For Rachael Platt, dancing is about more than just art. It's an expression of faith.
Photo provided
Rachael Platt dances the part of Gomer in rehearsals for Pointes of Faith's “Resurrection.”
Rachael Platt dances the part of Gomer in rehearsals for Pointes of Faith's “Resurrection.”
In fact, she could dance a technically perfect performance and still consider it unsuccessful. It has happened before, said Platt, the artistic director of a professional Christian dance company called Pointes of Faith Dancers, Inc.
“Dance paints a picture, but without God's good pleasure, it's going to be just another dance,” she said. “The moment I take my eyes away from who I'm doing this for and why, it doesn't work.”
Pointes of Faith will perform the dance show “Resurrection” Friday in Auburn. Choreographed and created by Platt, who is also the featured solo dancer, the performance will mix ballet and contemporary styles to tell a story of how people can find new life through faith.
Friday's performance will also be the premiere of “Resurrection,” which Platt said was inspired by personal experiences with death and hardship. She had watched those close to her struggle with personal health and mortality, and she wanted to express that, while there is hurt and pain in life, there is also hope, Platt said.
“We push and we push, but are we really taking the time in that moment to say ‘Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful day?' ” she said.
“Resurrection” is a collection of dances that show how faith can allow one to rise above grief, pain and even death, Platt said. One piece actually depicts bones rising to life. Another dance is set to a movements from Handel's iconic “Messiah,” while another is dedicated to Platt's Vietnam veteran father.
Through performances like this, Platt tries to carry out a dual mission, she said. She is offering a testimony of her own connection with God while presenting a quality, professional dance routine, she said.
Her time in Bible college wasn't allowing her to do the latter, and her past work with secular dance companies was not spiritually fulfilling.
“I want to leave (audiences) with a picture that is painted with hope and encouragement,” Platt said. “But the goal is doing it professionally, not just as a worship service.”
Pointes of Faith has performed at venues across New York and Pennsylvania, including Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo. The Lyons-based organization employs trained dancers, not all of whom necessarily share Platt's beliefs, she pointed out.
But she also said she has received comments from dancers who sense a peacefulness when performing the pieces they have not felt on stage before.
“We're trying to show people there is more to life,” Platt said. “That this isn't all there is.”
Christopher Caskey
253-5311 ext. 282
christopher.caskey@lee.net
If you go.
What: “Resurrection” by the Pointes of Faith dancers
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14
Where: Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin St., Auburn
Cost: Free
Info: Visit http://pointesoffaithdancers.org
“Dance paints a picture, but without God's good pleasure, it's going to be just another dance,” she said. “The moment I take my eyes away from who I'm doing this for and why, it doesn't work.”
Pointes of Faith will perform the dance show “Resurrection” Friday in Auburn. Choreographed and created by Platt, who is also the featured solo dancer, the performance will mix ballet and contemporary styles to tell a story of how people can find new life through faith.
Friday's performance will also be the premiere of “Resurrection,” which Platt said was inspired by personal experiences with death and hardship. She had watched those close to her struggle with personal health and mortality, and she wanted to express that, while there is hurt and pain in life, there is also hope, Platt said.
“We push and we push, but are we really taking the time in that moment to say ‘Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful day?' ” she said.
“Resurrection” is a collection of dances that show how faith can allow one to rise above grief, pain and even death, Platt said. One piece actually depicts bones rising to life. Another dance is set to a movements from Handel's iconic “Messiah,” while another is dedicated to Platt's Vietnam veteran father.
Through performances like this, Platt tries to carry out a dual mission, she said. She is offering a testimony of her own connection with God while presenting a quality, professional dance routine, she said.
Her time in Bible college wasn't allowing her to do the latter, and her past work with secular dance companies was not spiritually fulfilling.
“I want to leave (audiences) with a picture that is painted with hope and encouragement,” Platt said. “But the goal is doing it professionally, not just as a worship service.”
Pointes of Faith has performed at venues across New York and Pennsylvania, including Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo. The Lyons-based organization employs trained dancers, not all of whom necessarily share Platt's beliefs, she pointed out.
But she also said she has received comments from dancers who sense a peacefulness when performing the pieces they have not felt on stage before.
“We're trying to show people there is more to life,” Platt said. “That this isn't all there is.”
Christopher Caskey
253-5311 ext. 282
christopher.caskey@lee.net
If you go.
What: “Resurrection” by the Pointes of Faith dancers
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14
Where: Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin St., Auburn
Cost: Free
Info: Visit http://pointesoffaithdancers.org
