Thursday, February 19, 2015

Training Hearts ... not just bodies.


We have recently promoted several girls to pointe, for the first time ever at Grace.  The attitude behind this leap forward, in all of them, is humility.   The "dance world" is often clothed in a "look at me" attitude, but at Grace we don't train "dancers"  - we train hearts for God.  A heart for God is humble, wanting to be like Him.

A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.
Luke 6:40 



 Students who decide to pursue pointe with us need to meet a very specific set of standards.  Our new pointe students have reached that place by tons of hard work, applying corrections, and joyfully acquiring the skill levels we require for safety and beauty.

None of them has been approved for pointe for any other reason - not by their age, not by popularity, nor simply because they could afford to pay for this higher level of training.  At Grace, they are ushered into this level of dance only when they are truly ready to do so: safely, beautifully, and with the commitment required.

  For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.   Romans 12:3 ESV


Why do we insist on technical discipline?  Because whatever we do, we do for God.   He deserves the best, and if we claim to represent Him - we best do it with excellence.  In order to do it well - not bringing glory to ourselves -  we must live, breathe and dance with humility.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.  Romans 8:5-8 ESV 

In other words: Strive to be the best, but never know it.  

I am so thankful for where God has brought us as a ministry, and for all of the teachers and students He has blessed us with so that we can do His work, and do it well.


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.

Colossians 3:17 NIV

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Treasures ~ Costumes for 2015