LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – Do you lead a liturgical or sacred dance group at your church? Are you interested in learning more about this aspect of worship or establishing a church dance group? This summer, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center will host a Sacred/Liturgical Dance Workshop PLUS, Wednesday-Sunday, July 21-25, 2010.
“The workshop provides an opportunity to learn more about liturgical dance and explore resources, which will in turn help others experience God in a new way, either as a dancer or in worship,” according to Loy Lilley, Director of the Good Word Resource Center and coordinator of the workshop.
The workshop will be led by Tiffany Kirkland, Director of Children’s Ministries at West End United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN. Ms. Kirkland has a Bachelor’s degree in Dance Management from Oklahoma City University, and she also graduated from Phillips Seminary. As such, she has much experience in dance, and has participated in dance ministry. She has also led previous workshops in liturgical dance, and is pursuing becoming a Deacon in The United Methodist Church.
“Lake Junaluska strives to incorporate the arts into its worship programs. We are proud to once again offer a Sacred/Liturgical Dance experience for all persons to learn and grow as dancers in a spiritual setting,” said Executive Director Jimmy L. Carr.
The workshop is open to adults, as well as middle and high school students, and childcare for ages 2-11 is also available for a fee. Participants will learn a minimum of four dances, grow in their understanding of this ministry, learn criteria for dance in worship, and explore resources for dance ministry. In addition to information about liturgical dance, the workshop will also provide a look at signing, ballet, and other ways to enhance participants’ leadership in worship.
Before June 15, participants may register for a fee of $75; after June 15, the cost is $90. This year, an extra day has been added to the workshop so that participants will have a free afternoon to explore the local area and participate in some of the many opportunities in the Smoky Mountains. Workshop attendees will also be involved in Sunday morning worship at Stuart Auditorium. A detailed schedule, registration form, and more information about lodging and directions are available at www.lakejunaluska.com/dance, or by calling Pam Naplen at 828-454-6656.
Written by: Andie Robbins, Communications Intern