“And David danced before the LORD with all his might…” — 2 Samuel 6:14

Laud Dance Ministry, a non-denominational dance troupe drawn from churches across the Kingston and St Andrew, grounds it’s work in this verse from the Bible , adding that its dancers use the art form to proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and take back dance as a means to praise God.

Founded in 2006 with nine dancers, the troupe has grown to a total of 50 dancers and choreographers, starting from as young as 4 years old.

Artistic director Nickeisha Jones noted that just as David danced before the lord, her dancers are committed to to spreading the word through dance.

The company is currently preparing for its annual season of dance set for October 13 and 14 at Little Theatre in St Andrew. This year the performance will be staged under the theme ‘Incomplete’.

“Patrons can come expecting a Holy Ghost-filled event with dance at the highest level. We like to say ministry is our primary aim, then comes technique. We are proud of the piece Hanna and Penina, to which we have added a Jamaican twist. We will present a series of pieces with strong storylines. The choreographers are Dextrose Francis, Janelle McLean, Shanelle Buchanan, Robertha Daley, Daron Mitchell and myself, ” she told the Jamaica Observer.

Over the years Laud Dance Ministry has amassed an impressive record at Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s festival of the arts, and during the season of performances some of these winning works will be showcased as well as the winners of a dance and sign language competition for churches across the island, which culminated on Saturday, August 25 to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the dance ministry.

— Richard Johnson