An Invitation to Worship

Praise Academy of Dance, Jamaica welcomes you to its 32nd Season of Dance entitled, "Invitation to Worship," which depicts the required change of mindset that is necessary in order for us as a people to do an introspection of the kind of worship God requires from us at this time as individuals, churches, communities, and as a nation. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." The body of Christ of which we are a part has been given a mandate to be effective witnesses in the way we display worship because worship is a lifestyle. It's the way we live, act, and treat others. The nation is groaning for such a people who will be consistent in crying out for our nation's children, putting other people's interests above their own, depending upon the Holy Spirit to empower us and see us through. There's an open heaven of blessings, favor, and hope awaiting all who are called by this Invitation, once we walk in obedience to the word of God and being transparent without compromise. We give praise and thanksgiving to our great God Almighty who has been with us these 32 years, guiding each step we make. To our Management Team, teaching staff, prayer team, dancers, parents, sponsors, and friends of the academy, we say thank you for your unwavering support and commitment. Feel free to abandon yourself in worship, by lifting your hands, cry if you want to as you celebrate a God who is faithful to this institution He established. Don't forget that He has a blessing for you and your name is written on it.

It is with great joy and heartfelt gratitude to God that I welcome you to the 32nd staging of our annual production, marking 32 years of ministry through dance. As we celebrate this significant milestone in the life of our academy, we give thanks for the journey—each step guided by faith, purpose, and a commitment to excellence. This year, under the theme "An Invitation to Worship," we are reminded of the heart of our mission: to glorify God and draw others into His presence through the gift of dance. This theme is more than a title—it is a call to each of us to respond, to engage, and to experience worship in a deeper, more intimate way. Over the years, this academy has been more than a training ground for dancers; it has been a space of spiritual growth, creative expression, and community. Tonight's performance is the fruit of prayer, discipline, and the unwavering dedication of our students, instructors, and support team. To our audience—thank you for your continued encouragement and support. Your presence affirms the power of the arts to inspire, uplift, and connect us to the divine. May this evening's presentation touch your spirit and lead you to accept the invitation—to worship in spirit and in truth. In His service,

Praise Academy of Dance welcomes you and thanks you for joining us as we celebrate our 32nd season of dance. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sharon Samms-Bett, and I am honored and humbled to serve as the new artistic director during this significant period of renewal and growth for the academy. I have been associated with Praise Academy of Dance from its inception and have grown up alongside it, to the point of principal dancer and choreographer, toured internationally with them and owe my salvation experience and development as a 'born again' believer in Jesus Christ in great measure to its impact on my life in providing a significant and authentic worship space in which to encounter the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Dance. I am grateful and truly blessed to be back in this capacity. This year's production has been a profound journey, challenging us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When the Lord revealed this season's theme, "An Invitation to Worship," He provided clear direction regarding its purpose and execution. He instructed us to "build Him a house so that He can dwell." As we reflect on the state of our churches and our nation, it is evident that God is calling us to return to divine order. He is urging us to restore the altar of worship—both in our personal lives and within this Academy. God has chosen to use the creative arts as a vehicle to reveal His glory. He seeks a people who will govern the earth through sincere praise and worship.