Terri Griffin is the Indiana state director for National Dance Week.

She is also the moving force behind the presentation of the fifth annual Liturgical Dance Workshop and Worship Service, which is titled “Celebrating the Ministry of Art.” Co-presented by the Indianapolis Committee for National Dance Week and the Indiana Chapter of National Liturgical Dance Ministry Network, this year’s two-day event brings together people who are exploring or already active in work in dance, drama, and music ministries. The mission is to learn and share fellowship through a variety of teachings.

 

The Friday April 29 program brings an introduction to a 40-day program of “prayer, praise, lifestyle change, exercise and encouragement” called W.O.W. (War on Weight.). The 7:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. session includes a presentation by the program’s creator, Dr. Larry Tate of Los Angeles, instruction in basic aerobics and walking, working with weights and stretching, workshop materials, and lunch.

 

Also on April 29 will be a half-day seminar, “Worship and the Arts,” specifically for pastors, ministers of dance, music, and art, church elders, trustees, and other leaders. The panel will share their personal experiences and information on how to use arts in connection with worship. Experienced and non-experienced leaders are encouraged to attend for a better understanding of arts ministry from a technical and biblical perspective. Breakfast, lunch, and all workshop materials are included.

 

A series of one-and two-day workshops for adults as well as teens and children will be offered on April 29 and 30. Some topics for dancers include Choreography; Congregational Praise; Dance and the Bible; Flags; Ribbons, and Streamers; History and the Arts; Praise Garments; Resources and Budgets; Music, Dance, and Drama Working Together as One; Understanding Arts Ministry; and modern dance, ballet, hip hop, and mime classes. Saturday’s full-day music workshop is for choirs, praise teams, and praise bands.

 

Griffin reports that the 2004 event hosted 350 dancers, of which 50 were dance directors and assistant directors. Their ages range from as young as 6 years and as senior as age 67. The Committee is hoping for as many as 400 dancers and 100 directors in 2005.

 

There are registration fees for all sessions, but a portion of each fee will be donated to various national and local charities. Special hotel rates are available through Drury Inn and Marten House Hotel for those attending the event. For more information on this event, contact Terri Renae Griffin at ndwdance@yahoo.com or call 317-701-6289. For further information on National Dance Week events April 22 through May 1, 2005, log on to www.nationaldanceweek.org. Watch for a forthcoming general article in Goldrush on Sacred and Liturgical Dance.

 

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