Anointed Steps Dance Ministry School started a new term in a new location on Monday.

Owned and operated by husband and wife Lyle and Carmelita Millet, it has moved to the basement of Heritage Worship Centre on Dundonald Street.

The school was founded in 2014 and is the manifestation of a childhood dream for Mrs Millet, who was once a professional dancer.

“I always had a vision of opening a dance school,” she said. “I went to Jackson’s School of Dance and always said when I grow up, I want to have my own dance school.

“In 2013 it hit me that it was time to actually do it. So, I went home and approached hubby about it.”

Mr Millet was on board from the beginning.

“My first response was to pray about it,” he said. “We had to do research, but it all fell into place really quickly once we decided that is what we were going to do. That is how God works, he supplies your needs when you need them and on time.”

On May 12, 2014, ASDMS opened its doors as a faith-based dance school. At the time they were located at the Cultural Centre in the old Berkeley Institute building.

In the years since, it has become well known for its liturgical and mime ministries however it also offer classes in ballet, tap, modern and hip-hop.

“We offer everything but the difference with us is that we are Christian-based. The music we play is all Christian music and that’s what makes us different,” Mrs Millet said.

“I never thought it would be a Christian school because I was not always in Christ, but when it finally happened, we had become Christians and knew this was the way we wanted to go.”

Although both Mr and Mrs Millet are chaplains ASDMS is not a religious organisation and has no denominational affiliation. All are welcome to join however students that sign up will be exposed to the “love of God”.

“Students don’t have to be a Christian to join us, but this is a dance ministry. We equip them spiritually with the word of God, how to be a leader and how to serve. Our focus is not just dance, we want to make sure our students leave here a whole person.”

Another important part of the mission of ASDMS is to provide dance opportunities at an affordable rate.

“We aren’t trying to compete with anyone, it’s just our standard. We want to make sure that people can afford to dance,” Mr Millet emphasised.

“We have seen how dance can transform people. We have had children with physical challenges excel with dance. It builds confidence among so many other things.

“We want to make this experience as accessible as possible to as many as possible.”

Over the nine years since opening, there have been many sacrifices for the couple and their family however Mr Millet believes the blessings have consistently outweighed the challenges.

“The sacrifice is clear. It’s a sacrifice of time, money and energy. But you can see the blessings come all the time. When we get to the recital and see the end result of what we have accomplished through the year, it makes it all worthwhile,” he said.

“We are grateful for our family, friends and team of teachers who get involved and help with the sacrifice and make it so much easier.”

Aside from nurturing a love for dance, the Millets believe this is a unique opportunity to show others in the faith community how to incorporate dance in ministry. In addition to offering classes, Mrs Millet assists churches in developing their own dance ministries as part of the empowerment aspect of the business.

“Dance has been secularised for a long time, so some churches may not allow it or use it in their ministries. We want to show that dance can be used as ministry. It’s no reason why you can’t minister through ballet, tap or even hip-hop.

“I pray that Anointed Steps can make a difference and show that you don’t have to compromise your gifts and hobbies to serve God. God gives us these gifts and we can return them to Him.”

There are many references to dancing as a form of worship, she added.

“Dancing is in the Bible. David danced in thanksgiving and Moses’ sister, Miriam, danced prophetically. I think movement has always been an expression of worship.

“God hovered over the earth, and to hover is to move. To rock back and forth. So, I like to believe that God danced too.”

Registration for the 2023 term is open and Anointed Steps Dance Ministry School has a full schedule of classes on offer throughout the week. Ages 4 through 99 are welcome.

“My hope is that everyone who comes into our space will have an hour of peace and freedom to express themselves in a loving, God-centred environment,” Mrs Millet said.

• For more information and to register visit www.asdmsbermuda.com