Rev. Stephanie Butler Adams is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She holds undergraduate degrees in Journalism (B.S.) and Dance (B.A.) from the University of Maryland, and post graduate (M.A.Th.) in Theology from the United Theological College of the West Indies. Prior to her transition from professional dance performance and corporate consulting with MCI Communications for Fortune 500 companies, to full-time ministry 15 years ago, Stephanie sat under the tutelage of some of the best choreographers, dancers, and movement analysts across the Nations including the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance (NYC), Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre (NYC), Kei Ta-Kei & Moving Earth (Japan), Improvisations Unlimited (Washington, DC), the Laban Institute of Movement (NYC), and more. She has ministered in Sacred Dance alongside a host of renowned Gospel Artists.

Stephanie is the Founder and Director for Spirit of Praise Sacred Artistry, International and Associate Minister of Worship and Arts (Dance) at Christ Our Redeemer (COR) AME Church, 5th Episcopal District AME Church in Irvine, CA. Her appointment as International Coordinator of Liturgical Dance for the AME Church under the directive of the Connectional Music and Christian Arts Ministry (MCAM) allows her to create biblically based, technically sound curriculum models for dance & the Arts. As a member of the Let’s Move L.A. Choreographers, Stephanie has assisted in providing group choreography and fitness videos aired nationally to promote healthy lifestyles and wellness.  She is the visionary and Conference Host of “THE DANCER IN ME” Worship & Arts Conference, now in its 2nd year of production.

Through Spirit of Praise International, Stephanie’s work has been recognized worldwide spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, India, and extensively throughout the Caribbean for her in-depth teaching on choreography, dance theology, Arts-evangelism, liturgical worship, cross-cultural outreach ministry, and the preached Word.  Her first book, My Body is the Temple: Encounters and Revelations of Sacred Dance & Artistry published in 2002 is a best seller in the category of Christian Arts. Her second published work is entitled, Breathe, Balance, and STRETCH: Movement Meditations & Daily Devotionals for Living,   Xulon Press Publications, July 2006.  Her third published work is a Children’s Book entitled, “The Dancer In Me” by Tate Publishers available in the Fall 2012. She is the creator of MORNING MEDITATIONS©—a cable television program which focuses on spirituality, fitness, and healthy living. Today she provides long-term consultation, production, and choreography services to 12 additional sacred dance ministries worldwide.

www.stephaniebutler.com
www.mcam.amec.com
www.lbunityfestival.com

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REV. DR. CECELIA WILLIAMS BRYANT – FEATURED SPEAKER & FACILITATOR

Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant began her Global Mission as International Affairs Vice President of the Council on International Relations and United Nations Affairs in 1965. As a World Peace activist and advocate for developing nations she addressed delegations in Geneva, Jerusalem, Canada and the United States. Traveling throughout Europe, she also spoke on the plight of African Americans. During that period Rev. C earned a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and a Masters Degree in Political Theory from Boston University.

In 1970, The Pan African Symposium and Tea conducted in Fall River Massachusetts brought together Dr. C’s passion for the Arts of Africa and the Diaspora that continues to this day. Together with scholars and members of the Diplomatic Community, a fresh paradigm for Christian Witness and Ministry was set. The fruit of this was the founding of the first Liturgical Dance Ministry in the Black Church at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Today she serves as the Senior Episcopal Supervisor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church while having achieved a number of firsts. Accompanied by her daughter, Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis and Missionary Susie McCain; Rev. C founded the first A.M.E. Church in a Francophone country – Bethel A.M.E. Church, Abijan, The Ivory Coast in 1989. She was the First Woman ever invited to sit in the Chieftaincy Stool in Tiama, Sierra Leone 1990. She was one of the First Women to Preach the Congressional Black Caucus Prayer Breakfast. Rev. Dr. C also chaired the first Convocation in the A.M.E. Church on the Research and Status of Black Women 1973. While her husband, then Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church was serving in Baltimore, she led the largest delegation of missionaries from a local church to Guyana, South America. Rev. C co-authored with Dr. Jacqueline Grant the segment on women for the A.M.E. Black Papers.

