BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Youth Outreach Dance Ministry will soon be opening its doors to new and aspiring dancers as the entity prepares for its annual orientation at the McKnight Community Centre on Saturday (May 31).
The word ‘Dance’ is defined as a type of art that generally involves movement of the body, often rhythmic and to music and is performed in many cultures and diversities.
According to choreographer Andrea Caines-Adedeji, the Youth Outreach Dance Ministry is a Christ-centered environment for learning. She added that the true heart of the Ministry is to honour and worship the “Lord”.
“We offer instructions mainly in Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Afro-Caribbean, Basic Gymnastics, Worship Dance and Contemporary. While our students learn dance they also get the opportunity to study the Bible,” Caines-Adedeji said.
The choreographer, who has been dancing, directing and offering her skills over a number of years, is currently working on completing her online studies with Higher Praise Dance Academy.
“I choose to study online because I really don't have the heart to leave the Federation due to my responsibility with the Dance Ministry and nurturing the girls who God has placed under my care," Caines-Adedeji explained.
She noted that her focus on the career studies in Dance over any other field is because she is of the view that there is much scope in the not too distant future in Drama and Arts in the twin-island Federation.
"St. Kitts and Nevis is changing. The world is changing too. I believe very soon, in the not too distant future, both males and females would be able to make a full-time income from dancing as they get roles in commercials, movies, recitals all around the world,” she said.
Caines-Adedeji also noted that apart from the financial aspect of the Ministry, “Dancing is Godly”, adding that it is a way of expressing one's self, relaxing the mind and therapy for the soul.
“We train our dance gems in a Christian setting, where we are not just concerned about them coming to dance, but we try our best to instill morals, discipline and to share the word of God.”
The Dance Ministry has been in existence since 2001 and follows the mission theme – ‘To Know Him And Make Him Known’.
Caines-Adedeji, who has been dancing for some 21 years, got saved 14 years ago and immediately got the ‘fire for Christ’ using her dancing skills.
The Ministry therefore extends invitation to parents to register their children for this once in a lifetime opportunity. All interested dancers between four-18 years can join.
Orientation is scheduled to take place on Saturday (May 31) at the The McKnight Community Centre from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and Caines-Adedeji can be reached at 869-765-5931.
