The evening of September 16 saw Ballet Magnificat!, America’s premiere Christian Ballet Company from Jackson, Mississippi, come to Two Harbors to perform the ballet Prodigal’s Journey. The following day, dance students ages eight and up, with at least 1 year of dance experience, had the unique opportunity to participate in a one-day workshop taught by Ballet Magnificat! company members.
Dance students attended from multiple studios, including Wings of Eagles Ballet Studio and Sterling Dance of Two Harbors; Salt and Light Dance Studio and La Grâce Homeschool Ballet from Duluth; and Legacy Studio of Dance. Students also hailed from Ely, the Iron Range, Faribault, and Austin, Manitoba. Thirty-nine students in total attended, and were divided into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels based upon a combination of skill, experience, and age.
The first class taught to all levels was contemporary. Some students had taken contemporary dance before, but for others it was a whole new world. Contemporary dance features a lot more floorwork, fluidity, and expression than the strictness of classical ballet.
Next came a classical ballet class, with work on technique at barre and at center. Ballet was the dance style most students were more familiar with, so for those unused to contemporary, the familiarity of the ballet class structure was met with relief.
During the third session, advanced students who were en pointe had the opportunity to take a pointe class, while beginner and intermediate/advanced students each had a class termed “variations”. In this class, dancers learned parts of Ballet Magnificat!’s choreography. The intermediate/advanced class learned parts of two selections from Prodigal’s Journey.
The final class of the night was creative worship, which began with the Ballet Magnificat! dancers presenting a simple dance acting out a few Biblical stories, with the theme of Biblical characters faced with a choice. This moved into a time of discussion and worship, and the evening ended with all three levels plus company members doing improv dance.
Student Britta D. enjoyed the workshop. “The performance was great, the workshop was even better! I liked how the teachers were really nice, and that they taught us their dances. It was awesome.”
Other students also commented on the workshop. From Zayden S., “I really liked how they challenged me.” “I liked learning new dances,” Lenora S. added.
Sisters Hanna and Hilda K. shared their thoughts. “Being around such a dedicated group, I was inspired to try to be in Ballet Magnificat! when I am older. I love how they are so strong, and that they do it all for God,” Hilda said. Hanna agreed, “It was so inspiring; I learned so much! It is so beautiful that they dance to glorify God! It makes me want to work harder at ballet. I am so grateful for this opportunity!”.
A heartfelt thanks from all the families goes out to Lovin’ Lake County for making the workshop affordable, Ballet Magnificat! for inspiring young dancers, and First Baptist Church for the use of their facilities. Everyone is hoping to have this opportunity again next year!
