by Savannah Hayward | Staff Writer
On Friday, May 7, the members of Jubilation Dance Ministry gave their Spring Showcase in the loop for a live audience. From ballet to hip hop, the leadership team and their students performed a diverse repertoire of dance styles on the grass.
Performers were socially distanced in 10-by-10-foot boxes and wore masks. Before each performance, the instructor would introduce themselves, as well as their position on the team, and then read a Bible verse that inspired the dance they choreographed.
Audience members sat on blankets and lawn chairs as they cheered on their friends and family.
Jonah Hill, one of the jazz teachers, said that the club is a dance ministry with the purpose “to use movement and exploration of dance to glorify God.”
Additionally, advanced technique teacher and social media coordinator Megan Rediger said that anyone is welcome in the club and that Jubilation is a place where anyone can come to dance together in worship.
“Dance is something that is accessible to everybody, and you don’t have to have years of experience in order to come and feel at home with Jubilation,” Rediger said.
Dance had been a part of Hill and Rediger’s lives before they came to Whitworth, with eight and 17 years of dance experience respectively. Jesus was a part of their dancing throughout their personal histories with the art.
“I had the great privilege to dance at a private Christian studio, and it was explained to us that we were dancing for God and for ourselves and less for competition or so that we might be glorified in front of an audience,” Hill said.
Similarly, Rediger said that when she used to get nervous before a performance, her mom would always turn to her and say, “Who are you dancing for?” and the answer was always, “For Jesus.” This helped her “take away the nerves.”
Rediger and Hill both said that one of the challenges with creating choreography for their performances was the restrictions of the boxes that kept them socially distanced.
Hill said that they had to get creative and that he asked himself, “How do I create an interesting dance where my dancers don’t leave their boxes?”
“The hardest part for me,” Rediger said, “is getting past the insecurities that come with choreographing.”
From this experience, Rediger said she learned “how important it is to lean into the people around me” and the value of community.
“I’ve learned that limitation can spawn creativity, and I’ve produced a dance I never would have in normal times. I’m very proud of it,” Hill said.
For more information on Jubilation and their classes, visit their Instagram page @jubilationdanceministry.