SELAH

Psalms 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds a house the work of the builder is worthless; Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” Steps of Faith Dance Company, Inc. is excited to announce that the Lord is establishing a Dance Discipleship Training School through us. It is true that each venture we could pursue would be worthless if it was not led by our God. Throughout the years God has lead Steps of Faith through exciting changes and overwhelming challenges and we are completely reliant on His guidance in bringing this Dance Discipleship Training school into existence.

The focus of this Discipleship Training School is to ignite in each participant an ever growing desire to seek and serve God through studying His Word and applying it to their lives. We hope to encourage this through in-depth study of topics such as…

1. Character of God

2. Fear of God

3. Prayer

o Intercession

4. Finances

o Tithes

o Gift

5. Apologetics

6. Missions/evangelism

7. Relationships

8. Holy Spirit

9. Salvation

10. Gifts of the Spirit

11. Calling/purpose

12. The Church, body of Christ, the Bride

13. Religion and Theology

14. Justice/suffering

15. Hearing from God

16. Devotional life

17. Spiritual warfare

18. The bible

We firmly believe that God reveals Himself through His Word and that our job as daughters of the King is to seek after Him as Psalm 25:4-5 says, “show me Your ways, oh Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day.”

So often in our culture young adults are expected to stick to the normal schedule of pursing college directly after high school, or to go straight into a lifetime career after completing their college degree. Success and setting a financial foundation for oneself is expected of most young adults. Taking a break from the busy schedule laid out by schools, universities, and careers is often questioned or even looked down upon. But who is more worthy of our attention and of our time than our Father in Heaven, is there one more worthy to receive a few months of focused attention while we take a break from the world, reflect on who He is, and seek His will for our lives. The word selah, seen most commonly in the Psalms, although its exact meaning is disputed, is believed to mean to measure or to weigh what has proceeded it, to encourage reflection upon what has been said and what it might mean for the future. We desire to be selah, to be the moment or the months where each participant can measure, weigh, reflect upon, and ultimately focus her attention on God, His Word, His will, and His ways.

“This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face. Selah” Psalm 24:6

A huge part of this Discipleship Training school is DANCE. There are many opportunities for young adults to pursue the same spiritual growth through Discipleship Training schools or Masters programs, there are even a few which include or focus on dance but to our knowledge this is one of the few which offers dancers an opportunity to grow in knowledge and understanding of first of all classical ballet technique, as well as other dance form’s including, jazz, hip hop, Pilates, lyrical, African dance technique and whatever else the Lord might lead us to offer. We believe that God has a purpose for classical ballet along with other dance techniques, while we reflect on God’s Word, His will and His ways we also want to reflect on, how He has used, is using, and desires to use dance for His glory.

Each week participants will present a response to the weeks Biblical and dance topics through a variety of means including...

Dance presentation/sermon

Written report

Research project

Journal

Poetry

Musical presentation

These responses serve as a way for the participants to recap what they have learned, present the most meaningful parts, and challenge their ability to express what they have learned in a creative way.

Service both locally and internationally will be a huge part of Selah. Ministering to people in the local community through either dance or other means is a calling Steps of Faith has walked in for years, and we hope to continue this calling through reaching out to people in our community with the Love of God and the Joy of dance through Selah. We feel confident that the Lord is leading us to give Selah an opportunity to take the gospel through dance to an international location. We are working with Operation Mobilization-Dancelinks to make this happen and have several locations we are looking at! Pray as these details come together...even before we start in August!

Of course, we will spend alot of time focusing on dance training, since everything we do, we want to do with excellence! Participants will have ballet classes 2-5 days a week, with weekly classes in jazz, lyrical, modern, body conditioning for a minimum of 10 hours a week in instruction. Instructors include top level teachers including Lauri Worrill-Biggs, former professor at Belhaven College, Theresa L. Shampine of SOF and a former Georgia Ballet professional, and other accomplished teachers from the Atlanta area.

Our short term goal is to grow this program to a ballet program of classes five days a week by Fall 2011. With partnership with Steps of Faith Dance Studio, we are able to bring a multitude of classes to any student to meet their individual goals for their dance career through a variety of classes offered at the studio in the interim while the program is launched.

NEWS:

Mary Faith Binkley will be SELAH's co-director this Fall! Mary is one of the original SOF students in 1997, and grew up at the studio, becoming a leader in the company and a sought-after teacher. She has finished THREE years of dance discipleship training schools in both Florida and Texas, and is looking forward to pouring into the students she will have this Fall. She is finishing up her second year with Ingredients Dance Company as a company member, and as an instructor in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. As part of her DTS experiences and her involvement with SOF, she has participated in mission trips to Norway, Sweden, Phillipines, and Houston.

She has had the opportunity to assist with Dance Revolution conventions across the country, and perform in dozens of venues. She has had intense bibilical training and used that training to evangelize many kids. Since back in Georgia, she is now dancing with Refuge Dance Company in Atlanta, and assisting in Project Dance-Atlanta. We are proud to have her on our staff!