Inspired by her mentor, Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot, Dr. C ministered and traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean and South America working with women in the United States and abroad. She is the Founder of Gethsemane Outreach Center and the Women’s Center in Baltimore, Maryland; Founder of the Elnita McClain Women’s Center in Houston, Texas and the Davidson Houston Academy in Dallas; Founder of Women’s Resource Center in Freetown, Sierra Leone.  An early childhood development center in Seattle, Washington and a Primary School in Grand Bassa Liberia are named in honor of Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant.

One of the high points in Rev. C’s life was to be named “Akosua" by the Asantaheni (King of Kings) of Ashanti people. In honor of Nana Yaa Asanteewaa, the warrior Queen Mother. Howard Divinity School provided her theological education. Her second Masters Degree is in Religion. Dr. C. has preached for the All Africa Council of Churches in the Gambia and for the World Methodists in Australia. She has preached the Gospel in Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Haiti, Jamaica, Gabon, Zambia, Bermuda, Great Britain, and Amsterdam. Her ministry includes Brazil, Cuba, Senegal, Barbados, The Bahamas, Alaska and throughout the continental United States.

“Let a New Woman Rise” the thread that ties her vocation together began as a Convocation in 1978. The First Global African & Diasporic Convocation ever held by a local church. Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee were the featured artists for the Cultural event. Rev. Nurghan Govan was the vessel of prophecy and masterful Empowerment Cells were conducted.

The culmination of this event took place in 1981 – BEHOLD THE WOMAN Convocation. Again a first for a local church initiative – more than 3,000 women traveled to share in this experience. The First Lady of the Republic of Guyana – Lady Forbes Bum ham gave the keynote address. In 1999, she received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree from Paul Quinn College.

In 2005, Rev. C led 86 high school juniors and seniors for a mission initiative to Jamaica. In 2006, 71 participated in a Youth Mission in Alaska. In April 2006 she led a delegation of 117 women including health professionals to Zambia, Southern Africa to join in the war against HIV Aids and poverty. A ministry entitled, “Children of Promise” is an ongoing ministry organized by Rev. C to care for HIV Aids orphans in Cape Town South Africa.

As Founder and Spiritual Director of Akosua Visions Ministries, Rev. C has conducted Faith Formation encounters for African and Diasporic Women in Europe, Africa, and the West Indies.

Rev. C has authored 5 books on Faith Formation and co-authored one with her husband:
Kiamsha (That Which Awakens Me)
Kujua (Discovery)
I Dance With God
Osusu (Women Creating Wealth)

DR. THEMA BRYANT-DAVIS – CONFERENCE FACILITATOR/INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis is a licensed psychologist, poet, dancer, and minister. Dr. Bryant-Davis, an Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, is President of the Society for the Psychology of Women. Dr. Thema earned her doctorate from Duke University, completed her post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical Center, and is a past American Psychological Association representative to the United Nations. The North Carolina Arts Council named her Emerging Artist of the Year. She has been featured on BET, PBS and C-SPAN as well as in the Boston Globe, ESSENCE Magazine, and Black Entertainment Television's Weekend Magazine. Dr. Thema has been a recurring mental health consultant on The Dr. Phil Show and the TV-One show K-Ci and Jo Jo Come Clean.

She is the author of the critically-acclaimed books “Thriving in the Wake of Trauma: A Multicultural Guide”, “Mangos and Manna” and “The Birthing of a Lioness”. She is the recording artist on the CD Sky: An Upbeat Black Girl's Song. Her work is based in an interdisciplinary understanding of spirituality, gender, culture and psychology.

Dr. Bryant-Davis is an experienced dancer, poet, and playwright, who believes strongly in the healing power of the arts. She also is a gifted teacher of artists of all ages and skill levels.  Dr. Thema is the founder and director of the Living Word Liturgical Dance Ministry of First AME Church.  She has taught nationally and internationally on the use of dance in worship and was the choreography for the 2008 AME General Conference. Her inspirational internet radio broadcast, “The Dr. Thema Show” broadcasts every Thursday at 12PM PST/3:00pm EST and can be found at www.adrenalineradio.com

Visit Dr. Thema’s website for more information at www.drthema.com

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KATISHA ADAMS – CONFERENCE FACILITATOR/INSTRUCTOR

Katisha “Blaze” Adams is the Founder, Director and Choreographer of KPA Fusion Dance Repertoire. Her husband, Quami Adams is Vice-President, Co-Founder, Choreographer and Music Director/Composer for KPA Fusion Dance Repertoire. Originally from Washington DC, Katisha has continuously performed and toured as a professional dancer, actress, choreographer and recording artist for twelve years.

