With a dance degree from University of California Irvine, Tricia Wise wanted to find a way to combine her career in dance and her faith. Starting a Dance ministry accomplished just that. Now with 27 years behind her, she is still inspiring dancers and audiences alike.

Pulling from her background in modern dance, ballet and jazz, Tricia directs and choreographs the Oh be Joyful Dancers, a multi-generational group of performers who in the past have ranged from age 8 to adult.

“I feel so blessed to share God’s love through dance,” said Wise. “Dance moves people deeply because it speaks to the heart.”

With Romans 12:1-2, as a personal mission, the Oh Be Joyful Dancers offer their dance as a “living sacrifice” and a “spiritual act of worship.”

“Dance ministry is exceptional because it is a performance that focuses on a message,” said Wise. “It isn’t about the dancer - it’s deeper. People have been moved to tears by our performances - it’s really special.”

Wise’s current group of dancers are high school age, many of whom have been dancing with her for more than ten years.

“I love being able to see my dancers bring their love of the Lord into their performances.”

The group has played in churches and other venues and even participated in Project Dance, an event in Times Square featuring dance companies that bring a word of encouragement. Rebekah Lindstrom - an Oh Be Joyful dancer since the age of 6 - performed at Project Dance in 2007.

“It was so cool to be a part of that sort of outspoken ministry - right in the middle of Times Square,” said Lindstrom.

Now a senior in high school, Lindstrom has truly enjoyed performing with Oh Be Joyful because of the positive influence it has had on her life.

“The women I dance with are the kind of women I want to be; it’s so encouraging.”

It’s not just the dancers who are encouraged by the group.

“It’s easy to forget how much it impacts people,” said Lindstrom. “What is really great is when people come and tell us afterwards how much our dance affected them - to me it was just a dance. But they saw something else.”

As the Oh Be Joyful Dancers prepare for their upcoming performances, Tricia Wise wants to keep the focus.

“I feel so fortunate that we can use our talents to serve the Lord, It’s all about Him - and I am truly grateful.” Bravo.

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The Oh Be Joyful Dancers will be performing on December 18 at The Christmas around the World Cultural Extravaganza sponsored by POBLO International Ministries in Rochester Hills (for information, contact Cynthia Khan).

The group will also perform on Sunday, Dec. 19 during the 10:15 a.m. Worship Service at Living Water Church and at the 11 a.m. service at St. Luke-Ann Arbor.

For more information about the Oh Be Joyful Dancers, contact Tricia Wise.

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Carly Parker is the Communications Coordinator for St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor. St. Luke is a multi-site community which includes St. Luke-Ann Arbor, Living Water and University Lutheran Chapel. Go to www.stlukeaa.org to read more.