April Devotion: Redeem

What does it mean to be redeemed? Maybe you think of a time when you redeemed yourself on stage or in class, perfectly executing the step that escaped you in the last attempt. Maybe you think of redeeming a coupon or a promo code when you checkout and complete a purchase, the rescue of something pawned, or the payment of a ransom. No matter how you define this month’s devotion word, there is a common thread: A willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Whether it’s sacrificing your time or your pride as you work to correct a past wrong, sacrificing the cost of goods to honor a promotion, or sacrificing what you have to rescue or restore, in order to be made new, something’s got to give. For us as Christians, the ultimate example of redemption is the redeeming of humanity, and our reconciliation with God, through the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. (1 Peter 1:18-19)

 In the book of Ruth, Boaz was known as a kinsman-redeemer. Even though another family member was next in line, Boaz stepped in to assume the role, willingly sacrificing his finances and reputation to protect Ruth and Naomi from poverty and restore their status in the community. And just as Boaz stepped up to redeem his kin, we, too, have been redeemed, saved by grace, through the intervention and willing sacrifice of another. Everyone was born into sin, separated from God after the fall of man in Eden. (Romans 3:23) And just like Ruth and Naomi, we are powerless to change it on our own. But we’ve been redeemed. Jesus sacrificed his life so that ours could be eternal.

 Let’s break it down in this month’s memory verse, Ephesians 1:7:

 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”

 Paul is referring to the crucifixion here, as sufficient payment to cover the sins of all who believe. There’s no fine print on the payment receipt. There’s no expiration date on the coupon. We were born into a wrong that He’s already made right. Through His willing sacrifice, we are released from the eternal penalty and the earthly power of our sins. By the grace of God, which gives salvation, the ultimate price for us has already been paid.

 This is grace. It is only through Jesus that we have a way (John 14:6) to salvation (Acts 4:12). And while our freedom was not “free,” because Jesus gave everything, God provided a free way to know Him by faith. Paul goes on to say in Ephesians 2:8, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

 As we continue to reflect on the dance year behind us and look forward to a new season looming, think about who you were before Jesus redeemed you. What has His sacrifice saved you from? How has Jesus restored your status with God? Are there things you’re still trying to overcome? Where do you need His protection today? Trust in Him, our redeemer, who willingly sacrificed his son for our freedom.

Turning Pointe’s Top 5 Things To Do Over Spring Break

Spring has sprung, and Spring Break is here! Our doors are closed this week, but we’re excited to be back to classes on Monday, March 28. And while we’re all enjoying some much-needed time away from the barre, there are some things we encourage you to do this week to keep brains and bodies engaged and feeling their healthiest. Afterall, the first day back in the studio is the first day of Spring Peek Week! So if you find yourself missing class, or if you have some commute time to fill, here’s the latest Turning Pointe Top 5: Things To Do Over Spring Break!

 

1. Plan your Summer Dance Schedule

 We know it’s only March, but summer registration opens Friday, April 1! Check out our School’s Out Workshop Series, six-week summer class schedule and summer camps here, then map out your registration plan! Spots fill up quickly—be ready to lock in your ideal class schedule! First summer at Turning Pointe? You’ll find dates and information on policies, tuition, dress code and more through the same link.

 

2. Practice Active Recovery

 Don’t get us wrong, taking time completely off is so important! But it’s also a good idea to keep your muscles moving, at least a few days a week—especially if you’re preparing for a spring audition or upcoming performance! Engaging in some active recovery exercises (or activities less intense than your normal schedule) can keep your circulation, balance, strength, and nutrients like amino acids and oxygen in check, and help flush out any stiffness, soreness and waste that have built up since your last class. Choose three or four days over Spring Break to go for a walk, hold a little plank, or turn on your favorite worship song and dance.

 

3. Don’t Forget to Stretch

 As we said last week, flexibility is hard won and quickly lost if you’re not consistent. Don’t ignore your goals completely, and set yourself up for a successful return to class by continuing to stretch your muscles every day—even if it’s just 5 minutes. Trust us, when you get back in the studio, you’ll be glad you did! Need some tips and tricks to make the most of your stretching time? Check out last week’s post, our Top 5 Ways to Improve Flexibility, here.

