Birmingham Dance celebrated their 4th Anniversary by participating in a series of events. In addition to community service, dancing at local events and continuous dance training, one of the events that BD participated in is the annual KIDS Christian Music Center Summer Camp. They learned theatre, choir, handbells and dance in a Christian setting; while the younger children participated in the ORFF program with Mr. Joe Jenkins, Sr. This was a two-week camp which began on Monday July 21st and ended on August 2nd from 5-9:30 p.m. with Founders, Drs. Daniel and Gwendolyn Cason. Free evening meals were served and over 200 children were in attendance.
This year in addition to a finale program, with the Summer Music Camp, there was an additional program at Central Park Baptist Church and many of the children danced with a “live” orchestra. “That was an exciting opportunity for me, said BD member, Anthony,” some dancers never experience dancing with a live orchestra.” The intermediate/advanced dancers of Birmingham Dance also participated in a Master’s Dance Class at Carver Theatre with Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) graduate and college student, Katherine Michelle Files, who now resides in New York, on Saturday, August 2nd at 2 p.m. “I really enjoyed Ms. Files, she was very personable and made us feel comfortable,” mentioned BD member, Sabre.
Then on August 16th, BD organized their 4th Annual Dance Recital. Several groups attended this spectacular event! A rapper by the stage name of “4-Given” opened up with vivacious, rhythmic rhyme. Mime Selections were performed by Anderson “A.J. Womack, Prophetic Praze, Eternally Grateful, Shady Grove Mime Team, The Anointed One and Alabama All Star Mime Team. Vocalists and choirs represented were Erika Williams (Sistas with Voices), Tikara Henderson, Minister Timothy King, Pastor Wayne Dansby, Shady Grove CME Church Praise Ensemble, 1st Missionary Baptist Church of Hueytown Choir and of course, Birmingham Dance was present to execute a couple of beautifully, choreographed selections. “All of the artists were superb and to see them exhibit their gifts in the level of excellence that was shared was breathtaking,” stated Dr. Berry, we share the gospel of Jesus Christ through dance. The program was hosted by Donald Shepherd, founder of the STRAP Foundation at HIS Word Ministries,1200-20th Street North in Birmingham where Apostle Merlin and Co-Pastor Patricia Taylor are Pastors. “Birmingham Dance is an awesome dance team, and the STRAP foundation will do whatever they can to help the children…at the end of the day, it’s not about us…it’s all about the children,” says Mr. Shepherd.
Staff of Birmingham Dance that participated in this grand dance recital event were Dr. Janice Baskin Berry (Founder/Director), Mattheus Rhoden (Assistant to the Director), Sabre Baskin (President), and Bianca J. Upshaw Wilson (Board of Director). Other Members of Birmingham Dance included Anthony Williams, Psalm Baskin, Sahlace Baskin, Seraph Baskin, Aubri Rutledge, Tessley Rutledge, Terri-Michael Fleming, Tikara Henderson.
If you would like to connect with this Community Praise Dance Team or become a part of this ministry next Spring 2015, visit our social media (Facebook and Instagram) @ Birmingham Dance or our website at
www.BirminghamDance.net.
