I have been a dancer for the last 10 years at Pazaz Christian Dance Academy (PCDA) in Greensburg, Pa. The last two years, I have also been a part of Keystone Contemporary Ballet Company (KCB), a professional dance company that branched out of PCDA. KCB’s mission statement is “To inspire truth and hope through pure artistic movement and innovative storytelling while creating a community where artists of faith can flourish.” Being a part of these groups is wonderful because I am able to freely talk about my faith, enjoy fellowship with peers who seek to grow closer to God, and use my gift to spread the Word of God.

It can be inconvenient because the directors don’t have all the same convictions that I do. Some beliefs we don’t agree on are someone playing the character of Jesus or performing on the Lord’s Day during a worship service. As a Christian dancer, I have been able to have many discussions as to why I do not take part in these events but still choose to practice dance. I choose to do this because I know I am better able to further the kingdom of God.

Ever since I was little, I wanted to dance. Watching people perform was something that intrigued me and never failed to bring a smile to my face. My mom put me in a studio that was focused on helping kids grow in faith and learn to use their gifts to bring glory to Christ. This was something I loved because I always wanted to be a missionary, and now I am a part of a dance ministry.

KCB is focused on spreading the Word of God throughout Westmoreland County, Pa., and, maybe one day, all across the country. With KCB, I have been a part of many outreaches that involve dancing in front of strangers and speaking to them about my faith. I have been told many times from friends, teachers, family members, and complete strangers that there is a big difference when people go to dance for themselves and when people dance for the glory of God. My home studio has always stood out for this reason.

One of my favorite outreaches that I have been a part of is Project Dance. This takes place all over the country, having originated in New York City in 2002, but I have only been to the one in Pitts-burgh, Pa. We set up a stage in the city square and had a free concert for 12 hours. The day is exhausting, but seeing people walking across the street to watch performers dance, then answering the questions, “What are you doing? Why are you here?” makes it totally worth it. Last year I talked with an older couple. They were excited to see so many young people out and about doing what we could to further God’s kingdom. I don’t know if anyone came to faith that day, but being able to share even a little bit of what I believe with people was an awesome experience.

One thing I love about my studio and company is that we begin every class and rehearsal with prayer. With the company, we start each day with devotions where we can all talk and grow together in our walk with Christ. This not only helps us grow in our faith, it also brings us closer together as friends. When you put nine girls in a room together, there are many breakdowns, laughing fits, and deep conversations that help us all remember why we are dancing. All nine company members are dedicated dancers who love God and want to show His love to the world. We are a family. The girls in this group are some of my closest friends that I am beyond blessed to have.

The studio has become a safe haven for us. This is a place where we can come together and help each other with work problems, stress with school, etc. In the last few months, I have grown with these girls so much that when I don’t see them for a couple days, I feel like I need to text them and catch up on everything. The Lord has blessed me with friends who are always there for me, always there to make me laugh, and who encourage me in my walk with Jesus.

As much as I love my studio, there are some things that frustrate me, and I sometimes don’t know how to deal with them. The directors are very big on Sunday performances. I have never taken part in these events, and I have dealt with the frustration from my teachers. My studio also has people act out the character of Jesus. This is something I see as forbidden by the second commandment, and I have never been comfortable with it; but it is a conviction not shared by my studio, peers, or teachers. They think I am being overly dramatic and legalistic when I voice my convictions. This is something I have come to terms with, not making a big issue of it but instead prioritizing my relationships with these girls, and, if they ask, explaining my convictions as well as I can. In recent years, my friends have started listening to me and asking more questions about my views, but they still end with, “Well, that works for you, but I could never.” I pray for the students and teachers that they will pursue a more biblical training.

I am beyond thankful for finding PCDA so I can dance for God’s glory to the best of my ability. It’s great to be in a Christian environment that wants to further God’s kingdom, but it’s frustrating to be the only Reformed person and be surrounded by people who have little interest in hearing my viewpoint on biblical things. I have stayed with this studio because I want to continue doing what I love and bringing glory to God. With dance, I have been given many opportunities to reach out to people. I have gone to libraries and danced in front of children, then talked with their parents about dancing for God. I have danced on street corners to get people to hear of the amazing things God has done. I have even danced in the rain at a community festival.

I do these things because I am positive that this is what God wants from me. It might seem crazy seeing people dancing in the terrible weather of Pennsylvania, but it is something I love to do. I am able to grow in my faith and have the people I spend the most time with, other than my family, walk alongside me. The Lord blesses me more and more every day. I want to show others how awesome He is! I am thankful He has put me in a place that seeks His glory and is dedicated to show more people the love of God.