On October 20th we had the chance to perform for a group of special needs people from a place called Winds of Agape. We actually ended up having the performance at the ballet studio because it would give us more space to dance. We were a little bit worried about some of the logistics of getting everyone into the studio, but everything worked out just fine! The company performed Life of Praise, I gave my testimony, and then all of us (company and trainees) did The Crown. It was kind of nice being in a a familiar space, I must admit! At the end we did "Healing Hands," and got some of the people to join in with the simple arm movements.
It was neat to be able to minister to these people though - several of people with disabilities and the people helping them were believers. Another neat thing that we learned afterwords was that there were actually some refugees from Iraq and Cuba there as well. We really enjoyed performing for and talking with these sweet people! I hope and pray they were blessed by it :-)
Blessings!
~Gwen
world
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Maple Downs
We arrived at the independent living home of Maple Downs, at 6:00 in the evening, on October 16th. The residents were just finishing their evening meal as we unloaded our props and costumes from the van. The dining room was very large, with red mesh carpet, and big windows that could let in bright, beautiful light during the daytime. That night, the room was designated to serve as the place of our performance. Maple Down's events coordinator, a lively woman with a British accent, announced our arrival over the intercom.
We began to lay our floor, and had a rather difficult time getting it to stay flat, and not buckle, on the carpeted surface. It also wanted to slide away from where we had placed it. Through team effort, we managed to work the bumps out of it, and get the separate panels taped together. The main challenge
was to keep it attached to the carpet underneath.
The performance began at 7:15 P.M. First, Ashley introduced each of us, and told the audience which state we had come from. After the first piece, “Life of Praise,” Sarah Taddeo shared a story from her life, in a way that related to many of the residents. They listened very attentively as she shared how God desires to be their best friend, and whenever they feel alone or rejected, they can look to Him for
comfort.
After that, Ashley briefly explained the story-line of “The Crown,” before we performed it for them. Since our dance floor was set up over squishy carpet, our pointe shoes sunk into it, ever so slightly, as we danced. Thankfully, God protected our ankles from rolling.
The audience stayed very focused throughout the entire performance. Most of them sat in rows of leather chairs, directly in front of us, as we danced for them. Some other residents watched from the open hallway on the second floor, which served as a balcony.
Ashley shared the salvation message at the end of the performance. Then we led them in arm movements to a song called “Healing Hands.” It was beautiful to see their smiles as they participated, and mirrored our movements.
We had the opportunity to spend time talking with each one of them after we had finished dancing. We learned about their interests, joys, and sorrows. They all were thankful that we came, and we were grateful to get to share the love of Jesus with them and pray with each person individually. Some were not certain of where they would spend eternity and needed to hear of the hope they can have in Christ.
We are planning to take a follow-up trip to visit them again. Our prayer is that they will find comfort in Jesus, and have hope and joy for their future.
-Elisa
We began to lay our floor, and had a rather difficult time getting it to stay flat, and not buckle, on the carpeted surface. It also wanted to slide away from where we had placed it. Through team effort, we managed to work the bumps out of it, and get the separate panels taped together. The main challenge
was to keep it attached to the carpet underneath.
The performance began at 7:15 P.M. First, Ashley introduced each of us, and told the audience which state we had come from. After the first piece, “Life of Praise,” Sarah Taddeo shared a story from her life, in a way that related to many of the residents. They listened very attentively as she shared how God desires to be their best friend, and whenever they feel alone or rejected, they can look to Him for
comfort.
After that, Ashley briefly explained the story-line of “The Crown,” before we performed it for them. Since our dance floor was set up over squishy carpet, our pointe shoes sunk into it, ever so slightly, as we danced. Thankfully, God protected our ankles from rolling.
The audience stayed very focused throughout the entire performance. Most of them sat in rows of leather chairs, directly in front of us, as we danced for them. Some other residents watched from the open hallway on the second floor, which served as a balcony.
