By Haley Farrell
sun student contributing writer
BINGHAMTON — Seton Catholic Central High School’s Dance Ministry Team, Bodies of Christ, has been spreading the message of Christ to their fellow students through dance. Under the direction and choreography of Seton Catholic Central mathematics teacher Miss Jane Conant, the students perform dance routines to faith-based musical selections.
What initially began in the classroom as a motivator quickly grew into a team of 30 students who wanted to extend their praise and worship beyond the classroom. “It was fun starting out the class with one of the dances to get us energized, and now we have the opportunity to learn more dances and perform them for other students,” said junior participant Andrew Salamida. Although dancers range from freshmen to seniors, the students who make up Bodies of Christ share the sole purpose of ministering God’s word through dance and enhancing religious involvement while motivating students to learn. Also joining the team during some performances is the team’s mascot Paddy the Dog.
Chorogeographer and group leader, Miss Jane Conant commented, “The Dance Ministry Team has proven to be a new and unusual educational opportunity for the students.” Through music, dance, and the use of a tambourine, they praise the Lord. As Psalm 150:4 states, “Praise him with timbrel and dance, praise him with strings and pipe.”
Bodies of Christ, sponsored by Ms. Patty Ellis, has visited several Broome County Catholic Schools during the 2009-2010 school year, including St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School in Binghamton, St. Joseph’s School in Endicott, and St. John the Evangelist School in Binghamton. The team also had the privilege of performing as part of the entrance procession of the Southern Region’s Catholic Schools Week Mass which took place during Catholic Schools Week in February, as well as Seton Catholic Central’s annual Mardi Gras Mass also held in February.
After the series of dances, the Dance Ministry Team interacts with the younger students by teaching them one of the dances that was performed. St. Joseph’s principal, Angela Tierno, remarked, “Through dance, these students manifest our Catholic Faith in well trained and beautifully synchronized movements. We are indeed fortunate to have such talented students in our midst.”
Bodies of Christ is available to perform for special events. If you are interested, please contact Miss Jane Conant at (607)723-5307.
