Speak Volumes Without Words

by Heather Grayberg, Dance Coordinator, Adjunct Professor of Dance & Musical Theatre

Imagine that you are in a foreign country. You know no one, you do not speak the native language, and you do not have a translator. For many in the global missions field, this may not be too far from your experiences or future. It’s certainly a vulnerable place to be in. What if we lived in a world where we could only rely on body language? Perhaps we aren’t giving enough credit to a communication tool and art form that transcends across all cultures, yet has a tendency to stir controversy in a liturgical setting.

“Dance like no one is watching.” “Where words fail, dance speaks.” “When in doubt…dance it out.” Have you caught the hint? Dance. Is it acceptable? Is it not? I have been asked about my career and faith more times than I can count. As a pastor’s daughter who was once not allowed to take dance class, I see both sides. My father did not understand at the time that dance as an art form can, in fact, be a ministry. He was the pastor of an extremely conservative congregation but through prayer, research, and God’s word, he thankfully changed his mind (I’m sure my persistence helped too). Dance certainly can be used as a means of communication to spread the gospel. What a beautiful thing. Even more, what a blessing that the world-renowned Ballet Magnificat will be performing at LBC on April 19th.

If you have ever questioned or been curious about dance theatre as an act of worship and discipleship, you simply need to see Ballet Magnificat. Their art of storytelling and passion for saving souls is a testament to the God given talent of dance art. They have a canon of productions they have performed and currently have two touring companies, Alpha and Omega. At LBC you will see, ​Alpha: Prodigal’s Journey. ​This production is sure to make an impact on our community and is already drawing tremendous “buzz.” It is a phenomenal opportunity that each and every student should take part in.

Ballet Magnificat’s work is truly inspiring from both a technical perspective and a liturgical mind-set. Seeing their work only fuels our desire more to see a strong dance program develop here at LBC. We work diligently to serve our students in the Worship and Performing Arts Department as they fulfill requirements for their majors, but we are also seeing exponential interest in dance at large from prospective student and non-WPA majors. My prayer is that through dance at LBC we can worship God, transcend into the hearts and minds of fellow believers, and save souls in a method which we have not exclusively done before.

I leave you with Psalm 149:1-4 (ESV)

Praise the Lord!

Sing to the Lord a new song,

His praise in the assembly of the godly!

​Let Israel be glad in his Maker;

Let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!

Let them praise his name with dancing,

Making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;

He adorns the humble with salvation.

For more information about Ballet Magnificat or to purchase tickets, visit lbc.edu/events.

Photo by Hudson Hintze on Unsplash.