Dance Ministry
The Christ Memorial Dance Ministry is a place for people in all walks of life. No matter where you come from, what experience you have, you belong here. We have dancers ages 6 all the way up to 30+.
How to get involved
Dance classes are open to anyone–no experience or sign-up needed–just show up!
Ages 1st grade through 5th grade: Every other Wednesday in the dance studio starting on January 14 at 6pm. Kids will go to “Spark” and hear a Bible lesson and will end with a 45-minute dance class. Free dinner before at 5pm!
Ages Middle School & High School & Above: Wednesdays at 5:45-6:30pm in the dance studio in the children’s wing. Free dinner before at 5pm!
Email the Emma deVries (Director of Dance) at dance@christmemorial.org for more information or to sign up for a larger dance opportunity (such as Creation or Christmas Eve)
Creation Ballet
Every spring since 2024, we have had the opportunity to perform the “Story of Creation” for the community. The ballet walks everyone through the seven days it took for the Lord to create the world and then came the fall. It is a beautiful display of God’s intricate works and how much he loves us. Come see Creation 2026 on Sunday, March 22, at 2 and 4pm!
Esther Ballet
In November of 2025, we performed the story of Esther. It was a wonderful storytelling of Esther becoming queen and the part she had in saving the Jewish people. We hope to do this ballet again someday!
Christmas Eve
Every year since the 1990s, the Christ Memorial dance community has participated in Christmas Eve services. The dancers look forward to it as it has been a tradition for them to participate their whole lives!
History of the Dance Team
The original team began under the leadership of Maxine De Bruin around 1984. It continued under the direction of Catherine Dreyer from 1988 until 2014. Lydia Gillett then took over then left in 2020. Emma deVries is the current director since 2021.
About the Director
Emma deVries has been dancing at Christ Memorial since she was about 8 years old. She trained at Turning Pointe School of Dance and then got her degree in dance at Hope College. Emma came on board at Christ Memorial as a dance intern in 2021. In 2025 Emma was given the title of Director of Dance and has grown the current program to around 90 dancers.