As of June 1st, we have THREE participants!!! We are so excited. We will allow space for only three more, keeping our program intimate and strong. We are making plans for an international mission trip to Bosnia. Please call now for more information and class schedule.

Our Directors

Julie C. Reeves, Studio Owner/Instructor/Company Artistic Dir./Selah co-director, has been choreographing and teaching dance since 1983. Her experience includes dance teams, theater, talent shows, pageants, business shows, as well as studio and liturgical dance choreography and performances. She has a BS in Management from Georgia Institute of Technology (1990) and is a certified member of Dance Educators of America. Her training spans most her life in ballet, clogging, tap, jazz, pointe, and modern. She is also the Artistic Director of Steps of Faith Dance Company, the non-profit performance and ministry group based at the studio, and has led the group on both stateside and international mission trips. She is the Co-director of SELAH DTS housed by the Company. She feels blessed by the Lord and honored to be director of SOF, which she has seen grow from 22 to 220 students in over twelve years. Julie has 3 wonderful sons, Collin 16, Carter 14, Caleb 11, and adopted dear daughter from China, Caroline (almost 5yr old). She is honored to serve with the priceless support of her dear husband, Robby. She is excited about owning her own facility this year, and about the expansion of classes SOF is able to offer!

Theresa Shampine, Company and Selah Instructor/Ballet Mistress, has worked for SOF since 2001. Ms. Shampine has enjoyed teaching and choreographing at Steps of Faith for the last ten years. She has worked closely with Ms. Reeves to develop a sound and annointed ballet-training program. Theresa is originally from Syracuse, New York and was a scholarship student at The Rock School of the Pennsylvania Ballet. She is a graduate of Mercyhurst College, where she received a BA in Dance. Professionally, she has danced with the Erie Ballet Theatre, Charleston Ballet Theatre, and The Georgia Ballet where she enjoyed being a featured dancer. She has one daughter Zella, and lives with her husband Jack in Canton.

Tonya Veitch, Office Manager . Tonya began in 2001 as a receptionist and quickly moved into the position as Office Manager. She now is responsible for all student accounts and registration. She lives in Cartersville with husband, Gerald, son Phillip and daughter Lauren. SOF could not run without her invaluable support!

SELAH VIDEO AUDITION

SELAH VIDEO AUDITION REQUIREMENTS*

For Women: Please wear a solid colored leotard and pink tights.

For Men: Please wear black tights and a fitted white shirt.

No skirts or costumes please.

I. Introduction

A. Name

B. Age

C. Location

II. Barre – Please record from the side. One side only.

A. Plié

B. Tendu

C. Dégagé

D. Rond de jambe

E. Developpé

F. Grand Battement

III. Center – Please record from the front. One side only.

A. Adagio

B. En dehors pirouette

C. En dedans pirouette

D. Petit allegro

E. Medium allegro

F. Grand allegro

IV. Pointe – Please record from front. One side only.

A. Échappé

B. Pirouette

C. Piqué turns

V. Classical Variation en pointe (preferred)

VI. One minute solo in a different genre of your choice

* Must be recorded on DVD or VHS to be accepted.

FOR APPLICATION:

Click ==>

www.steps-of-faith.com/selahform)

Submit form, an audition video (you may audition in person; just call for appt.), and a photo of you (side shot) in first arabesque en pointe. Deadline is August 31, 2010 for Fall acceptance; October 31, 2010 for January 2011 session. Only a limited number of applicants will be accepted. You will be made aware of your acceptance within 10 days of all application materials.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SELAH

God has led us at Steps of Faith Dance Company, Inc. to start a new Discipleship Training school, to be named Selah, with a strong concentration in ballet and lyrical/contemporary dance and biblical studies, for use in mission work, locally and internationally.

Sessions begin in August 2010 for college aged students. Applications are accepted NOW through August 31st. God is doing something big here at Steps of Faith! Be part of His team at our brand new state of the art facility!

The Skinny: (UPDATED JULY 27, 2010)

Selah is a 5 month program (Aug-Dec. and Jan.-May) Students may take one or both sessions. Students are ENCOURAGED to take both sessions this year, as this year's biblical cirriculum is designed for the full year.

Tuition is $225/month includes classes in ballet, jazz/contemporary, and other genres, as well as biblical studies and concentrated prayer time led by a dedicated Selah leader/instructor. Special speakers will be invited to come in as needed to give our students the best instruction and guidance available.

Students may raise support for SELAH through the non-profit host of Steps of Faith Dance Company, Inc. So do NOT let money be a deterent! We are also applying for grants to offset the costs of the program. Funds will also need to be raised for the mission trip.

Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 2pm. Additional classes may be added to augment a dancer's training at Steps of Faith Dance Studio. Selah plus unlimited studio classes is $290/month. Students are allowed to get jobs and/or take college classes as long as they don't interfere with the Selah schedule. Living arrangements are not part of the program, however, we encourage participants to consider getting an apartment together nearby. Many good options are available in Cartersville!

