hurchgoers may attend services for the powerful praise and worship or to hear the enticing message preached by the pastor. Yet how often is one fully aware of God’s presence?
With the constant distractions of gossip, cranky children or flirting happening in the place of worship, is the purpose of church being fulfilled or diluted?
Sabra Logan recognizes this detrimental quandary and strives to bring it to the forefront through the art of dance. Logan is the founder and executive director of Iibada Dance Company.
She felt the Lord leading her to represent these distractions in the art of dance through a production entitled, “Glorious–The Redemption.”
“God is asking the question, ‘are you really listening to me?’ Sure, you attend church but are you really present in that moment,” Logan asked. “One of the purposes of church is to be refreshed spiritually for the week ahead – is anyone receiving that? This is an awareness type of production.”
The audience will be captivated by the alluring choreography, foot stomping, and hand clapping and become emotionally driven as they peek into the day-in-the-life of a Southern church. “Glorious–The Redemption” was first introduced to Indianapolis in 2005, but in August Iibada will bring a new dynamic to this electrifying show.
The structure is the same, but the pieces are different, she reveals. According to Logan, everything you experience in church is what you will experience in dance, from the altar call to the tithes and offering. This is the choreography that glorifies God, while telling a story.
Seventeen-year-old dancer and teacher, Destiny Casson, will assist in expressing the inspired tale.
“This play allows me to use the gift God has given me while worshiping him at the same time. There is a renewed love for dance for me every time I dance. This is embedded in me, I have a spiritual connection,” Casson said.
That correlation was ignited 13 years ago for Casson and she realizes the crucial role the dancers play in relating with the audience.
“We hope that the dancing speaks to what church really should be about despite the clichés,” she said. “There will be people of various backgrounds, religion and cultures in the audience and we want them all to experience something different and enjoy themselves.”
Since 1989, Iibada, which means “worship” in Swahili, has built a reputation on its moving stage performances. According to Logan, this production will be no exception.
“The concept and information that comes out of it is absolutely amazing. Plus, it’s comical. God is funny and it’ll be nice to laugh at something positive. We are bringing something different to the table.”
For more information about the Iibada Dance Company, visit iibadadance.org.
– “Glorious–The Redemption” will premiere Aug. 2-5 at Marian University Theatre, 3200 Cold Spring Road.
– Show times are at 7 p.m. Aug. 2 through Aug. 4; and 4 p.m. Aug. 5. Tickets are $5 (Community Day) Aug. 2; $25 VIP, $20 adults, $15 children aged 12 and younger and groups of 15 or more on Aug. 3-5.
