An organization of Cultural Arts and Development.
"A time to Dance...A Time to Speak"

Saturday, October 31, 2009

The Weapons of Our Warfare

Had a wonderful time today at The Weapons of Our Warfare Dance Workshop at Christ Temple Ministries, 498 Watchung Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ 7003. I salute Dance Coordinator, Ruel McDalton for putting together such a wonderful event. As others were getting ready to celebrate Halloween, I was getting excited to be equipped to fight against the kingdom of darkness.
I arrived at 7AM in my green camouflage fatigues to walk around Brookdale Park, the weather this morning took us inside. As I made walking laps around the church building I became more and more resolved to draw nearer to the Presence of God...to think of others before myself...to not enter into the competition...and that I would decrease and God would increase. As I sat in God's Presence in the sanctuary the Lord reminded me to be in my position. Then I realized that was the most important thing I could do at that workshop: to obey, listen to God and be in my position. I was to be responsible where God told me to be and not try to be in someone else position. With that in mind I was able to keep God in focus and serve from a place of obedience to my Lord.
That was a great word straight from God since we would spend the day learning strategy on how to fight the good fight. We were split into 12 troops (12 tribes) and heard our instruction in accordance to our group. I was put in Troop Levi. Many thanks to Martin Smargiassi for his prayer of impartation as we all anticipated a double portion of the anointing of the Spirit of God. Many thanks to Rev. Yvonne Smith-Larkin for her real talk about dance ministry and teaching us about prophetic dance and intercession. A time well spent.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer October 2009


Today I had the opportunity to once again join hundreds of people as they walked to raise money and show their support for the fight against breast cancer. For many years Theresa Holmes (pictured here) walked with her company. She then began to walk with Dance for Joy Ministries. As our annual Team Captain, she has really gotten this thing down to a science...where we meet, the team tee shirt...what we do along the route, etc. I applaud her for her effort to make this work every year. It is always fun to walk with this team and catch up with the alumni and talk with the current students.








So it was a successful walk(despite the rain and cold) although I arrived later to church than expected because mother nature was giving me a little call and I don't mean the rain. So I had to make a pit stop before making my way downtown. I got a chance to spend a few moments with Founder/Artistic Director Iris Cloud, of Dance for Joy Ministries during the beginning of the walk. Her dedication to fighting this disease that tried to get her, and her passion to teach others to dance before the Lord with excellence has been a constant inspiration to me. So once again, October 18, 2009 I walked for Iris, my mother, my grandmother, and my great aunt. I walk for the survivors that have inspired me at Primitive Christian Church. I walk, because I know that together, we can help someone celebrate another birthday.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Fill in the G.A.P. Dance Conference

I wanted to experience a National Liturgical Dance Network Gospel Aerobics Praise event myself so I went to Cathedral International today in Perth Amboy, NJ. Much to my surprise, it wasn't just a few hours of aerobic movement, but was an entire conference!!!! I had no idea. I missed the workshops, and the teachings but the little teaching moment at the end about the "gates" of our nations, communities, and our own temple was worth the whole day. Are you being decisive about what comes and goes through your gates? And if you couldn't get it in word only through Dr. Pamela Hardy, you learned it through movement led by Rev. Eyesha Marable. My hat is off to Sentheia McLeod and her incredible team that made the conference happen. I look forward to running my own event someday and raise the much needed funds to do that work of ministry to bless others. By the way...it was fun(d) raising...we had a ball...AND...for those who shared their prayer requests with me, you were on my heart as I moved, and marched and clapped. I will look over those text messages and continue to pray.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Pastor Appreciation

I thank God for my Pastor, Rev. Dr. Marcos Rivera. Today we had an opportunity to say how much we appreciated him. The women of journey of Primitive Christian Church joined to encourage him to order his steps in God's Word. We danced it, sang it, and even gave him an eatable shoe to remind him.

I am grateful for the uplifting and prophetic words from Christ Church Sr. Associate Pastor Anthony Franklin. Amazing how the same prophecies about us keep getting repeated. God does not want us to forget. He prophesied about the church, our pastor, and all the pastors, deacons, and ministers had a word. God has not forgotten me. He has not forgotten you. Keep appreciating your pastor...the anointing on him and her is flowing down on you so you may do the work of ministry. Keep doing what you're doing for God. Our work is not in vain.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Breast Cancer Awareness Sunday at Primitive Christian Church

This is the second year that we put together a dance theater piece with actual survivors as participants. Half of the participants are survivors. Every year I am so blessed by their courage and devotion to God in the midst of a great trial. Many thanks to them for letting me stand along side them. Many thanks to my own mother a survivor who claims to have outlived at least 3 of her doctors already. Go mommy!
To view, go to.
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/breast-cancer-awareness-day-pt-2/1941755850

Monday, October 5, 2009

Brother and Sister Return to Harlem

I have a friend who claims that if you want to study African American culture, you must take a trip to Harlem. This area in the Northern part of Manhattan is rich in a history that celebrates African American culture through its musicians, theater companies, museums, art galleries, clothing boutiques, library, and dance companies.
Well my mother and her brother are natives of Harlem USA. On Saturday, October 3, 2009, my husband, sister, Mom, and Uncle piled in a car and drove down the streets that were once very familiar to them. Brother and sister were delighted to see Harlem returning to the beauty that it once had, and were full of stories on how things used to be. Of course we drove past the world famous Apollo theater where they previously saw shows for less than a dollar.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Mother, Daughter, & Sister

I often tell people that it was my mother's fault that I became an performing artist. Mom took me to ballets, museums, music concerts, even opera (the one thing I didn't like that much).

Mom did that for my sister as well. Good for Mom, she liked the Opera I didn't want to see. She expresses her art through her writing, sewing, and she likes to dabble in the kitchen.

Today was her birthday and we went to Montclair's Cuban Pete's. This restaurant is one of the great restaurant's of Montclair, NJ. This was my third time and the food just gets better and yummier. And the interior design of the place is also as artistically wonderful as the cuisine.

Seasons of Purpose gives a hearty happy birthday 2009 to my sister D and all my dear friends born at the end of September.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Bravo to the Artistic Son

Alfred Gallman was called an "artistic son" by Alvin Ailey. He is truly one of jewels in the crown of the city of Newark and the liturgical dance world. A brilliant teacher and choreographer, he formed Gallman's Newark Dance Theatre over 30 years ago.

I have viewed his students in concert, and have seen his church ministry dancers from Kelly Temple dance with a powerful anointing. I have also been blessed to have a few classes with Mr. Gallman and the best part of the class for me is not the technique, but the rich wealth of wisdom in creativity and his understanding of how to go beyond the steps to true worship of the Lord.

Today I witnessed his "Sound the Alarm" Liturgical fundraising Concert. What a blessing! His passion for the children he works with and the importance of sowing into their future is evident in all he does.

I look forward to the great things God will do through this man in the future. I am grateful for those who have taught me technique and or sown into my life with spiritual wisdom: Matt Mattox, Carolyn Clark, Marie Paquet, Iris Cloud, Barbara Duffy, Julia Boynton, Swazette Whitten, Patricia Smargiassi, Sharron Miller, Rev. Eyesha Marable, the list goes on...

And for those moments sitting at the feet of Bro. Alfred and gaining some wisdom...priceless!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Seasons of Purpose in Class


I met Martin 8 years ago when Seasons of Purpose was at its infancy. At the time Martin was enrolled at Alliance Theological Seminary, but he never completed. Martin never gave up on the dream to get that Theological degree (MPS or M.Div) in New York City. Today he begins a new program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary's Urban Ministry program. O.K. I know you are saying...but isn't that in the Boston area? But of course. However, they just started a new site in New York City at my home church: Primitive Christian Church. The price is so reduced that it would be crazy for him (and not to mention you) to take advantage of this theological training. Classes began tonight with 2 courses and a chapel service in between.

As for me...I'm trying to keep in step with the Lord. I hope to enroll in the National Liturgical Dance Network On-Line Course. I look forward to what God will teach me from this class and how He will use Rev. Eyesha Marable and others to confirm what God has already taught me. This is the year for more boldness so I am sharpening my tools, exacting my aim, strengthening my resolve. We have big plans and are believing for God to provide for our needs, pay for our classes, and provide for greater ministry opportunities for Seasons of Purpose in the future.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Ecclesiates 4:9-12 The Message Bible
9-10
It's better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there's no one to help, tough!

11 Two in a bed warm each other.
Alone, you shiver all night.

12 By yourself you're unprotected.
With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third?
A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped.

I thank God for the chord of three strands that I am a part of. It is Martin, Angie, and God. This 3 fold strand is not easily, or quickly broken through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is this 3 fold chord that is the basis of Seasons of Purpose. This chord is challenged, tugged, stretched, feeling frayed to the point of snapping, but thank God for the 3rd strand! The bus I was in on Sunday showed the movie "Not Easily Broken." A sobering and important look at a marriage. It is wonderful to be married, but yes, yes...it is work. So I'm holding on to the 3rd strand the best I can and thanking God to share the ministry of Seasons of Purpose with my husband.


Monday, September 14, 2009

Evening Musing

In the news we hear about famous people saying things they wish they hadn't (or others wish they hadn't). Some saying things they claim is just misconstrued. Politicians saying things they later regret. Imagine if we really understood that all we say is heard by someone (doesn't God hear all), would we say half the things we do?

Let's take time to watch our words. Let's take time to listen to what is really being said.

Afternoon Musing

Sitting under a file of papers for my Mom dealing with her money matters. And what does that have to do with ministry? I find the more I can apply biblical principles to every day life the better I am in serving the Lord and others. A "big step" that Seasons of Purpose needs to do on a daily basis is to say no to procrastination and deal with the paperwork even if it is the LAST thing in my emotional priority list but is probably the top of the reality priority list. Every time I help Mom I think about why am I not also doing this for myself. And why am I not building Seasons of Purpose as a ministry and completing our dream of making it a foundation. Someone recently asked me how the foundation was doing and I had to ask them what they were talking about...that's not good. Yes someday we want to be able to give to all the wonderful ministries that you represent. SOP wants to pray with you, walk with you, encourage you, brainstorm with you, and help financially however we can. If we don't get disciplined in our own personal paperwork, how will we be ready to deal with the grants and various forms we will need to continue SOP on the scale that I know God wants this to be. How will we grow the money to bless you. Well, well, well...can we get a hearty AMEN?

Morning Musing

I'm curious to know what the blog looks like if you post throughout the day so I'm going to try this. It occurred to me last night as I was preparing for bed that some people who read this blog may get my various activities confused because I just talk about my activities and don't differentiate.

I have various postings that involve our activities at our local church called Primitive Christian Church, Rev. Dr. Marcos Rivera is the Senior Pastor. Pastor Enid Rios-Rivera is the Executive Pastor and heads the Women's Ministry also known as the Sisterhood of PCC. As the Minister of Worshipping Arts at the church I often speak of activities that we (my husband & I) are involved in whether it is the Dance Ministry (Worship Warriors--Karen Hunter my assistant [Martin doesn't participate in this unless it is all men called the PCC Levites or he sometimes helps me with the boys when they dance to show them "guy steps"] or the Drama Ministry (Martin has acted and written a number of the scripts). Then this summer we did the Dance, Pageantry, and Drama intensives.

Then there is Seasons of Purpose which is the ministry that God birthed in my heart in August 2000. Dance for Joy (Founder and Director, Iris Cloud) had just finished 2 concerts--the school concert and the company concert. Can we say exhausted? But out of that came a wonderful review from the New York Times. When I read the review and saw my name and my friends names I just cried. Did I really need the NYT to validate me??? No. But I finally got through my thick skull that God had given me something and I had better start giving it away before I forgot or couldn't move anymore. So...as I hid away with God at the Jersey shore in Ocean Grove NJ, He gave me a name and a ministry to birth called Seasons of Purpose. I am blessed that God gave me a husband that helps to fulfill this mission and has given shape to the ministry.