As a dancer, Katisha’s dance company credits include Lula Washington Dance Theatre, New Age Dance Company with founder and director Karen McDonald, Jazzantiqua Music and Dance Ensemble, Pat Taylor, Oui Geometer Dance Company, and Bernice Boseman. Touring collaborations have also included Philadanco Dance Company, Cleo Parker Robinson, and Dayton Ohio’s International Association of Black Dance.

Commercially, Mrs. Adams has choreographed and danced in numerous award shows. She has worked with choreographers and directors, Danny Esralow, Otis Salid, Wade Robinson, Donald McKayle and Claude Thompson, as well as recording artists, Christina Aguilera, Omarion, Before Dark, Isyss and, Skyline. Equity stage shows and commercials for Disney and Universal Studios include, “The Lion King Celebration,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Christmas Spectacular” and “The Crew.”

Katisha was nominated for the prestigious Horton Award in collaboration with her husband, Quami Adams, for their choreographic work, “Blue Pepper.” In addition, she was dance award nominee for the trio, “Prelude,” with Jazzantiqua Music and Dance Ensemble. In collaboration with KPA Fusion Dance Repertoire’s Associate Artistic Director, Collette Williams (“Ray”, “So You Think You Can Dance”) Mrs. Adams’ televised choreography debut, “The LA County Holiday Celebration,” was nationally broadcast live on KCET.

Katisha taught as a certified Tae Bo instructor and trainer under the direction of world-wide kickboxing champion, Billy Blanks.  While teaching and choreographing at El Camino College and College of the Canyons, community outreach efforts continued to signature Katisha’s career, headlining numerous master classes for local schools, colleges, universities, dance companies, and religious organizations. Katisha Adams’ unbridled passion to teach, choreograph and perform plays in concert with sharing her love for this awesome craft.

About The Company:  KPA Fusion Dance Repertoire is no ordinary dance company. They deliver unsurpassed entertainment energy and high-level technology elements to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, as a non-profit organization with dual focus on both performance and education, KPA enlightens by sharing a unique behind-the-scenes process which stamps our individuality. This is “The Dancer’s Dance Company!”

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MISTY RASCON SMITH – CONFERENCE FACILITATOR/INSTRUCTOR

A native Texan, Misty Rascon Smith has been professionally working in the dance industry for at least 9 years. She has had the opportunity to work various areas of this competitive industry, including music videos, commercials, television/ live performances, and even print. She has worked with numerous recording artist such as : Natasha Beddingfield, Janelle Monae, Vanessa Hudgens, Kirk Franklin, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, and Daniel Powter just to name a few. You may have seen her in national commercials for Sunkist, Pepsi, Nike and Sears. Recently, she appeared in CBSʼs hit show “How I Met Your Mother” (Robin Sparkles episode). In addition, Misty has been a reoccurring dancer and body double for Nickelodeonʼs “Taina”. She has danced for several award shows including the American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, and the Latin Grammys.

At only five feet one inch, Misty has modeled/danced for an Adidas industrial and Tarbel industrial (featured soloist). In addition to dancing, Misty has appeared in print ads for American Greeting Cards, Best Buy, Avery, and more. Her extensive dance training, including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, salsa, hip hop, and more, has enabled her to balance commercial work with concert work—for example, her European Tour with Instincts Live Media Dance.

She currently dances and choreographs for Word In Motion Dance Company and is featured on ABC Familyʼs One-Cubed USA. She has successfully choreographed for a wide range of venues and individuals, including GX International (YWAM), Cisco Industrial, and Corp Bara Dance Company to name a few. Her ability to instruct all levels and numerous genres of dance has enabled her to teach for the following: Edge Performing Arts Center, Debbie Reynolds, Word In Motionʼs Urban Dance Festival, Cross Connection, Groove Street, Project Dance New York, and various intensives and master classes. Her choreography and classes have been described as challenging, yet inspirational.

