Instructor
Jennifer Duff has studied classical ballet and liturgical dance under several teachers since the age of 11, including Sara Mau at the Omaha Academy of Ballet. She also has gained experience in various styles of dance (tap, swing, modern, jazz) at several summer dance intensives. Jennifer attended the Christian company "Ballet Magnificat!" 2 week dance intensive in Jackson, Mississippi in 2007, expanding her knowledge in styles of interpretive dance and worship.
Jennifer has a passion to teach young ladies how to magnifiy the Lord through modest and beautiful dance, and to encourage girls not to "be ashamed of the gospel of Christ" but to unashamedly shine the light of God's majesty and glory.
Jennifer graduated from home school in 2008 and currently lives with her family in Oakland, Nebraska. She is continuing to study music and art at home while serving her family and volunteering for Church and political causes.
Performances/Recitals
Recitals are a great experience for students to learn to perform and share skills they have learned over the year. While performing is a necessary part of dance education, recitals are not the focus and can often detract from technique skills learned in the classroom. Because of the distraction recital preparations can become, formal recitals will only be held every other year.
However, what's more important than showing off our skills in technique is revealing the glory of God to those outside of families and friends. Many people believe that dance is only a sensual and provocative art meant solely for the purpose of showing off our bodies. Instead, dance can and should be used as a way to interpret and shine God's word to others. As "morning stars" students are encouraged to prepare for various liturgical performances during the year, and display them at Church performances, holiday celebrations, parties and more as occasions arise.
Dance styles
A mixture of French/Ballanchine styles of classical ballet is taught, along with liturgical (praise or worship) dance. Classes consist of ballet technique at barre and in center, and alternately end with liturgical dance. Younger students will
learn to be creative in movement and use imagination, and as levels progress the focus will be more on liturgical dance.