Sacred Dance is a comprehensive guide to using movement as a powerful form of spiritual expression and worship. Written for dancers of every level, it explores the intersection of faith and artistry and offers practical ways to honor God through dance. From treating the body as a temple to shaping music, lighting, and costume with intention, you’ll learn to infuse every element with divine purpose. The book includes exercises, biblical references, and professional guidance to deepen both technical skill and spiritual life, emphasizing body awareness, scripture engagement, and disciplined practice. Sacred Dance equips you to transform your movements into an offering of praise and to draw closer to God with every step—whether you’re new to sacred dance or seasoned. Begin the journey where movement and faith unite, and let your body become an instrument of worship.

achelor of Sacred Dance (BSD) — Academy of Ministries

Vision
Form Spirit-led artist-leaders who embody Scripture, shepherd communities, and innovate worship through movement, grounded in tradition and amplified by ethical technology.

Why the BSD at Academy of Ministries
- Scripture-rooted artistry: rigorous theological reflection woven into creative practice.
- Deep formation: prayerful embodiment, discernment, humility, pastoral presence.
- Versatile technique: modern, ballet, African, Afro-Caribbean, Middle Eastern, improvisation, with Laban/Bartenieff fundamentals.
- Leadership that serves: rehearse, teach, pastor teams, and direct ministries with cultural intelligence and care.
- Ethical innovation: leverage AI and digital tools with clear boundaries that honor people, cultures, and Sabbath.

What you’ll learn
- Spiritual formation for sustainable, Spirit-led practice.
- Dance technique that is safe, versatile, and expressive.
- Choreography for congregations and stage, biblically rooted and theologically sound.
- Leadership and pedagogy for teams, classes, and ministries.
- Theological integration across Scripture, church history, liturgy, and ethics.
- Technology fluency for choreography, teaching, media, research, and community engagement.

AI and digital technology, wisely integrated
- Teaching: motion-capture/pose apps for alignment feedback, AI-assisted lesson planning, reflective learning journals, captioning/transcription for accessibility.
- Performance/design: projection mapping, interactive visuals, AR/VR sacred spaces, AI-assisted music/soundscapes, lighting and stagecraft software, livestream/OBS.
- Research: AI text analysis of liturgy/hymns, global sacred-dance digital archives, movement-notation tools, data-informed ministry evaluation.
- Administration/community: digital portfolios, planning/scheduling apps, privacy-first consent workflows, engagement analytics.
- Ethics: consent, choreography copyright, dataset bias, cultural appropriation, Sabbath/tech boundaries.

Program at a glance
- Format: 8 semesters (4 years), ensemble work and ministry practicum each year.
- Learning model: studio + seminar + fieldwork; in-person training with digital enhancement.
- Experiences: worship services, stage productions, community partnerships, capstone performance, and a polished digital portfolio.
- Mentoring: faculty advising, pastoral care, and peer formation groups.

Sample courses
- Spiritual Formation I–IV: Embodied Prayer and Scripture
- Technique Sequence: Modern, Ballet, African, Afro-Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Improvisation
- Movement Literacy: Laban/Bartenieff
- Choreography I–III: Congregational and Stage Works
- Leadership and Pedagogy for Ministry Teams
- Theological Reflection: Scripture, Liturgy, Church History, Ethics
- Tech Studios: Motion Capture, Projection/AR/VR, Media and Livestream
- Ethics of Technology and Cultural Intelligence
- Capstone: Sacred Dance Production and Ministry Portfolio

Who this is for
- Emerging worship artists, dance ministers, choreographers, and teaching artists called to shepherd communities through movement.
- Leaders seeking robust theology, excellent technique, and ethical tech fluency.

Outcomes
- Worship arts director, dance ministry pastor, choreographer, teaching artist, creative producer, community arts leader.
- Graduates embody Scripture, lead with care, create with integrity, and innovate responsibly.

Ready to begin?
- Apply: submit application, testimony of call, audition/portfolio.
- Visit: sit in on class, meet faculty, attend chapel.
- Talk to an advisor: