Davis was previously a member of the National Organization of Sacred Dance in Indianapolis, and said she thought it would be a good idea to bring a chapter of the organization to Bloomington.
“The Sacred Dance is basically a body of believers coming together who share a love for dance and a love for God,” Davis said. “The ministry is not just about dance, but it’s really about us growing together in our faith and our relationship with the Lord and sharing the gospel through dance. We believe in basically using our bodies to glorify God and using our bodies to share a message with God’s people.”
The new group is called Reflection of God’s Glory and will have its first callout meeting next fall.
Davis initially brought her idea to the director of the National Organization of the Sacred Dance Institute Tiffany Johnson. Johnson worked with Davis to plan and make sure the chapter at IU will accurately represent the national organization.
“While dance is a medium, there is a difference in doing dance as ministry,” Johnson said. “So we’re excited for those who have a desire to learn and grow and develop in that specific niche — in dance as a ministry.”
Davis said she has put a lot of work into the planning of the organization, and now she is focusing on leadership for the group.
“I just want to really make sure we’re set and we have a good, solid foundation for the ministry so that when we do invite people that they can not just look to me but can look to others on leadership for advice,” she said. “I think it’s important that they understand the ministry and who we are.”
One such leader for the group is junior Clarinda Guevara. Guevara is a part of the Prayer and Praise Worship Committee. The committee will minister to the spiritual side of the group with activities including daily devotionals.
Each rehearsal will begin with prayer, and then the members of the group will be free to share anything that is going on in their lives. The rehearsals will also include Bible studies.
Guevara said her goal in being a part of both the organization and the committee is to touch others.
“I just would really like to make a difference on this campus,” Guevara said. “What I hope to gain is at least one person touched by our ministry. One student across campus to say that their life was changed by Sacred Dance.”
Davis said there is a high level of student interest in joining the group.
“I think people are recognizing that it’s something new and something they haven’t seen before, and I think people are always looking for another community,” Davis said. “I think people are excited for an opportunity to grow in their dance but also in their faith.”
Davis said she is waiting to hear back from the Student Organization Resource Center Committee, which will ultimately decide if the group will become an official campus organization.
“It’ll be the first of its kind here,” Davis said. “So I’m really excited about that.”