When we go out to different churches and events we function as Seasons of Purpose. Sometimes I invite members of PCC, former students from Nyack College, former DFJ members, and etc. It is exciting to see the body of Christ come together for a common goal to glorify the Lord! The life lessons I have learned at PCC I bring to Seasons of Purpose. Many of the lectures and lesson plans that I have used for my teaching artist gigs, Nyack College, and SOP workshops have come in handy at PCC.

I had no idea when Seasons of Purpose began that a husband would be involved. But one day when I was sitting in my office which I shared with Liz Rios and Betsy Rivera (about a year later I joined their church), I met this man (about a year 1/2 later I married him). This was October 2001 and we were all recuperating emotionally from September 11th. I thought Martin was some rich guy who could help DFJ that was shut down since it was so near the World Trade Center (part of the airplane engine literally was seen on the street in front of the building). He wanted to give money to a conference that the Advancement Office was running. So Martin had to come to my office. Betsy was out but he desperately wanted to pay. I said "I'll take your money"...and he was intrigued by that and started talking. We've been talking ever since...

Sunday, September 13, 2009

The Women God Has Used in My Life

The 2 009 PCC Women's Retreat is over but we had a good time. I thank God for the women who have played a big role in helping me see the importance of having the Holy Spirit order my steps in His Word. Many thanks to Pastor Enid Rios-Rivera who encourages us in our steps and even demonstrated how to do that walk throughout the weekend. I just had to join her in that step and so did many others that night in the spirit and with their bodies.

And many thanks to Dr. Liz Rios...a fabulous speaker who encouraged us in so many ways. I know that Seasons of Purpose needs to take some new steps so the ministry can grow, but God used Dr. Liz to inform me that the first step will be a big step. I will have to go to war in this walk in the Spirit. And my next step will be a crucial one. I thank God for her bringing a word to us that was not an easy word to digest but a needed word for such a time as this. I thank God that He used Dr. Liz. I know her personally and have worked under her at 2 different jobs in NY, so I know that the message she brings is sincere. In other words, she is not one way before the people and then another way behind closed doors. She keeps it real, and endeavors to apply the word when it is easy and when it is really, really hard.

I know that if I want to grow deeper in my understanding of this walk, the Holy Spirit and the ministry of Seasons of Purpose, I must get deeper in His Word. It's time to take the Big Steps!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Who is your Aaron?

I thank God for the dear assistant God has blessed me with in the dance ministry. She is like what Aaron was for Moses. She truly helps to lift up my arms and hands when I am weak and has more energy for ideas that I could ever possibly generate on my own. She has been a blessing. Watch her at work as we endeavor to polish the piece for the Women's Retreat 2009.



What a wonderful time we had in rehearsal today!!!! The battery powered candles were on all over the room and God's presence was so evident to us. We basked in the Presence of the Living God as we listened to the music we were to dance to. It was like hearing the song for the first time when we weren't concerned about executing choreography but about what the song means and to give the song back to God in a sense in worship, adoration, and thanksgiving. When we ended the rehearsal in prayer again I thought the roof would come off!!! And who was the loudest...yep...my Aaron. Heard her all the way down the hall. And others that I could call my Joshua and Caleb's but I'll discuss them at another time. Glory to God!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Under His Shadow


Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings. Psalm 17:8 (KJV)

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand. Psalm 91:1 (Amp)

There are so many challenges in this life, but if I can just take a moment to hide in that shadow of the Lord, I will have courage to go on. Today I thought of my family and all the fun times I have had with them. I also thought of those who I couldn't enjoy the holiday with especially my brother. Although my brother passed almost 4 years ago, I am still really missing him especially over the holidays. But there is the shadow of the Lord. When I go under His wings I have comfort, peace, belonging, and confidence that God can take care of anything, and give me the power to accomplish all that I am purposed to do.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

This Day

I am grateful for this day. I never would have made it without the Lord. When I look back on the last 2 years of my life and how God pulled me through when I was feeling stretched beyond my ability to go on. .. I know it was God. Like the song says "I'm stronger, I'm wiser, I'm better, much better" Four years ago when I prayed for my sick brother, I thought my insides were being stretched like rubber band to its farthest point. I had never felt my insides do that before and it was really my faith growing. I have had to stretch like that many times in the past 4 years.

