The Word in the Wings
The Word in the Wings gives a behind-the-scenes look at how GPA artists are engaging with Scripture, from study to studio to presenting a Spirit-filled message on stage.
When you read “The Word in the Wings,” you’re invited to learn about the deep, biblical roots of our performance and about how GPA artists make connections between the biblical texts we study and the art you’ll see on stage.
Throughout the year, Jessica Noonan, GPA’s Ministry & Worship Leader, along with guest artists, will share articles connected to GPA productions. We hope this opens the door for even deeper dialogue between you and God as the story of Scripture presents itself in new, perhaps unexpected ways through the medium of movement.
Without further ado...
Regina’s Journey: seek wisdom
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
Regina’s Journey is a fairy-tale ballet with vivid imagery that embodies the abstract theme of seeking wisdom. The ballet’s theme and its use of concrete imagery to represent abstract ideas might bring to mind the biblical book of Proverbs, where the objective of obtaining wisdom is described using the metaphor of seeking something of great value.
Regina’s Journey: beauty along the way
The Word in the Wings
By: Audrey Hammitt
If you’ve ever been in a forest or on a wooded trail, I’m sure you can understand how easy it is to become disoriented if you lose sight of the path. On the other hand, if you are intently keeping your eyes down on the path in front of you, you don’t see the beautiful textures, colors, and light trickling through the branches above and around you. So, to have a safe yet enjoyable experience in the woods, we must find a balance between working hard to stay on the path and using our senses to take in the sights, sounds, and scents around us.
Regina’s Journey: accept grace
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
In Glorify Dance Theatre’s upcoming ballet, Regina’s Journey, the protagonist Regina learns that trust is a key element of wisdom. Proverbs 3 illustrates several dimensions of what it means to trust in God.
Regina’s Journey: always be humble
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
Glorify Dance Theatre’s upcoming ballet Regina’s Journey follows the young Regina as she sets out on a quest to gain wisdom for leading her village, following her mother’s instruction to keep to the path and not stray. The second lesson Regina will learn along the way is, “God can use creatures as small as frogs to help guide you, so always be humble.”
Proverbs 30:24-28 contains poetic lines that consider the wisdom of other small creatures. What can creatures even smaller than frogs teach the people of God about wise ways to live?
Regina’s Journey: stay true to the path
The Word in the Wings
By: Jessica Noonan
Life can be a journey with lots of different paths. Knowing the correct one can be challenging, and that is when we need to seek God for wisdom and discernment. Princess Regina, the protagonist in our new upcoming ballet Regina’s Journey, sets forth on a mission that will eventually give her four life lessons needed to one day rule her kingdom. To prepare the dancers for this production based on the biblical principles of wisdom, we have begun to study Proverbs.
Easter reflection: You Choose
The Word in the Wings
By: Audrey Hammitt
After 40 days of lent–preparing, praying, fasting, giving–we’ve arrived at Eastertide. We celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on a bright Sunday after a dark Good Friday; but what if life doesn’t feel so good? What do we do with the turmoil of emotions inside of us begging to be released?
From the stage: Reflecting El Roi
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
Reflecting El Roi premiers this weekend! How do we prepare, even in the wilderness, in times of waiting, trial, and emptiness, for the blessings we know God is bringing? For “El Roi” sees us, hears us, and reaches out to us even as we prepare for his coming.
Reflecting El Roi: moving Isaiah 40:3-5
The Word in the Wings
By: Jessica Noonan
Over the past two months, Glorify Dance Theatre has been studying Scripture to prepare our hearts for Holy Week, Easter, and the upcoming performances of Reflecting El Roi. We began by asking questions: How does one prepare her heart? Let’s take a look at how the dancers interpreted Isaiah 40:3-5 through movement.
Reflecting El Roi: gracious giving
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
What does Jesus say about the lenten discipline of almsgiving? Fr. Mike Schmitz says almsgiving is something you do consistently to bless others. Luke 4 describes a scene early in Jesus’s ministry where he teaches in the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth and stirs up strong feelings there about what God is doing to bless people.
We encourage you to dig into the Word in the Wings archives to learn about the theology in previous GPA productions. From 2021-2024, Kaya Weaver worked as the Biblical Research and Ministry specialist at Glorify Performing Arts, and her articles provide amazing theological connections to our productions. Check out posts from Kaya as well as other guest artists, and enjoy time growing deeper in your faith.
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