Since Mrs. Rascon Smith discovered the meaning and purpose of her artistic gift through ministry, she is devoted to challenging and encouraging others to do the same in both life and dance. She believes that both her husband, Joseph, and son, Tymin, have taught her the importance of giving in all areas whenever
possible. “This life is short, and we should focus more on giving than taking.”

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REVEREND DeWAYNE C. KNOX – CONFERENCE FACILITATOR/INSTRUCTOR

Consulting Minister of Music and Worship Arts for Christ Our Redeemer AME Church – Irvine, is an ordained local deacon in the AME Church since 1995.  He received his ordination while under the pastorate of Rev. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, then Senior Minister of First AME Church – Los Angeles.  He has been active in music ministry for over forty five (45) years, singing, playing, and directing choirs for a wide range of denominations.  In the last 15 years he has extended his ministry to include dramatic worship arts, including theatre, commercials, radio production, and television. 

Holding two advanced degrees in music from UCLA and CSU-Long Beach respectively, his concentration is Ethnomusicology, African and African American Music and Histories, and Western European Music.  As a Clinician for local church sacred music, he conducts workshops on choir decorum, sacred music, traditional worship, contemporary sacred music, praise and worship, 21st century worship trends, and emerging worship instrumentation.  His lectures include “Middle Passage, Its Relevance to Today’s African American Youth”; “African retentions in the African American Protestant Worship Experience”; “Retention of the Negro Spiritual in Contemporary/Urban Contemporary Gospel Music”; “Performance Arenas in the African American Experience”; “Gospel’s Historical Experience (from the 1920s to Present)”; “Propensity for Melody Borrowing within the African American Sacred Music Experience”, “Researching Slave Narratives”; “21st Century Trends in Worship Arts,” “Modern Music in a Post-modern Worship Experience,” “Anthems, Hymns, Spirituals, and Gospel Music.” 

He served as assistant Minister of Music at FAME under Joe Westmoreland, and has been minister of music and arts for Phillips Temple CME Church, Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Grant AME Church – Long Beach, before coming to work for Reverend Mark E. Whitlock, II and Christ Our Redeemer (COR) AME Church – Irvine.  As consulting minister of music and worship arts for COR, Rev. Knox integrates all facets of worship arts into the fabric of the worship service, involving children, teens, young adults, adults, and seasoned seniors.  The arts include music (both choral and instrumental), dance, drama, commercials, textiles, and precision.  He is also available to provide guidance and direction in the building of music departments, the advancement of music departments, relationship building between pastor and musician(s), developing praise and worship, incorporating dance into worship, including dance for young men, etc.  His work at COR also includes involvement in diverse and ecumenical worship experiences, including shared worship services and concerts with our Hebrew, Asian, and Hispanic communities. 

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MINISTER AJAY DIXON – CONFERENCE FACILITATOR/INSTRUCTOR

Ajay Dixon is a vibrant Praise & Worship/Performing Arts minister and teacher. 

She is a graduate of Caribbean Christ for the Nations (CCFNI) where she majored in Worship and the Performing Arts.  She travelled extensively with the CCFNI Performing Arts Ministry Team “Islands Ablaze” where she ministered in over twenty nations.  During her time at CCFNI she served as a worship leader, lectured on Youth Ministry and was the host for a radio program broadcasting each Sunday on one of the popular radio stations in Jamaica.  She ministered at conferences with speakers such as Dr. Myles Munroe, Archbishop Joel Laurore, Bishop Peter Morgan and many others.   

Her interest in Sign Language began in her teen years where she studied the language at the Christian Deaf Fellowship.  Through the years she has been involved with the hearing impaired - interpreting at different events, church services and when needed for tourist relations.  She later began using sign dance to teach the language and promotes its use as a medium in praise and worship.  Her desire is that people recognize this is a language and not just use it as an art form.