 

4. Get Some Rest

 Yep! Here’s the part you’ve all been waiting for… the part where we tell you to take it easy! Rest is vital for better mental health, increased concentration and memory, a healthier immune system, reduced stress, improved mood, better metabolism, etc. etc. The list goes on and on! Even God rested on the seventh day, so take some time to relax, unplug, and restore your body and mind. Take a nap! Take a bath! Watch some movies, re-read your favorite books or snuggle with your pets. You’ve earned it!

 

5. Spend Some Time with the Lord

 As with everything in life, the best way to go about all of the above-mentioned tasks is to do them hand-in-hand with our Heavenly Father. As you chart out your summer plans, pray over what He has in store for those next steps. Going for a recovery hike? Thank Him for the beautiful views and trails in our city—afterall, practicing gratitude is a great way to unplug and find rest! Play some worship songs or review your memory verses while you’re stretching. Wrap up in a blanket on the couch with your Bible, or even review some Turning Pointe devotions from months past. (They’re all here, just scroll back to the start of each month!)

 No matter how you’re spending this week, we pray you find rest, recovery and closeness with God. We can’t wait to see everyone back next week!

Turning Pointe’s Top 5: Ways to Improve Flexibility

Did you know that increasing your flexibility can reduce the risk of injury? Stretching can decrease muscle fatigue, and even help prevent soreness altogether when practiced consistently. A flexible dancer has more elongated lines, higher-quality movements, and, since stiffness is actually bad for muscles and joints, a healthier body. The best part? There’s always room to improve! Whether you’re new to dance or have been stretching in the studio for years, we can all benefit from some extra at-home flexibility practice.

So here we go! Without further ado, let’s take a look at this week’s TP Top 5: Ways to Improve Flexibility.

1. Warm up your muscles

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to remember that warming up is as essential as your stretches themselves—especially when you’re stretching at home or outside of class! Think of your muscles like caramel candies (stay with me here)... when cold or even room temperature, trying to bend the caramel will cause it to break. But the warmer the candy, the softer and more pliable it becomes. So before you jump into an at-home stretching routine, be sure to warm up first, whether that’s taking your dog for a walk, doing a few barre combinations or just dancing it out to your favorite song.

2. Commit to Consistency

As with anything in life, practice makes perfect. And when it comes to stretching, practicing frequently and consistently is key. Let’s face it, our muscles aren’t naturally as flexible as dancers need them to be, otherwise we’d all be able to do a perfect middle split. Flexible positions are long fought for and quickly lost, so it’s important to stretch every day in order to maximize your improvement. Short on time? It’s better to stretch for 5 minutes every day than to stretch for an hour once a week. We suggest having a simple stretching routine, even if it’s just 5 minutes, that you practice every day.

3. Have a Balanced Routine

When creating your daily stretching routine, make sure you’re not skipping over any parts of your body. It’s easy to focus on areas that are sore, or even just on our legs as dancers. And while it’s good to spend a little extra time stretching the tight spots, it’s important to give everything your attention. Remember, increasing your flexibility makes for healthier, happier joints, and prevents injuries… that goes for your shoulders, back and feet, too! (Just make sure you warm up your whole body, too!)

4. Practice Static AND Dynamic Stretches

 Attaining healthy flexibility is so much more than sitting in your splits forever. In addition to the balance and frequency mentioned above, it’s also important to practice a healthy mix of moving and stationary stretches. Remember that caramel analogy? Sometimes your muscles benefit more from a slow, gentle, rolling movement rather than simply sitting in a stretch, especially if you haven’t committed to a class or extended exercise routine beforehand. Need help? Let’s talk about a pike stretch. Instead of sitting down, reaching for your toes and struggling to stay in it, add some dynamic movement by sitting up tall, placing your hands on your thighs, then slowly rolling forward over your legs as you slide your fingertips toward your feet. Exhale, roll all the way back up, and repeat this motion 5-6 times, trying to reach a little farther each time. On your last repetition, add a static stretch by holding at your lowest point for 30 seconds.

