margaret Bawden’s book Dance is Prayer in Motion: Soul to Sole Choreography for Christian Dance Ministry is a very practical manual especially suitable for church dance groups. Mary’s training and experience over many years has given her the background to create easy to follow steps in creating a dance and planning the rehearsal process with a clear biblical basis for the work. Pastors will _find her chapter on setting expectations and guidelines for dance ministry in the church insightful and helpful.”
Mary Jones, founder of Christian Dance Fellowship USA(CDFUSA) and International Christian Dance Fellowship(ICDF).
Mary Margaret Bawden has led the dance ministry at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Redlands, California for more than 20 years. Her background includes a California teaching credential, a BA in dance from UC Riverside, an MA in worship from Hope International University, as well as many years of inductive Bible study. www.soultosolechoreography.org
AUTHOR: Mary Bawden
CATAGORY: Dance & Choreography, Dance Notation, Performing Arts, History & Criticism, Religion, Christian Life, Inspirational