By Jackson Clark
Samford’s Grace Dance Ministry took to the Wright Center stage last Saturday, March 28, to perform ‘Anchored’, their spring performance. On the program of service given out before the show, Grace Dance described themselves as a “student-led, Christian organization focused on community with each other and growing closer to God through dance.”
Dancer and choreographer Kacie Wade said that Grace Dance prides itself on being a place that allows anyone to practice their passion for dancing.
“I grew up dancing, but I went through some medical things, so I could never be a dance major or minor,” Wade said. “One day I went to the quad and saw a dance tent set up, so I went over and was talking to them. They said, ‘We are a dance club that is inclusive to everybody, and we have a show in the spring that we would love for you to come and join.”
Saturday’s show consisted of nine student-choreographed dance numbers spanning a number of styles including jazz, contemporary and musical theater. Each dance was named after a promise of God and an accompanying Bible verse, such as “Healing: Isaiah 53:5”, which focused on the spiritual healing offered by Christ. The dances were preceded by a short video where the choreographers explained the meaning behind each piece.
“With our show, our themes are meant to show how He has different themes in our lives,” Wade said. “Our themes and our dance are trying to show those themes of God.”
For freshman Addie Lott, this performance was the culmination of months of community-building and relationships.
“My favorite part about Grace Dance Ministry was the community I made while doing it,” Lott said. “Every practice, I got to see these girls who have become my friends over the past weeks. We were united not just over our love for dance, but our love for Jesus.”
The show concluded with a dance choreographed and performed by the graduating seniors, followed by a group dance number and curtain call. As the lights rose and the audience began to applaud, it was clear that the goal of the performance was not just to dance, but to share the love of Christ and remind the audience of His promises to them.
“We want to anchor ourselves in the Lord and know that His promises are true despite our circumstances,” said the program’s “About the Show” section. “It is our prayer that through this performance, you will be reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness and promises to His people.