I am encouraged this day by my former students who have written back in reply to my questions to them. I think of them as "my dancing daughters." How wonderful to hear how God has used what He has deposited in me to bless them so they could bless someone else and build God's Kingdom. And how wonderful to know specifically how to pray for them.

I feel really inspired today. I just got home from the movie "Julie & Julia" and saw the life of 2 women driven to cook their food with excellence, meet deadlines, and find purpose in their life. I want to fulfull God's purpose for me life even when it is not easy, is demanding, exhausting, and sometimes seems disappointing.

I am empowered today to cultivate a better marriage. It can't all be about ministry. Right. This minister has a husband and I thank God for the precious gift God has given me in this man. I thank God for the marriage ministry gathering at the Pope's household and being invited to be a part of that even though it is not our church. Good word, good food, good salsa (food and dance lesson). A precious night of sharing we won't ever forget.

I am who God is shaping and molding me to be. I am in transformation this day...a better wife, daughter, liturgical dancer, mentor, minister, and child of the King.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

THE BIBLE

The Bible is often referred to as The Word. Seasons of Purpose was given the challenge of interpreting Isaiah 55:10-11 through movement. Martin & I came together and created something for Melodie Thompson's annual Gospel Dance Concert in Providence RI. In addition we choreographed to "Speak Lord" and "One Word" from Kurt Carr's One Church CD. When we ministered this at our home church (Primitive Christian Church), we dropped the "Speak Lord" section. I am forever changed, transformed, challenged, comforted, strengthened, empowered and built up by God's Word. It is a privilege to bring this powerful message to people through movement. People all over the world from every culture and belief have been touched by the truth found in the Bible. Even people who don't follow the Bible for spiritual reasons have used its princples and have found success. God does watch over His word to perform it.

Sistah friends...a.k.a everybody needs a posse

THE SISTAHS
I love the month of August because I get the chance to celebrate my birthday for about 2 weeks long. I think it is because most people forget the real date so I get phone calls, cards, sweet treats for a number of days...not bad? I want to praise God for the sistah friends (Jacqueline, Patricia, and Rachael) in my life. This is the group I call my posse. They maybe your peeps/crew/entourage/bff's....whatever you call them...but it really helps to have some. These are the folks you call after you've called on the Lord, consult with your husband (if you are married), and you need some girl talk. There are some conversations that only another sistah can help. YOU know that's right. I am sorry that Rachael is missing from this picture but you will find her in an earlier blog post. These are the sistahs who stood with my when I got married and have prayed me through when I thought I had lost hope. I thank God for them. They are some of the most creative sistahs on the planet and constantly feed me ideas when and even when I am not out of ideas, because their ideas are plen-ti-ful. Dance for Joy Ministries enabled me to meet some really great people, and a wonderful master teacher Iris Cloud. I don't think she will ever know how many lives she has touched and people she has brought together by the sheer act of being obedient in using her gifts.

Cousin Melodie

A Birthday celebration is in order for my cousin Melodie. She hits a big one today and we want to bless God for her!! I was so glad to marry into this family because I not only got a great husband but a great family as well. Cousin Melodie is a great mother, wife, dancer, choreographer, and dance ministry leader. She truly inspires me with her annual Gospel Dance Concerts. New England is truly blessed by her passion to bring dance to her area. We look forward to watch God fulfill the destiny He has for her as she walks in obedience.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Artistic Expression



Today I'm thinking about the importance of artistic expression. We may see the world in black and white, but there is such an incredible spectrum to behold. The first creator is God Himself so He is the very author of creativity. He said "Let there be light." Until God spoke light into existence, there was no color. It is the light that enables us to see, identify, and experience color. Take a prism and hold it to the light and see the colors burst forth. It is from God alone that we can experience the rainbow splash of color that He wants us to behold. So how is it that sometimes we close ourselves off from the freedom of creativity.