5. Breathe!

 This may sound more obvious than warming up, but when the going gets tough, we tend to hold our tension in our lungs… that is, we forget to breathe! Not only do your muscles need oxygen, but breathing into a stretch can actually help you relax, and allow a deeper stretch. Feel a tight spot? Breathe into it, let it go, and sink a little deeper. When you’re practicing a static stretch, think inhale to lengthen, exhale to stretch farther. If you still find yourself breathless, try shifting your thought process. Instead of thinking, “I’m going to hold this stretch for 30 seconds,” think, “I’m going to hold this stretch for 5 slow, deep breaths.”

 There you have it! Want to kick it up a notch? Pair the tips above with our Top 5 Ways to Increase Your Strength at Home to really maximize your improvement.

March Devotion- Reflect

There are two different ways to define this month’s devotional word: To show the likeness of an image, or outline, as the water reflects the clouds, or to realize and consider, as we reflect on the steps of a journey that led to the capstone of another dance season. Even though the calendar year just started, the school-year season is nearing its end. Choreography is finishing up in every classroom, and believe it or not, recitals begin in a single-digit number of weeks. As we march closer toward the final performance, toward graduations, new plans and next chapters, as we reflect on the steps that brought us here, let’s not forget to reflect on God’s goodness, and shine the likeness of the one true God as He leads us across the finish line of 2021-22.

 Proverbs 27:19 tells us that “As the water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” Our lives are a reflection of the ideals and faith we hold in our heart. That is, the parts of our lives where we spend the most time and energy reveal what's really important to us, right?  Let’s look at this in terms of dance. If we’ve spent the season really focusing on timing and unison, those efforts are going to show on stage. If we’ve neglected our timing and focused entirely on our ability to spot during turns, that’s going to be reflected in our performance, too. Likewise, in life, if we’ve been so focused on making our own plans, but neglecting the one who determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9), our hearts will reflect those efforts accordingly.

 In order to get the most out of this month’s focus, the two ways of looking at this month’s word need to go hand-in-hand. Let’s start by looking at our verse of the month, 2 Corinthians 2:18:

 “And we all, with unveiled face, reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the spirit.”

 Paul’s words here are powerful. First in describing the separation between sinful people and God’s glory, and how God’s Holy Spirit removes the “veil” of hardness and allows those in Christ to see the glory He has revealed in Jesus. Then, with the veil gone, how we boldly look at Christ, and see Him for who and what He is. Only then, with unveiled face, can we understand the nature of Christ, and begin the process of our own transformation. Paul writes that this change happens from “one degree of glory to another.” It’s not something we can accomplish ourselves overnight. Rather, we will become more and more like Him as we are changed by the Spirit over time. Where we focus our hearts is what our lives will reflect.

 As you reflect on the days that brought you here, reflect on God’s goodness, on His faithfulness, and on who He is, with unveiled face. Let your reflections in turn reflect His light to those around you. Dwell on His promises, and reflect His word as your reflection becomes more like a reflection of God, “for this comes from the Lord, who is the spirit.”

2021-22 Outreach Roundup

At Turning Pointe Dance, our mission is to fully develop artistic skills and talents in an atmosphere that is glorifying to God, and to encourage our students to use their gifts to bless others in our community and beyond. And as James 2:14 puts it, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have the works?” Our staff and students practice what we preach, building community partnerships as we shine His light with the gifts He has given us.

 Check out a few of our outreach and service efforts from the 2021-22 dance season to date, and join us as we continue to minister to our community next month at the downtown Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

 Turning Pointe’s Irish students will perform on the Chick-Fil-A float, followed by a free family ceili at the studio. Interested in celebrating this holiday in the proper tradition? Watch the parade on Tejon Street at Noon on March 12, then bring your family and friends to Turning Pointe and try it for yourself at 3 p.m.!

Dream Big and Dive In!

Are you ready to take your journey to the next level? Whether your dreams are to dance professionally, perform on Broadway, teach in a studio or simply grow in your overall knowledge of theater, stage and dance training, Turning Pointe has a program to help you reach your goals. Through our three divisions—the Training Division, Fidèle Youth Dance Company, and STARZ Theater Company—students interested in ballet training, dance performance, or musical theater can dive deeper than their weekly classes, learning the ins and outs of the professional dance and theater world in a safe, healthy and uniquely faith-based setting.

 Want to know more? Read on for an introduction to each division, then join us at the studio this Saturday, February 26, for an in-person meeting to answer all your questions.