Presently she is the head of Missions/Performing Arts at her home church, Lighthouse of Faith Ministries International in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where she hosts mission teams and continues to lead performing art missions throughout the Caribbean, Central America and the United States.  She has travelled and ministered with the conference host Rev. Stephanie Butler-Adams on short-term mission trips to Belize, Mexico, the islands of Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, Anguilla and St. Kitts and Nevis.

Minister Ajay is a prolific writer.  She was recently a featured poet at a Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s event in Montego Bay, Jamaica and received rave reviews on her work. She is currently putting the final touches to an anthology of poems and prose and her autobiography. This psalmist and writer has so far released two singles and she continues to lead worship at her local church.

Minister Ajay is a teacher by profession and is married to a loving and supportive husband, Michael. They are blessed with two wonderful girls Alaina and Ariana – both use hula hoop in dance, with Alaina being the 2010 hula hoop national champion – ages 6-8 category in Jamaica.

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SHERRY L. TRAYLOR – CONFERENCE FACILITATOR/INSTRUCTOR

Sherry Traylor is a dance director, choreographer, and producer.  She has been serving as the Dance Director of Zoe Christian Fellowship of Whittier for 20 years. Her dance ministry teams have ministered across the Nation and abroad. She heads up Expressions Dance Academy and Artistic Expressions at Zoe. She also teaches at Crusaders Temple, Macedonia Baptist Church and Faith Fellowship Church in Los Angeles County.

Sherry is the Founder of a Dance Mobile Evangelistic Ministry “Heavens Gates Dance Academy” an on site Dance Company that goes to churches to help teach and train Dance Ministry for Church Dance Worship events. Sherry has taught at many different Dance Concerts, Workshops and Conferences.  She served as the Coordinator of the  California region of the International Dance Commission and PSALMS Dance Network.

Her Dance background training comes from Lula Washington, 2 years training at Los Angles Southwest College, and Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Sherry has been on the mission field where she has ministered in South Africa, Jamaica, Mexico, Bahamas, Japan, Barbados, and Costa Rica 3 times!

She has choreographed over 100 dance pieces, and written several Drama presentations for the ministry. She allows God to use her in unique movement, which comes from the Holy Spirit, to bless His people.

Sherry teaches a powerful class on effective Praise and Worship with your Praise Team. As she teaches, students receive the knowledge on how to dance prophetically, preparing from beginning to ending, song line-up, uniforms/garments, props, and overall bringing out a powerful Worship Service with your team through the Arts.

For more information, contact (714) 264-2133 or email Sherry at:
danceroneheaven@yahoo.com         psalmsdance@yahoo.com   

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SHANNON SZATKOWSKI - CONFERENCE FACILITATOR/INSTRUCTOR

Shannon Szatkowski teaches Davidic Dance for Messianic Dance Camps International along with the founders and choreographers Ralph and Mindy Seta.

Messianic Dance Camps International expressly focuses on establishing Davidic Dancing as a vehicle for worship. MDCI is a non-secular dance organization for believers in the Messiah. MDCI is dedicated in financially helping with the physical needs of the believers in Israel. MDCI is an outreach to Christian believers who are interested in experiencing the Jewish roots of their faith in Messiah. MDCI is interested in uniting Messianic Jewish believers with the larger body of Messiah through fellowship as Paul said in Ephesians, "...that in Himself (Yeshua) He might make the two (Jew and Gentile) into one new man, thus establishing peace".

Shannon has been dancing for for over 19 years. She choreographed, taught and performed at Santa Monica College, LA Church of Christ, Beach Cities Academy and the Los Angeles County Community Drama Guild.

Shannon danced professionally in Polynesian dance styles such as Hula, Tahitian, and  Samoan dances with the White Sands Halau. She has also danced professionally in the Latin dance style “Salsa” with teacher and partner James Wagner. 