At our recent drama intensive at our home church (Primitive Christian Church), we asked the participants on the graffiti board, "are we doing plays that are safe because they are in the church (meaning inside the church building)." And answers come back that no...we challenge the people, and another...we have to be sensitive. So I want to be that sensitive Christian but Seasons of Purpose wants to challenge the community to take a deep look and not try to sugar coat. The people I want to tell my story to live in a harsh reality, I want to be able to communicate but not compromise. This is a fun challenge to meet and I see that artists trying to communicate in relevant ways all face this challenge. So paint your world with color! Enjoy the creativity God has put in you. Don't be afraid to wrestle with the tough questions and push the envelope without compromising your faith.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

His Banner Over Us Is Love

Saturday, July 25, 2009 Summer Banner Intensive
I have had a blast preparing to share what God has taught me in the arts. The first week was the dance ministry intensive, last week was the banner intensive, and the final week will be for drama ministry. Saturday was an incredible blessing of learning about the banners, developing skill in using the banner, and ministering to each other in prayer with the banners.
The group prayed for Martin & I at the workshop and we were greatly blessed. Sometimes you give in ministry and receive back one hundredfold. This was one of those days...Martin & I received such a loving prayer from our brothers and sisters that focused on our marriage. We were wrapped in the glory of God as the banner of peace, healing, at the name of Jesus...and holy fire was waved over us. I thank God for my loving brothers, sisters, and my loving husband. Our marriage and faith-based arts development ministry is under His banner. Thank you Jehovah Nissi!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Dancing Children in the Spirit

I celebrate the former students of mine from Nyack that continue to grow and expand their horizons. Even though I have never had my own children, I am excited as I see my "children in the Spirit" in the dance ministry step up to the next level.

When I see my "children" dance, develop their own dance ministries, and choreograph, I'm so happy for them!!! Recently, I looked at pictures from another student's dance ministry. I felt like a spiritual grandmother.

I would like to thank Iris Cloud (Dance for Joy Ministries) for her years of pouring into my life so I can pour into the lives of so many others. In addition, I have been effected and inspired by leaders in dance ministry including Min. Kathleen Turner, Rev. Eyesha Marable, Dr. Pamela Hardy, and Min. Rae.
Today I went to Lea's wedding (see above) and a stranger asked me who I was. I admitted to be her professor in dance and the stranger said I must have had an impact on her life. I'm so glad that God choose me to be part of this legacy, at such a time as this. I am part of the end times servants that will use the arts to mightily showcase the glory of God.


Sunday, June 21, 2009

Father's Day Tribute 2009

Today I'm thinking about my Dad and how much I miss him. He often put on his apron to clean all the pots and pans in the sink and then sat with a look of satisfaction after he was done. He loved to sit and listen to his kids and hear what they had to say. My Dad listened to me as I talked about the Lord and wondered where I got the wisdom. He knew it was from the Bible...the book he also grew to love. How I miss Dad's laugh, smile, turkey chili, and his bear hugs. Music: He played jazz music alot in my younger years and I attribute my love to jazz in all forms from this man. He really loved Afro-Cuban jazz. Dance: My father wasn't much on seeing concert dance but he did love African-American expression in movement, so if he knew it was Black...he was there. Drama: Same about drama...if the actors were black...he was on it. Think about all the years he couldn't see this expression on television and few on Broadway. When this man who worked for the Division on Civil Rights could finally see professional Black actors given opportunities...his heart just soared!!!
He lived his life through many seasons and when it was time, he went home to be with the Lord. He was proud of my accomplishments and was always a great example of a loving father. As SEASONS OF PURPOSE celebrates Father's Day, I want to remember the Dad who gave me birth and encouraged me in everything that I do.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Ordination Dance for Pastor David and Minister Ariel "Just the Beginning"

On Friday, March 13, 2009, I was privileged with the opportunity to minister at the installation of Pastor David and Minister Ariel at Primitive Christian Church. It is the second ordination that I have had to minister in movement. Like the first one, I really wanted the movement to have a prophetic element. I know that God will use these men to showcase His glory so I know that this is "just the beginning for them.


Monday, March 23, 2009

Congratulations Dance for Joy

Congratulations to another great concert by Dance for Joy on Saturday, March 21, 2009. I applaud the perseverance, creativity, and leadership of Iris Cloud (Founder and Artistic Director) who has mentored me and so many in dance ministry. So amazing to see pieces that I danced and also contributed choreography for the rep years ago. To see these dances passed down to the next generation was amazing!!!! The outside influences of Ms. Cloud's years with Dance Theater of Harlem and other training that the dancers bring like Ailey (Lester Horton technique), rhythm tap lessons from DTH and Broadway Dance Center, and Ballet Hispanico (flamenco) always enrich the contributing choreography.

Iris Cloud and Dance for Joy Ministries taught me how to use my whole body when I dance. I thank the Lord and other dancers that taught me to use the whole stage when I dance and not dance under myself. I remember fondly how Rachael Davidson used to say "m-o-v-e" in a loud whisper when I felt her presence pushing behind me. Ms. Rachael can really move on stage. Amazing opening dance with Ms. Rachael in "Women Thou Art Loosed." She was truly in the Spirit all night long. Everyone did a great job including April who recreated Ms. Cloud's solo in "Mercy"

Thank you for moving in excellence. Pictured here are April, Martine, Vickie, and Alicia.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

The northeast got socked with another snowstorm shutting down schools in our region. This is a wonderful day for school teachers and children but tough on sanitation workers that have to plow. I enjoyed the day catching up on email, social networks and a bit of choreography.

On a snowy day I enjoy a warm home, warm food and a peaceful surrounding. I think I enjoyed that today.

Seasons of Purpose is currently working on 2 dance projects (one a collaboration) at church, and one play that is grossly behind. It is cantata style (music driven with supplemental text and dance). We have a general framework given to us by our pastor and hope to flesh it out in words. Mr. Bowman is so good at doing this. I think he is really getting a system of how to make these thematic presentations. It is becoming the Seasons of Purpose style that we can share with others. We hope as we inspire others to create, and to take their ideas to yet a higher level. As we take these simple ideas, themes, concepts, and issues, we hope we can explore them in short form (10 minutes), and also in the longer forms. Some of them will involve collaboration with a more "devising" style that I learned from The Creative Arts Team in New York, or a piece with just one playwright. We realize that we have to become more skilled at playwriting and hope to sharpen our skills either by classes or consulting with trained writers.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Who is your support team?

We had this photo taken this summer at the worship conference at The Greater Allen Cathedral AME Church. If we look kinda tired, it is because we were doing the happy dance for a very long time that day and week.

I thank God for the women (men too...especially my husband), that God has brought into my life to support me. My pastor challenged us today to think about the people we surround ourselves with. There are a few more in my life that are a part of my inner circle but I want to thank God for Glorianne, Rachael, and Jacqueline. I wish Patricia was pictured as well but she is pursuing her destiny in a touring production of a Broadway musical.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Black History Month at Primitive Christian Church

Each year my husband and I get to share a view of Black History with the congregation. This year we did the Harlem Renaissance. As always we recruited some of the African-American members of the congregation and celebrated our ancestory. Martin wrote the script and we did our best to bring it to life. To God be the glory!

Friday, January 2, 2009

WELCOME TO OUR NEW BLOG!

Today my cousin showed me how to create a new blog for Seasons of Purpose. So, welcome to the blog. We trust that you will be encouraged to believe God for the future that He has for you and fulfill your purpose for this season.