As members of HIS royal court, we want to be “imitators of God, as dearly loved children” therefore, we now proclaim 2011-12 the year of the “12 second tidy”  (why? because it only takes 11-12 seconds to make a first impression!)  You guessed it…Manners Matter!  How we treat others is a reflection of Him.  This year we will not only continue to focus  on scripture through dance positions,  we will also take a “12 second tidy” in each  class to be reminded that as Prince and Princesses,  we are heirs to the throne. With that, we have a responsibility to represent Him well! We will be memorizing Col.3:12-17 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

My excitement for Hissy is for more than the choreography, costumes, makeup, props and set… its for the heart of worship each of the dancers have. I am privileged and excited to work with them on the meaning of the movement, the meaning of our work, and the meaning of the message: that God’s love surpasses all things and if we choose to accept Him, we are set free and revived! My prayer for Hissy started with a simple release of self saying “God, let this work glorify YOU alone”. My prayer since then has grown from the same stalk, and now has several branches: “Lord, may the dancers find a moment in rehearsal today where they set aside the steps and sincerely worship you”. My prayer continues with another branch “Lord, may the story they are telling reach the hearts of every child, man and woman that comes to see it”. And still another, “May God envelope   this production so that each person, regardless of age, sees a reflection of their lives in the story”.

We had our first long rehearsal Saturday and there was a moment that brought me to tears. I was rehearsing the dancers in a piece I choreographed about people who are too distracted to notice God’s love. In the story, Hissy tries to share Scripture with them but at first they are blinded to the message (to complete the metaphor, the dancers are wearing literal blindfolds during the dance). I watched one dancer as she threw herself into the movement– she danced so intensely, and with such sincerity, that her movement communicated a very clear story– the pain of separation from His love. And as the piece continued, she effortlessly danced about the freedom and healing that comes from accepting Christ. She communicated that part of the story with the same intensity as the former. It was a special moment I was humbled to watch. I suppose that moment bears yet another branch– “Lord, may the dancers have the courage to share this story with the same intensity and sincerity on May 21st.”