The Convention is coming! And there is no doubt that the Young Adult Festival will be the hottest ticket in town. I am so excited to be a part of the powerful spiritual energy of these events and to have the opportunity to offer a workshop during the Festival, expressing this energy in Body Prayer. I believe that each bodily expression is a valuable gift to God, ourselves, our Church and beyond.
Dance has been a part of my life since age three when I started pre-ballet. It eventually grew into a more serious commitment in classical ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap and any other form of dance I could try. One beautiful form of movement spoke to me with its reverence and joy…Liturgical Dance. While in high school, I had many interesting opportunities to do Sacred Dance in my hometown of Scranton PA. The seed was planted and I would return to Liturgical Dance in time.
After college, I was ready to move to NYC and test my training and to pursue a professional career in musical theater. My amazing dance teacher recommended that I do Pilates to gain strength in orderto keep injuries at bay while learning crazy choreography for auditions and professional level classes. I loved it! Pilates resonated with me in the body/ mind/ spirit connection. Another seed was planted for future growth.
God’s grace and lots of hard work led me to perform on and off Broadway, in National Tours and on several television specials. It was a time of joyful expression and reverence to walk in the footsteps of other artists. I went on to teach and choreograph dance for all ages and levels of ability and continued to watch the growth and richness of expression: the miracles that come from dance.
After teaching for many years, I was re-introduced to Pilates and followed the “nudge” to continue work with body prayer in yet another form. In Pilates a person has to be completely present in the session, body and mind, to get the most benefit. It is truly rewarding to see someone come to me with challenges or goals and to facilitate their confidence, both physically and spiritually.
Liturgical Dance continues to be a thread in my spiritual practice, both performing and choreographing. I hope to share my passion for the body/mind connection during the workshops I will present at General Convention during the Young Adult Festival. What never ceases to amaze me is the power of the spirit when a group or individual arrives at a single intent in movement or stillness. I look forward to sharing this connection with many young adults during the Young Adult festival and at the greater Convention. |
