Moving with JOY

Rehearsals are going well. We've learned all the scenes and not it's time to practice, practice, practice. This morning we worked on the opening scene and "moving with JOY." In one of our meetings we were taught that since we have a unique mission here, our mission language is unique, too. Our mission language is MOVEMENT. That may sound strange unless you've seen the pageant. The stage is huge with a large slant. In order for the audience to really see what we're doing and trying to express, all of our movements need to be big, purposeful, and enthusiastic. We practiced by watching each other and it was interesting to see how hard it is. We really are all learning a new language. I am loving it though! Over exaggerating everything and interacting with others while moving my whole body making angles and different levels is hard, and on top of that smiling and singing, is tough, but I know that it really does communicate so much to the audience. One of the stage managers quoted a line from Preach My Gospel that basically says when you stretch yourself in learning a new language, you allow the spirit to have a greater chance to touch the hearts of those who are listening (with their eyes). That is not exact, but it really hit me that my movement on stage is a language and moving with joy can bring the spirit to testify to those who are watching. It's exhausting, but very fulfilling to rehearse and perform. I am so grateful for this opportunity.