Reviews

VIDEO

Useful resource for women's groups

Woman to Woman: That’s Life (Care for the Family) £12.99

"When women get together they talk - often about the everyday issues that really matter to them." With this in mind, the video features Dianne Parsons with a group of friends chatting over coffee, as well as interviews, music and drama to provide discussion starters. There are four 20-minute sessions on the themes of image, love, forgiveness and life’s challenges.

The subjects are tackled with honesty and humour and for the most part the ‘chats’ come across naturally and not forced. The group of women cover a range of ages and backgrounds so there should be something for everyone to relate to.

I did feel it was a pity that the sections featuring Diane Louise Jordan were recorded separately from the main group - after all, whether we’re famous or just ‘ordinary’ women, we all share a lot of the same concerns.

That apart, I think the video, together with the accompanying worksheet, would be a really useful resource for women’s groups in the church or as a starting point for low-key evangelism.

Jane Bravo is a freelance proofreader and mother of three

Friendly introduction to dance in worship

Dancing Disciples £18 (includes postage). Available from Morning Star, 9 Grange Court, Cirencester, Glos GL7 2JS (cheques payable to S Collins).

"No-one is too young, old, big, small or disabled to praise God with dancing in one form or another," says Shirley Collins, a professional dancer, choreographer and model with 25 years of experience in the field of Christian dance.

In this video, she guides the viewer through the basics of dance, teaching us moves, giving us tips on choreography and reading us relevant Bible passages. There are five lessons in all, and homework is set at the end of each session. There is also a chance to join Shirley herself at a workshop, and gain certificates for completing the course.

The video is clearly for beginners, as steps are simple and the whole approach is relaxed and non-intimidating. It welcomes all ages, but focuses particularly on the middle-aged members of the church. A large group of comfortingly normal-looking women demonstrate the moves, all dressed in a vast array of everyday clothes and inappropriate footwear. This is in stark contrast to Shirley herself, who looks immaculate at all times in white with matching Jazz shoes.

The style of movement, rather than the contemporary dance you'd be forgiven for expecting, is a sort of relaxed ballet with influences from folk, modern and interpretative dance. Basic arm and foot positions are taught and practised, as well as more complicated routines, but the viewer is also encouraged to be as creative as possible, with carefully chosen Bible passages as inspiration.

I would not recommend it for everyone - it wouldn't be much help to those who are more experienced dancers or those looking to study dance in depth.

However, it gives a good, friendly introduction to dance for those who may have been intimidated by the subject before, and would be very useful to anyone wishing to choreograph dances or run a dance group within their own church.

Lauren, aged 14, currently dances ballet, tap and contemporary dance, and has experience in choreography and using dance in church worship

© Christian Family Network
is run by CPO, supported by
Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting,
Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.


		VIDEO Useful resource for women's groups Woman to Woman: That’s Life (Care for the Family) £12.99 "When women get together they talk - often about the everyday issues that really matter to them." With this in mind, the video features Dianne Parsons with a group of friends chatting over coffee, as well as interviews, music and drama to provide discussion starters. There are four 20-minute sessions on the themes of image, love, forgiveness and life’s challenges. The subjects are tackled with honesty and humour and for the most part the ‘chats’ come across naturally and not forced. The group of women cover a range of ages and backgrounds so there should be something for everyone to relate to. I did feel it was a pity that the sections featuring Diane Louise Jordan were recorded separately from the main group - after all, whether we’re famous or just ‘ordinary’ women, we all share a lot of the same concerns. That apart, I think the video, together with the accompanying worksheet, would be a really useful resource for women’s groups in the church or as a starting point for low-key evangelism. Jane Bravo is a freelance proofreader and mother of three Friendly introduction to dance in worship Dancing Disciples £18 (includes postage). Available from Morning Star, 9 Grange Court, Cirencester, Glos GL7 2JS (cheques payable to S Collins). "No-one is too young, old, big, small or disabled to praise God with dancing in one form or another," says Shirley Collins, a professional dancer, choreographer and model with 25 years of experience in the field of Christian dance. In this video, she guides the viewer through the basics of dance, teaching us moves, giving us tips on choreography and reading us relevant Bible passages. There are five lessons in all, and homework is set at the end of each session. There is also a chance to join Shirley herself at a workshop, and gain certificates for completing the course. The video is clearly for beginners, as steps are simple and the whole approach is relaxed and non-intimidating. It welcomes all ages, but focuses particularly on the middle-aged members of the church. A large group of comfortingly normal-looking women demonstrate the moves, all dressed in a vast array of everyday clothes and inappropriate footwear. This is in stark contrast to Shirley herself, who looks immaculate at all times in white with matching Jazz shoes. The style of movement, rather than the contemporary dance you'd be forgiven for expecting, is a sort of relaxed ballet with influences from folk, modern and interpretative dance. Basic arm and foot positions are taught and practised, as well as more complicated routines, but the viewer is also encouraged to be as creative as possible, with carefully chosen Bible passages as inspiration. I would not recommend it for everyone - it wouldn't be much help to those who are more experienced dancers or those looking to study dance in depth. However, it gives a good, friendly introduction to dance for those who may have been intimidated by the subject before, and would be very useful to anyone wishing to choreograph dances or run a dance group within their own church. Lauren, aged 14, currently dances ballet, tap and contemporary dance, and has experience in choreography and using dance in church worship © Christian Family Network is run by CPO, supported by Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting, Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.