Shannon loves to dance and worship the Creator of All Things and is honored to be included in the blessing of being one of the instructors for Messianic Dance Camps International. If you would like to have Messianic Dance Camps International come to your congregation for a dance camp, please go to http://www.messianic-dance-camps.info/ Or Call: (661) 317-0435

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SAMUEL JOEY ALLEYNE – CONFERENCE FACILITATOR/INSTRUCTOR

Samuel Joey Alleyne is a master networker, strategic thinker, motivator and talent scout. He is the founder of JAMM International, Alleyne Connect and COO of Brand Broker Bottomline. His networking skills and tactical mindset have enabled him to partner on projects for Disney, Mattel, 20th Century Fox, My Beauty, Home Depot Center, Clean Heart Productions, BXX, KPA, and Center church.

 Among his many projects, he has developed a recruiting touring campaign to Bahamas high schools involving the facilitation of seminars and counseling and the creation of a tracking & placement system for high school students, he has managed operations at academic sites and ensured that programs met grant requirements, he has created a college intern network and utilized resources to connect students to employers, and he has collaborated with stakeholders such as school personnel, case managers, and program managers in creating strategies for student academic improvement.

 He is also a professional mime artist who has traveled internationally developing dance workshops, conferences, and productions and in the process of developing Bodimetrics, a systematic approach to empowering individuals to discover their identities through freedom in movement. He was a dance instructor/facilitator for International Dance Commission of Atlanta where he was awarded the “Pioneer of Mime” and has served as a consultant and dance instructor for Positive Images of Self Expression (PISE) where among his many achievements, he developed a successful internship program, allowing high school and college students to gain valuable journalism, business, and communication experience. He is currently one of the fitness and dance coordinators for UCLA Instant Recess and Let’s Move LA.

Samuel has completed post-graduate work in Public Administration and Negotiation / Conflict Resolution at California State University – Dominguez Hills, where as an Adjunct Faculty member, he taught goal setting, stress management and time management.

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JESSIE RYAN – CONFERENCE INSTRUCTOR

Jessie Ryan, originally hailing from New Jersey, spent much of her upbringing in the New York City dance scene. She trained at Steps on Broadway, Dance New Amsterdam, and Broadway Dance Center, were she later taught Modern for the Children and Teen Program. She has shown choreography at HATCHed Performance Series and PMT Showcases. She holds a BFA in dance from Adelphi University, a Pilates Mat certification from Dance New Amsterdam, and a personal training certification from National Academy of Sports Medicine. She was a dancer and guest choreographer for LMproject and The Dance Theatre Company. In New Jersey, she was the co-founder of The Moving Company, serving as both artistic director and choreographer. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Dance from University of California, Irvine.

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ASCENSION DANCE MINISTRY (FITNESS FOR YOUR TEMPLE / DRAMA)

Ascension is a liturgical dance ministry comprised of three women (Venetia James, Melinda McClain and Wanel Thomas) who connect by their faith in Jesus Christ, discovering and journeying together to create choreography that interprets the gospel through artistic dance movement.  Formed in 2008 in Sacramento California, Ascension’s mission is to execute artistic expressions of dance in excellence to honor the Lord Jesus Christ.  Collectively with over 20 years of dance training experience in Jazz, African, Modern and Contemporary techniques,  Ascension’s vision is to share the gift of salvation by presenting dance in excellence and precision using Theography - the study of God and dance.

Ascension takes their God-given spiritual gifts and talents very seriously, and believes in a strong work ethic, prayer life, and active study of the Word of God.  Ascension intends to fulfill the vision of the ministry given to them by God by sharing theography at dance workshops and assisting other praise dance ministries in perfecting the praise in dance. In fact, Ascension participates annually at the Gospel Heritage Praise and Worship conference as guest presenters and instructors for the praise dance division.  More recently, Ascension has featured on BET's Bobby Jones Gospel Show as guest dancers along with the Nashville Superchoir throughout the 2010 -11 season.  Furthermore, Ascension has recently formed “Extension” which is a dance apprentice program in Sacramento, California that focuses on mentoring and equipping young adult Christian dancers to serve God through artistic expressions of dance in pursuit of their own unique purpose; the program currently consists of 20 dancers. 
  
Lastly, Ascension works closely with internationally known greeting card company, African American Expressions and are featured throughout their “Total Praise” division of calendars, journals, and bible covers dating back to 2005 and for the current year of 2011.   Ascension’s prayer, as they share the gift of salvation, is for God to continue to enlarge their territory.

