How to Praise Dance With Flags
Many churches are incorporating dance, both choreographed and free style, into services. The explosion of dance as a form of worship is being embraced by not only professional dancers, but also members of the congregation who desire to use their bodies to express praise and thanksgiving to God. Even though you may not ever dance in front of a congregation or in a church setting, using dance in individual devotional time greatly adds to your spiritual experience. Using flags as props may help you when beginning praise dance.
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Instructions
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Praising God using flags
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Purchase or make flags. Choosing flags with a light material such as silk or polyester helps the beginner dancer because the flag will not be so heavy to lift and wave. Buying the flag in person allows you to twirl the flag and determine if the fabric will create the type of movement you desire. Ordering flags online provides greater choices in colors and fabrics, but does not allow you to test the material before purchasing. Making your own flags allows you to design and create exactly what you want.
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Begin by using one flag at a time. Stand firmly in place and grasp the handle of the flag with both hands; this allows for greater support and control. Wave the flag back and forth in front of you. Once you have mastered that technique, swirl the flag from left to right over your head. Repeat the move in the opposite direction. Try using the flag in one hand once you feel confident moving the flag with both hands.
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Sway your body from side to side as you move your flag in front of you and to the left and right over your head. Pick up one foot at a time and get use to the feel of moving your feet at the same time that you wave the flag. Create a fluid motion with your feet, legs and body. Turn in a circle as you extend the flag out in front of you and repeat going the opposite direction. Experiment and add another flag to your other hand as you feel comfortable.
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Play a worship song to practice with. Close your eyes and allow your body the freedom to move to the music, and sway the flags. Open your eyes once you gain more confidence. Stand in front of a mirror and observe the way your body moves and the flow of the flags. Rehearse different motions with the flags such as moving your wrist in a circular pattern both ways; this allows the flag to twirl around the pole.
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Find a friend to practice with. Waving a long piece of billowing fabric between two people is another technique used by dancers and is becoming increasingly popular in worship services. Stand opposite each other and grasp the ends of the fabric. Billow the fabric up and down in the air at the same time, and with the same movement. Hold tight to the fabric so you do not lose your grip.
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Watch online videos demonstrating dance moves with flags. Attend dance workshops; many churches hold workshops and seminars to teach basics, using flags. Invite friends over to practice or reserve a room at church and advertise for other beginner dancers to join you.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit flags image by Svetlana Tikhonova from Fotolia.com
