Allen Liturgical Dance Ministry - ALDM

Our History

The Allen Liturgical Dance ministry of The Greater Allen Cathedral of New York was formed in January 1978 under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Reverend Floyd H. Flake. Formerly known as the Allen Sacred Dance Choir, the dance choir was originally conceived by Rev. Dr. Elaine M. Flake and Rev. Dr. Renita Weems Espinosa, who served as supervisors. Directed by Kathleen S. Turner, the 30-member dance choir was comprised of both teen and adult female members. The emphasis of the choir was to minister the salvation message of Jesus Christ through the form of sacred dance. The choir danced for special church activities including Thanksgiving, Women’s Day and various choir concerts.

In 1983, the name of the choir changed to the Allen Liturgical Dance Choir under the leadership of Co-Director, Rev. Lucile Hill. The choir expanded to involve children 6 years of age to adult. In 1989, Rev. Flake expanded the responsibilities of the dance choir to include serving every third Sunday of every month during the 6:30, 8:30 and the 11:15 a.m. worship services. In 1992, the junior and intermediate choirs began serving at the Shekinah Youth Church every fourth Sunday. The 80-member dance choir ministered at Allen throughout the year following the liturgical calendar of the church. They also traveled to minister throughout the eastern coastline for Christian conferences and church services. In 1996, the dance choir was invited to participate in the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. In the latter part of 1996, Rev. Hill was commissioned by the Lord to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia to expand her ministry responsibilities. Through Rev. Hill’s creative innovations in the field of liturgical dance, the Allen Liturgical Dance Choir developed a standard in dance ministry, which incorporated biblical themes of praise, worship, devotion and holy dance attire.

During the 1996 & 1998 Candlelight seasons the choir expanded to include men, senior women and boys. In January 1997, the name of the choir changed to its present name, The Allen Liturgical Dance Ministry (ALDM). In January 2001 Genesis, The New Members Series was added to complete its total structure. With approximately 150 members, ALDM is presently composed of the following subdivisions: The Boys of Valor (junior boys, 7 – 13); Miriam’s Heart Cry (junior girls, 7 – 13); Lion of Judah (teens boys, 14 -18); Mary’s Handmaidens (teen girls, 14 -18); Jael’s Faith (women, 19 & up): Deborah’s Song (women, 19 & up); Royal Priesthood (men, 19 & up); The Daughters of Wisdom (women with limited movement, 35 & up) and Genesis The New Members Series (a series of classes over a period of five month for all new membership).

The ALDM is under the leadership of Co-Directors Ministers Karen Farnum-Williams, Nailah Flake-Brown and Rochelle Robinson. The ALDM utilizes the creative artistry of 10 choreographers along with nine division leaders who are supported by dance captains, division administrators and rehearsal assistants who oversee the nine divisions. The choreographic vocabulary of the ALDM dances includes the techniques of modern, jazz, ballet, traditional African dance, hip-hop and sign language. All of the praise garments are designed and created by Sisters Patricia Mason, Karen Farnum and their staff. The ALDM ministers collectively and individually throughout the year. In addition, the ministry is divided into 9 praise & worship teams and ministers on a regular basis every Sunday for all three services. In November 2002, Channel 9 Television News featured the ALDM in a featured story, “Dance In the Church.” The feature included interviews by Pastor Floyd Flake and Co-Pastor Elaine Flake and Ministers Kathleen S. Turner and Eyesha Marable.

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