Ashley shared the salvation message at the end of the performance. Then we led them in arm movements to a song called “Healing Hands.” It was beautiful to see their smiles as they participated, and mirrored our movements.
We had the opportunity to spend time talking with each one of them after we had finished dancing. We learned about their interests, joys, and sorrows. They all were thankful that we came, and we were grateful to get to share the love of Jesus with them and pray with each person individually. Some were not certain of where they would spend eternity and needed to hear of the hope they can have in Christ.
We are planning to take a follow-up trip to visit them again. Our prayer is that they will find comfort in Jesus, and have hope and joy for their future.
-Elisa
Monday, October 18, 2010
James Square Rehab Center
This was our first performance as new trainees! We were all very excited, and it went very smoothly for the most part. The company performed “Life of Praise” and then the company and the trainees performed the ballet “The Crown” together.
We all have been working on acting our roles convincingly, and it worked a little too well! At one point in the ballet, Breanne, playing the part of Foolish, ambushes Amy, playing the part of Lachlana, who is searching for the Crown of Life. We trainees come out as tormentors, helping Foolish to discourage Lachlana. At one point in the scene, one of the elderly women cried out, “Oh! They’re terrible!” Apparently we made quite the impression. Luckily, we all come out during the worshipful finale, “Hail to the King”, so hopefully she realizes we are not like that usually!
We had the privilege of talking to the residents afterwards, and many seeds were planted. They were very appreciative of the performance and its message. I pray that God will continue to draw the hearts of those present towards Himself!
-Cayla <3
We all have been working on acting our roles convincingly, and it worked a little too well! At one point in the ballet, Breanne, playing the part of Foolish, ambushes Amy, playing the part of Lachlana, who is searching for the Crown of Life. We trainees come out as tormentors, helping Foolish to discourage Lachlana. At one point in the scene, one of the elderly women cried out, “Oh! They’re terrible!” Apparently we made quite the impression. Luckily, we all come out during the worshipful finale, “Hail to the King”, so hopefully she realizes we are not like that usually!
We had the privilege of talking to the residents afterwards, and many seeds were planted. They were very appreciative of the performance and its message. I pray that God will continue to draw the hearts of those present towards Himself!
-Cayla <3
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Hispanic Women’s Ministry Fundraiser
Hispanic Women’s Ministry Fundraiser
September 25, 2010
Our first performance of the year!
The company performed Lifesongs and our Spanish piece ‘La Montana’, at the Hispanic Women’s ministry fundraiser. The event was well attended by members of the Latino community as well as supports of the ministry. Before dancing to ‘La Montana’, Ashley explained how we wanted the audience to stand and follow us in hand motions to the song ‘I Surrender All’, which we would do second. Well, something got lost in the translation to Spanish and as soon as Ashley started dancing, people got up and started trying to follow her! It was not simple movements either! It was so good to see their enthusiasm, but it was for the wrong song! We had to stop and re-explain that we wanted them to follow for the second song. They thoroughly enjoyed participating in ‘I Surrender All’, and I believe many people really felt the Lord touch them. It was a privilege to minister and share the joy of the Lord with those who are working to reach the Latino community for the Lord.
Blessings!
Alyssa
September 25, 2010
Our first performance of the year!
The company performed Lifesongs and our Spanish piece ‘La Montana’, at the Hispanic Women’s ministry fundraiser. The event was well attended by members of the Latino community as well as supports of the ministry. Before dancing to ‘La Montana’, Ashley explained how we wanted the audience to stand and follow us in hand motions to the song ‘I Surrender All’, which we would do second. Well, something got lost in the translation to Spanish and as soon as Ashley started dancing, people got up and started trying to follow her! It was not simple movements either! It was so good to see their enthusiasm, but it was for the wrong song! We had to stop and re-explain that we wanted them to follow for the second song. They thoroughly enjoyed participating in ‘I Surrender All’, and I believe many people really felt the Lord touch them. It was a privilege to minister and share the joy of the Lord with those who are working to reach the Latino community for the Lord.
Blessings!
Alyssa
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