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DONALD MCKAYLE – SPECIAL GUEST MASTER CLASS INSTRUCTOR
Professor of Dance
Artistic Director of UCI Dance
Director UCI Etude Ensemble

Donald McKayle, recipient of honors and awards in every aspect of his illustrious career, has been named by the Dance Heritage Coalition "one of America’s Irreplaceable Dance Treasures: the first 100." His choreographic masterworks, considered modern dance classics, Games, Rainbow Round My Shoulder, District Syoryville, and Songs of the Disinherited are performed around the world. He has choreographed over seventy works for dance companies in the United States, Canada, Israel, Europe, and South America. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley, the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, and the Lula Washington Dance Theatre serve as repositories for his works. He is Artistic Mentor for the Limón Dance Company. Ten retrospectives have honored his choreography. In April 2005, Donald McKayle was honored at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and presented with a medal as a Master of African American Choreography.

In 2001, he choreographed the monumental ten-hour production of Tantalus, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company in collaboration with the Denver Center Theatre Company. Five Tony Nominations have honored his choreography for Broadway musical theater: Sophisticated Ladies, Doctor Jazz, A Time for Singing, and for Raisin, which garnered the Tony Award as Best Musical, and for which he received Tony nominations for both direction and choreography. For Sophisticated Ladies he was also honored with an Outer Critics Circle Award and the NAACP Image Award. His most recent choreography for Broadway was showcased in It Ain’t Nothing’ But the Blues that earned a Tony nomination for Best Musical. He received an Emmy nomination for the TV Special, Free To Be You and Me. His work for film includes Disney’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks, The Great White Hope, and The Jazz Singer. His other media awards include a Los Angeles Drama Logue Award for Evolution of the Blues  and a Golden Eagle Award for On the Sound.

In dance he has received the Capezio Award, the Samuel H. Scripps/American Dance Festival Award,  the American Dance Guild Award, a Living Legend Award from the National Black Arts Festival, the Heritage Award from the California Dance Educators Association, two Choreographer’s Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Dance/USA Honors, an Irvine Fellowship in Dance, the Martha Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, the Annual Award from the Dance Masters of America, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dance Under the Stars Choreography Festival, the Black College Dance Exchange Honors, the Dance Magazine Award, and the American Dance Legacy Institute’s Distinguished  and Innovative Leadership Award, among others.

For his work in education, he has earned the Balasaraswati/Joy Ann Dewey Beinecke Endowed Chair for Distinguished Teaching, UCI’s Distinguished Faculty Lectureship Award for Research, and he is a recipient of the UCI Medal, the highest honor given by the University of California, Irvine.  At the University of California, Irvine he has also been awarded the title of Claire Trevor Professor in Dance, an endowed chair, and is a Bren Fellow. Mr. McKayle has served on the faculties of numerous international forums and many prestigious national institutions including the Juilliard School, Bennington College, Bard College, Sarah Lawrence College, the American Dance Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and was Dean of the School of Dance at the California Institute of the Arts.

His autobiography, Transcending Boundaries: My Dancing Life, published by Routledge was honored with the Society of Dance History Scholar’s De La Torre Bueno Prize. A television documentary on his life and work, Heartbeats of a Dance Maker, was aired on PBS stations throughout the United States.

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NICKOL GERRITSMA – CONFERENCE FACILITATOR/INSTRUCTOR/MPM VENDOR

Nickol Gerritsma began making and using flags, banners and streamers for worship in 2005. 
As an artist she enjoys partnering with the Holy Spirit to create silk banners as tools for praise. These handmade silk banners have been taken around the world to minister in worship and intercession. Her heart is serve the Lord with banners, and to equip others to do the same, which helps to unite the church, and brings the freedom of expressive and extravagant worship.
In 2007 she wrote her first book on banner worship and completed the second in 2010. She travels to minister in prophetic dance, teach flagging, streamers and billows and sharing her unique banners often. In finding personal freedom, healing and grace while using banners in worship, she enjoys sharing her testimony and seeing others likewise set free. It is for freedom's sake that Christ has set us free!

Nickol has been married for 11 years and is expecting her 5th child in June.

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