VISION

This course provides intense dance training especially in the areas of Performance Dance (contemporary, hiphop, jazz, ballet, modern, etc)in light of dance in missions.  It gives space for the dancer to grow deeper in their unique calling.  This course brings head knowledge together with skill through the heart of the artist – in order to effectively train up skilled dancers who will share the love of Jesus on and off stage!

SCHOOL TOPICS & FORMAT

This course provides intense dance training especially in the areas of Performance Dance (contemporary, hiphop, jazz, ballet, modern, etc).  As well as teachings on topics relevant to the dancer in missions – examples: Biblical Foundation for Dance, Dancer-Prophet, Servant Hearted Artist, Kingdom Minded Artist.  Integrating these areas practically will be done through Dancer-Disciple sessions that will train dancers further in the area of dance stewardship, production, composition/choreography, rehearsals, dance as worship & intercession, small group discussions, research assignments, and of course ministry/performance opportunities.

(**Outreach is required**)

The above can be broken down into roughly four elements:

Spiritual / Dance Relevant Lectures

Dance Application through Technique & Rehearsals

Dance Application through Workshops (composition, pedagogy, etc.)

YWAM Essentials

Chelsea Dawn (Co-Leader 2021)

(pictured above in orange photo)

Chelsea began dance training in her performing arts high school at the age of 15. She underwent a Discipleship Training School (DTS) with Youth with A Mission (YWAM) in 2005 and did another DTS with her husband in 2015. She further completed a secondary course with YWAM San Jose, Costa Rica under the  Bible Core Course program.

Chelsea has had a colorful dance background with YWAM over the years. Having completed a two month program called Dance Summer of Service (DSOS) in 2005, she then went on to finish a School of Dance (previously called School of Dance Studies) in Lakeside, Montana in 2007. All this while having staffed two Schools of Dance from 2009 to 2011.

Chelsea’s specific call is to disciple and mobilize dancers (latin performers in particular) to minister onto fellow dancers and artists as well. Her heart is big for the industry and its lost performers. In an interview, when asked about what her “Ah-ha” moment was on God’s perspective of dance, she said:

“Once on an outreach we performed in a University to Chinese Dance Majors. It was an in-studio exchange. First they performed and then we performed. We weren’t allowed to share about Jesus, so we only told them that this choreography was created with them especially in mind (It was an intercessory piece by choreographer Jolene Konkel). Once we finished performing every dancer had tears in their eyes. We didn’t have to say a word. They were artists and they got it. We were able to pray and chat with them afterward. Art Speaks.”

Recently, she spent a month performing in Minneapolis during the Minnesota Fringe Festival. She has danced professionally with secular and christian companies, taught in various academies. At present, she is working alongside the YWAM Costa Rica Dance department in pioneering the school’s program.

Accreditation

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE NATIONS IS NOT ACCREDITED BY AN ACCREDITING AGENCY RECOGNIZED BY THE UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF EDUCATION.  Admission to the University of the Nations (U of N) and any of its sponsored programs is open to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, and educationally unrelated handicaps. U of N reserves the right to change schedules and course offerings as deemed necessary.