 The Training Division

Informational Meeting Saturday, February 26, from 10-10:30 a.m.

 The Training Division is for dancers ages 10 through adults who are interested in studying Classical Ballet. Studying ballet takes repetition, drive, and commitment. At Turning Pointe, we provide unique pre-collegiate Classical Ballet training for students in a Christian environment and encourage students to train their bodies and spirits for the glory of God.

 In this division, dancers are required to come to ballet technique class three times a week and choose a non- ballet elective (contemporary jazz, worship, modern, etc.). Moving up to the next level is based on ability, not age, and a placement class is required to audition. With the division’s structured program, students gain an appreciation for art, preparation to pursue dance in college, and the ability to springboard into additional training for a professional career. With experienced teachers, cohesive programing and mentorship, students are inspired to become their best self for their family, for the community, and for God.

 For more information, read the Training Division Handbook here.

 Fidèle Youth Dance Company

Informational Meeting Saturday, February 26, from 10:30-11:15 a.m.

 Established in 2014, Fidèle Youth Dance Company is a performance division of Turning Pointe Dance. FYDC’s mission is to impact our community for His Kingdom through the arts, providing students with a healthy and Christ-centered training environment and the opportunity to receive pre-professional training and performance experience. Students audition in the Spring or Summer and rehearse on Saturdays from the season kick-off in July through a final production in mid-November.

Members of Fidèle (French for “faithful”) work with guest instructors to expand their vocabulary and skill sets in dance and acting through movement, participate in weekly Bible study, worship dance and devotion time, and are assigned to prayer groups that allow students to connect, encourage and support each other through fellowship and prayer. FYDC uses the arts as a reflection of God’s creativity, creating a legacy of faith-based productions that transcend the studio and stage.

 For more information, visit FideleYouthDanceCompany.com.

 STARZ Theater Company

Informational Meeting Saturday, February 26, from 11:15 a.m.-Noon

 Starz Theater Company is designed to offer foundational theatrical training, dance technique, and vocal training in a safe environment. Students will learn fine arts skills, build relationships, and learn the ins and outs of stage productions. STC’s desire is to honor God in all they do and serve Him with the talents He has entrusted to them. STC practices this through shared devotions and outreach opportunities. Students will grow as both artists and God’s workmanship as they study, fellowship and worship through their craft. STC desires to be a light in the darkness, stars in this fallen world, who use the arts to direct others toward the love of Christ.

 STC offers year-round opportunities to students from 3rd-12th grade at any point in their theater training through two large-scale musical productions and two Young Performer Summits per season, in addition to theater classes and fundamental training at Turning Pointe. The developmental goals of STC are to develop and strengthen well-rounded, dynamic performers who are grounded in their “whys,” technically equipped, possess organizational performance skills and grasp an understanding of the power and purpose of the arts.

 For more information, visit STARZTheater.org.

TP Top 5: Valentine Activities to Celebrate God’s Love

Happy Valentine’s Day, Turning Pointe family! This month, our littlest students are studying love as a Fruit of the Spirit, and memorized Matthew 22:37, “love the Lord with all your heart.” As we spend this holiday surrounded by love and candy hearts, check out some suggestions below for additional activities you can do to celebrate God’s love with your dancers!

 1. Make a God’s Love Craft

 Start by making a cross with whatever you have at home—this can be popsicle sticks, construction paper, cardboard, etc. Then find a heart to stick in the center, like a sticker, a construction paper cutout or even a candy heart. Attach your heart, then draw arrows at the ends of all four points of your cross, pointing outward in each direction to remind your students how high, how long, how deep, and how wide the love of God is. Read Ephesians 3:18 together and talk about it! Then find a place to display your cross to be reminded of God’s love all month long.

 2. Make a Heart Wall

 Start by making a big pile of paper hearts, then talk about all the ways God loves us (by forgiving our sins, by bringing us into His family, by making us new, etc.), or how you’ve seen God’s love in your life lately. Write each one down on a heart, then stick each one up on a wall to see just how much He loves us. Stuck on what to write? What does the Bible say about love?

