The Catalyst for Seasons of Purpose

Over 12 Years ago when I was with Dance for Joy Ministries, I was still using my marketing and publicity skills acquired from years working as an arts administrator.  All the company members worked very hard on that concert in many different ways. Marketing and publicity was my contribution which is why we were able to get this article from the New York Times.  As I read through this review and saw my name mentioned I was emotionally blown away. I think it took this article for me to realize that God had gifted me with something, and it was high time that I identify what those gifts are and pass them down before it is too late. Therefore, by that summer, I was given the vision for Seasons of Purpose. About a year later I met "somebody" who later became my husband. He became a part of the Seasons of Purpose vision. Reading this again I realize that 3 of the other dancers mentioned in the article were in my wedding party.  They are really gifted teachers, choreographers, and dancers...so blessed to be their friend. And blessed to have a mentor like Ms. Iris Cloud who let me discover what God had put inside of me decades earlier but I had buried for such a long time. And thanks to my Boston friends who always believed in me...they weren't shocked by the article at all..I however, couldn't stop crying. Now I (we) need to stoke that fire of inspiration, gifting, and anointing and move forward. Look out 2012...it's a new season and we are destined to fulfill our purpose to communicate the gospel through text, movement, and cultural development. 
 http://www.nytimes.com/2000/06/21/arts/dance-in-review-heart-of-gospel-in-movement.html

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.