Worship Arts July August September 2022

Refocusing liturgical dance

Sacred movement

by Natasha Harrell I am claiming my authority and ex perience as an African American woman who has been exploring the gift of liturgical “praise” dance for fifteen years. I will offer this practical and kinetic article from that position. This will not state the right or wrong ways to be a liturgical dancer. Nor will it be a step-by-step guide of how to display the gift of liturgical dance. Instead, I will share my theological and practical understanding and cre ative process as a liturgical dancer. God – the Holy Spirit as choreographer It is my practice, when prepar ing an individual or group liturgical dance, to begin with moments of silence: to surrender to quieting the mind, settling the heart, and reclaim ing a posture that acknowledges that this is a call from God. Then prayer takes place to invite the Holy Spirit into the space and process of move ment. Without hesitation I say every liturgical dancer is a minister – one who is in front of God’s people to of fer a message. It is without regret that

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 24 July-August-September 2022 • WorshipArts • umfellowship.org