 3. Dance it Out

 Alternate singing the lines of some classic songs like “Jesus Loves Me,” “Jesus Loves the Little Children” or “I’ve Got the Joy Joy Joy Joy Down in my Heart.” Talk about the words and what you’re singing about, then look up the scriptures that inspired each lyric. Make up a dance to go along with each sentiment, show off what you’ve been working on in class and perform your verse and song together with family or friends!

 4. Find God’s Love at Snack Time

 Start by finding a snack or meal that has a hole in the middle, like a bagel, a donut, Fruit Loops or Cheerios, dried apple rings or pineapple rings. Then find a complimentary food like strawberries, and cut them into heart shapes. Talk about how on our own, there’s something missing! Cover the hole with a heart and talk about how God’s love makes us whole, and when we’re filled with His love, we’re not missing anything! You can even go a step farther (if your snack permits) and discuss how “the Holy Spirit spreads God’s love over us” with cream cheese, icing, peanut butter, etc.

 5. Spread the Love

 When we really understand God’s love, it overflows through us! But we’re not called to keep all that love for ourselves—we’re called to show God’s love by serving others! Valentine’s Day is a great time to spread love. Take some time this week to make little goodie bags filled with treats, scripture passages, notes of encouragement, etc., and hand them out to neighbors, teachers, bus drivers, cowerkers, strangers… really anyone you see throughout your days! Short on supplies? Start small and fill out a card or heart for your teacher or TA the next time you’re at Turning Pointe. The front desk staff will provide the materials, hang them on your classroom door and even make sure your teachers get all of their love at the end of the month!

February Devotion: Regard

Ah, new month, new devotion. As Christians, we use this word to describe our one-on-one time with God, usually spent in prayer, dancing, reading our Bibles or studying scriptures and prompts shared by others—any way we can grow in our faith and exercise our devotion to Him. No, that’s not our Bible study word of the month, but one of its synonyms is: Regard.

 Devotion is to have constant regard for, and dedication to, someone. To regard is to consider or think of someone with great awe or devotion. And while their meanings do differ in some ways, both words are defined by their relationship to something or someone else. Both words are selfless, and rooted in humility, just as He has called us to be.

 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.                                                                                                                      — Philippians 2:3-4

 I think maybe the biggest reflection of our brokenness is how we don’t instinctively think of others. We regard ourselves and our own interests first and foremost, often getting lost in a me-centered world that revolves around what we want or think we need. Even when we talk a selfless talk, there always seems to be a hint of our own self-satisfaction peeking through our heart and motives. But, according to both Matthew 23:12 and Luke 14:11, those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

 We are called to put ourselves last (Philippians 2:3), to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13), and to value the interests of others above our own (Philippians 2:4), just as Jesus did, but that’s not to say we should disregard ourselves. In our verse of the month, Paul encourages a mindset that gives up self-indulgence and instead acts collectively with regard to the advancement of others. Not to carry an attitude of inferiority. Mark 12:31 says to love our neighbors as ourselves, not love our neighbors, not ourselves. By turning this passage into a cross of self-deprecation, we’re once again making it about ourselves—which is the opposite of Paul’s intent.

 Let’s remember the heart of this month’s word and devotion. This scripture does not revolve around you. It’s important to remember that Paul is addressing a whole nation here: “but to each of you,” look to the interests of others. Humility is possible by the grace of God, and through His people collectively acting with regard to each other just as He constantly shows His devotion to us. Paul is encouraging us to join a selfless community that looks out for each other, to practice selflessly serving the needs of those around us without regard to our own self-serving desires, but rather devote ourselves to furthering the good of everyone, loving others the way we have been and continue to be loved by Jesus.

 To put it simply, putting yourself down is not lifting others up. Likewise, lifting yourself up does not look after the interests of others. There is a balance rooted in selflessness, following Jesus’ example in regard to others. Seems tricky, right? You’re absolutely right. It’s a balance we’re not capable of finding on our own. We can’t love those around us unconditionally if we ourselves haven’t received unconditional love, and the only one who loves us perfectly is Jesus Christ. If our worth and value are planted in anything other than Him, we will continue to wrestle with selfishness, regarding others the way the world does, not the way He has shown and taught us. Instead, let’s listen for the Holy Spirit, and learn to respond with regard for humble generosity, placing value on the interests of others as we grow and flourish in Him together.