Performance opportunities include local and regional area churches, festivals, and other opportunties including appearance in The Nativity, a full length ballet, and international mission trip appearances. We are partnering with Operation Mobilization - Dancelinks to set up our trip this year

Applicants need to submit an application

(click here),

and submit a video audition or call for an in person audition to be considered. There is a $20 application fee required. DEADLINE FOR FALL PARTICIPATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO AUGUST 31st. Classes begin August 10th.

Applicants must have strong background and training in classical ballet, be at least a high school graduate or equivalent, and a desire to use their gift of dance to magnify the Lord. We hope to have kids from all over the United States, and perhaps the world, be part of this program.

Each session will include a mission trip as part of their training.

For more information,

Call Julie Reeves at 404-316-8546. Email her at sof@bellsouth.net.

SELAH Discipleship Training School Faculty

Lauri Worrill-Biggs is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, where she began her dance training at the Ruth Mitchell Dance Studio in 1968. She continued her studies there until the fall of 1976 when she was awarded a full scholarship to study at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. While at the Joffrey School she studied under such renowned instructors as Robert Joffrey, Meredith Baylis, and Basil Thompson. After two years in the school she was awarded an apprenticeship with Joffrey II, a training company for the Joffrey Ballet.
In 1980 Mrs. Worrill-Biggs joined the North Carolina Dance Theater, at that time based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina under the direction of Robert Lindgren. During the next five years, Mrs. Worrill-Biggs toured throughout the U.S., and in Canada and Europe. She performed ballets choreographed by the likes of George Balanchine, Salvatore Aiello, Helgi Thompsson, and August Bournonville; and numerous modern works by others, including Bill Evans, Senta Driver and Nina Wiener.
In her desire to be closer to her family, Mrs. Worrill-Biggs moved to Marietta, Georgia in 1986 and accepted a position with the Atlanta Ballet. Over the next two years she expanded her repertoire to include roles in Coppelia, Romeo and Juliet, Billy the Kid, La Sylphide and Swan Lake (Act II). At the close of the 1988 season, she retired from her performing career in order to devote herself more fully to teaching.
In 1988 Mrs. Worrill-Biggs joined the staff of Dance South, in Macon, Georgia, at the request of director Peter Garick. She not only taught all levels of ballet technique at Dance South, but was approved by the Board of Regents of the State of Georgia for an adjunct faculty position at Gordon Junior College in Barnesville, Georgia, teaching beginning ballet. While there, she received a special grant under which she was able to offer special movement classes to children at the Georgia Academy for the Blind.
Following their marriage in 1989, Mrs. Worrill-Biggs and her husband, Mark, moved to Roswell, Georgia where she took teaching jobs at Ruth Mitchell Dance Studio and the Whitworth Center for the Performing Arts. The following year the Whitworth Center offered her the opportunity to direct and develop the syllabus for its dance school.
Mrs. Worrill-Biggs’career took an important turn in 1992, while in Jackson, Mississippi, as a counselor at the Ballet Magnificat! Summer Dance Intensive. She was invited by Ballet Magnificat! director, Kathy Thibodeaux, to join the school’s teaching staff. There she assumed duties as an instructor for children’s ballet classes, assistant to the school administrator, and substitute teacher for the Ballet Magnificat! touring company.
Over the next six years, Mrs. Worrill-Biggs became an integral part of the Ballet Magnificat! School for the Performing Arts. She helped administrate and implement the Professional Training Division, and became its director in 1994. She developed a four year training syllabus for the Professional Division as well as creating a trainee program for high school graduates wishing to pursue professional careers.
It was while on staff at Ballet Magnificat! that Mrs. Worrill-Biggs became an adjunct for the Dance Minor at Belhaven College in Jackson. When the college introduced the Dance Major into its undergraduate program in 1998 she left her position at Ballet Magnificat! to assume a full time faculty position. As a founding faculty member of the Dance Department, Mrs. Worrill-Biggs was a demanding instructor and ballet technician who required the utmost excellence from her students. While contributing to the continued growth and success of the department, Mrs. Worrill-Biggs instructed dance and lecture classes for the Dance Minor, the BA and BFA in Ballet, as well as, various levels of the Pilates mat work.
As Ballet Mistress for the Belhaven College Dance Ensemble, she had the opportunity to create her own works and restage numerous choreographic works from the classical repertoire for local, national, and international performances.
Since returning to her home state of Georgia in 2005, Mrs. Worrill-Biggs has spent most of her time teaching private ballet lessons to those students who are seriously pursuing professional dance careers or who are preparing themselves for college dance programs. She also spends much of her summer teaching at ballet intensives and teacher’s workshops in Maryland, Mississippi and Georgia.

Mrs. Biggs teaches Pilates, Ballet and Modern to our Selah students.

Theresa Shampine, See Bio on About page. Ms. Shampine teaches Ballet and choreograpy to SELAH.

Mary Binkley, See Bio on About page. Miss Binkley is the Bible teacher and jazz instructor for SELAH, as well as its Co-Director.

Julie Reeves, See Bio on About page. Mrs. Reeves is the Devotional leader for SELAH, as well as the Director of the program.