Moving Liturgy: Dance in Christian Worship, A Step-by-Step Guide

by Jane C. Wellford

Publisher:

Resource Publications

, 2016

Overview

What does it mean to be a visual aid in worship? Moving Liturgy: Dance in Christian Worship provides readers with powerful ideas to bring prayers, parables, hymns, and scripture passages to life in the most direct way--storytelling in dance and movement through the body--the best visual aid! This book offers practical and artistic information for anyone interested in learning about, or re-affirming, the use of dance and movement in worship. Jane Wellford has worked extensively in the arts of liturgical dance and drama in collaboration with clergy, musicians, conductors, visual artists, dancers, and entire congregations. Successful ideas for worship, as well as creative possibilities, are all included in this book. I believe that worship should be made multi-sensory, exciting, and as connected to real life experiences as possible. The more senses that are involved in worship, the more likely the message will be received. When we hear the word of God shared through words or music, see it come to life through dance, drama, or other visual arts, experience it through speaking the prayers, confessions, or creeds, and sing it through hymns or chants, we are more actively engaged in the experience of worship.

Praise for Moving Liturgy

”Learning ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ from Jane confirmed my calling as a liturgical and sacred dancer. That was 1997 at a Sacred Dance Festival. Now in 2016, this dance is the signature piece of the Sacred Dance Ensemble of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Jane is an inspirational teacher, choreographer, and dancer. The liturgical world will be enriched by her book."
--Vicky Nichols Wilder, Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist; Artistic Director, Sacred Dance Ensemble of Fredericksburg

“In Moving Liturgy, Jane Wellford presents a rich history of liturgical dance and offers practical and creative ways to involve movement and dance in worship. Her passion for liturgical dance and vast experience in many congregations makes this a tremendous resource and guide for worship committees, church musicians, and clergy seeking ways to enhance worship through movement. An enjoyable and enlightening read!"
--J. Patrick Murphy, Organist-Choirmaster, First Presbyterian Church of Burlington, NC

"Jane Wellford has created a book for dance in the Christian church. Worship planners and leaders, Christian educators, retreat leaders, musical leadership, and anyone involved in the creation of events for the Christian church will find this book invaluable. Beginning and seasoned liturgical dancers will be inspired. She has thought through the process to ensure that dance in the Christian tradition is a sacred experience for dancers and all involved."
-- Karen Josephson, former President, the Sacred Dance Guild; Author of The Christian Body Dances: A History of Dance in the Christian Church

Product Details

• Title : Moving Liturgy: Dance in Christian Worship, A Step-by-Step Guide
• Author: Wellford, Jane C.
• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Publication Date: 2016
• ISBN: 9781498230070

About the Author

Jane C. Wellford is a Professor of Dance in the Performing Arts Department of Elon University. With a BA in Theatre and an MFA in Dance, Wellford uses her arts background to work collaboratively with churches in worship arts. As Director of Moving Liturgy Dance Ensemble, a professional liturgical dance troupe, Wellford and her troupe have performed extensively throughout the United States, offering a repertory of 237 dances of worship to hundreds of churches and conferences.