One of Benote Tzion's jobs has been to get folks up
and moving (everyone from babes to 100 years old). Remember Miriam! She was probably at least 90 when she led the women in dance at the Red Sea.
What a celebration they had that day! We have just as much to rejoice over. Do
you know that God dances over us with whirling and shouting? Zeph.3:17 We're also told to
whirl and shout over Him, all you upright in heart (Ps. 32:11). Dance brings
joy; especially, dancing in unison. As we begin moving in unity of dance,
something wonderful happens. Smiles begin breaking out! As joy bursts forth, we become strong and
courageous. The joy of the Lord is our strength! (Nehemiah 8)
In 1985, God birthed the dance team Benote Tzion (Daughters of Zion). The
team is composed of dancers from many different churches. Their ages range from
4 to 60. Many are not trained as dancers but all are worshippers of the Most
High God. Jean Mabry is the director of this company. Carol Armstrong is the
Assistant Director. Carol studied ballet at the Academy of Dance in
Sydney, Australia and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Manitoba, Canada. She also
danced with the American Ballet in Dallas, Texas & The Academy of Dance in
N.Y. Carol teaches interpretive movement from a Ballet and Modern
background. Jean teaches praise dance out of an Israeli & other
International Folk Dance background. Together they teach Praise Dance to
about 100 home-school children in the
area At the end of the semester, a full Concert of Praise is presented. The Little Praiser classes (ages
4-6) are a special joy to all. We all must become as one of these
little ones in humility and unconditional love (Mt. 18). Jean also coordinates a beginning biblical Hebrew language class at various times
throughout the year.
In 1991, God began a new work though Benote Tzion using silk banners. Dancing
silks are so gentle and graceful that they have been a bridge into many churches
that have been closed to dance and movement. They are very easy to use and can
easily be danced with by children and grandmothers alike. The wind of the spirit
is felt as the silks dance in various rhythms and movements. As they slip into a
canopy, many people feel led to lay down under them and allow the billows to
wash over them. There is a sense of entering into the Bridal Canopy. His banner
over me is love. (Song of Songs)
Jean has written a small booklet on Dancing Silks, their beginning history,
instructions for completing the moves, and photos of the movements. We are
presently working on placing that booklet on our web site.
As Jean saw a need for more modesty in dance wear, garments that would honor
God and be less distracting to the flesh, she designed and developed a line of
dance wear called Garments of Praise.
