Chi Alpha praises God with dance
President of ministry invites all to worship

By Catherine Pillsbury
Staff Reporter

Valena Brown, a senior modern dance major, said she has been rebuilding a dance ministry through Chi Alpha as a way to worship God in a new way.

“I started dancing at church as a way of praise,” she said. “That’s how God led me to it.”

Because there have been so many dancers in Chi Alpha, many of whom are dance majors, it just seemed appropriate, Brown said.

Vicki Lobel, a senior social work major, said the previous dance opportunity in Chi Alpha was not as prevalent as it is now.

“Everyone involved in it is very passionate about doing it for God,” said Lobel, Chi Alpha president.

Brown said the group does not use typical dance or music but a combination of lyrical, modern and hip hop, all to upbeat gospel music.

As an experienced dancer, part of Brown’s job is also to choreograph the dances.

Lobel said Brown is a great motivator and supporter for the dancers.

“They all respect her and love her,” Lobel said. “Her heart is really in it.”

Though Chi Alpha is associated with Assembly of God, anyone can dance for Praise Dancers, including men.
“There are no lines drawn when we get together,” Brown said. “Everyone is just there to worship God.”

Kyle Bartee, a junior religion major, said he has watched the group grow. Bartee said his schedule was too full to join the group this semester, but he would like to dance with them next semester.

Rachel Ramsey, a sophomore psychology major and dancer in the ministry, said it is not all for entertainment value; it is just a different way of worshiping.

“The purpose is to serve God and dance for that,” she said.

Brown said though they are still in the process of building a firm ministry, they have performed for Chi Alpha services and Prime Time Praise.

Brown’s goal for the dance ministry is to perform for others, especially other congregations.

“My ultimate desire for the ministry is to see us perform for any event that the body of Christ wants us to perform for,” she said.