The words “dance” and “ministry” may seem like an odd combination to those who are unfamiliar, but worship dance is a practice that predates Christianity. Though controversial, this type of worship has come back in recent years to churches around the world. The roots, rejection and eventual resurgence of dance ministry are all important parts of its history. Early Church Dance Before the fall of the Roman empire, Christians commonly danced in celebration and worship. However, the practice started to dwindle around that time. Roman Catholic clergy would lead Mass where worshippers would sit quietly and watch. Dancing was reserved for weddings and festivals. Ring dancing, as well as tripudium, or “three step dance,” occurred in churches and on the streets on days of celebration. Rejection of Dance Some reformation leaders, like Martin Luther and William Tyndale, viewed dance as a great way to express praise to God. More radical leaders believed in a puritanical approach, banning
Posted: 12/23/2020
Baton twirling may appear to be a cute activity that adds sparkle to sports events, but it is much more than that. Like any other sport, twirling requires hours of practice, years of dedication, and perfectly synchronized teamwork. While baton routines look flawless and joyful, the big smiles are just another display of a twirler’s strength. Practice Makes Perfect If a baton twirling routine looks easy, there is a reason. Each routine is the result of several hours a week dedicated to learning rolls, tosses, and other tricks. These tricks are done with anywhere between one and three batons at a time. Not only does a twirler take time to master tricks; they have to synchronize with other performers. And though dropping the baton may be acceptable during practice, the audience expects perfection on performance day. Sports-Related Injuries Twirlers need to do several tricks quickly to hold an audience’s attention. Practicing these tricks results in bruises on hands, arms and legs
Posted: 12/9/2020
Cheerleading practice can be intense, especially for cheerleading squads that compete in tournaments. While cheerleading c...
