Dance with the Gantt: Liturgical Dance
This program is made possible by the generous support of The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation
Enjoy an uplifting liturgical dance workshop led by Kieta Davis-McGill. Participants will learn about liturgical dance, explore ways to create dance movements from biblical phases, and learn liturgical dance choreography. All dance levels are welcome!
About Liturgical Dance
Liturgical dance, also known as “praise” or “worship” dance, is a form of worship or religious expression within Christian liturgy or sacred rituals. This practice can involve diverse dance styles but is focused on honoring God and enhancing the worship experience.
Liturgical dance is often performed during church services, especially during significant liturgical seasons such as Advent, Christmas, or Easter. It can also be part of special events like baptisms, weddings, or other church celebrations.
About The Instructor
Kieta Davis-McGill has been dancing since she was 5 years old, and studied and trained in various dance disciplines from the Greensboro Ballet, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, UNC Charlotte and CPCC Dance Departments, Charlotte Ballet, and other programs. Davis-McGill has been the guest dance workshop facilitator at various churches, where she shared her love of God through movement. She also taught creative movement classes to expose youth to dance terminology and expression.
In the early 2000s, Davis-McGill began dancing with the Inspirational Dance ministry at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte. She serves as the dance leader and choreographer where her strong belief is that our bodies are living, breathing instruments of praise and she encourages others to "dance through it all".
About The Gantt Golden Year Dancer-in-Residence
LaTanya Johnson’s rhythmic journey blends the art of movement and storytelling through voice, theater, and visual arts.
Johnson choreographed and provided movement coaching for many productions including, A Raisin in the Sun, Seven Guitars, Ain't Misbehavin’, The Bluest Eye, For the Love of Harlem, A Soldier's Play, and The Piano Lesson. She has worked with Theatre Charlotte, On Q Productions, Free Reign Theater Company, and Brand New Sheriff (BNS) Productions. In 2016, Johnson curated a dance series in celebration of the Gantt Center’s 40th Anniversary, entitled "Catch the Dance".
Johnson’s conservatory training includes Philadanco (Philadelphia Dance Company), Historical New Freedom Theatre in Philadelphia, and Urban Bush Women Summer Leadership Institute, to name a few. She is the founder and artistic director of the Sycamore Project, a Charlotte-based “artivist” initiative using the arts to advocate and promote social and environmental justice.