Glory through dance
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on March 9, 2016 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
A portion of the over 100 person cast of Dance for Christ dances during a technical rehearsal Monday night at the Paramount Theatre. The show, in its 15th season, runs from Friday through Sunday.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Dancers portraying Adam and Eve embrace during rehearsal Monday night for their upcoming performances.
"Dance for Christ" will be held March 11 and 18 at 7 p.m., March 12 and 19 at 1:30 and 7 p.m. and March 13 and 20 at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre.
It's a ministry of dance, music and song to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, said Patricia Warren, organizer, performed by members of Artistic Dance Academy in Goldsboro.
"We choose to use the gifts God gave us to give Him glory and praise," she said. "There is no greater one to dance for than Jesus Christ."
The show has a cast of more than 100 dancers, actors and singers.
Each piece during the show is done to show God's unfailing love and mercy and tell the story of the gospel in a new but relevant way, Ms. Warren said.
She said some pieces will deal with real-life situations and demonstrate how God is a real-life savior through his son, Jesus Christ.
"This show is all about the love of Christ, and we want to share that love with our community," Ms. Warren said. "We are only the vessels to be used, and we know whoever comes will feel the anointing of the Holy Spirit in the theater and throughout the performance."
Nikki Auman choreographed a new contemporary piece called "Heaven," which portrays dancers arriving in heaven and experiencing the love of Christ face to face.
Another new selection is a pas de deux (duet) to "Be Born in Me" by Francesca Battistelli, which will feature Ms. Auman as Mary being told she's pregnant with baby Jesus. Micah Sherard will dance with her as the foreshadow of Jesus and what is to come.
"Something in the Water" by country singer Carrie Underwood is also new this year and is a contemporary piece choreographed by Ms. Warren.
Special guest performer will be Los Angeles residents Peterson and Starkisha Thelsima from America's Got Talent and America's Best Dance Crew, and also the movie "Honey 2." They will perform their new hip hop piece to the song "Same God" by Tye Tribbett, featuring Leroy Montalva, the breakdance instructor at Artistic Dance Academy.
Guest singers will be John Warren, The Messengers, Makayla Wallace, Jill Suggs Howell and Laniya Smith.
It's directed and produced by Ms. Warren.
Tickets are $13 for reserved seating and $11 for military and senior citizens for the Saturday matinees only. They are available at the Paramount box office, by calling 919-583-8432 or online at www.goldsboroparamount.com.