Psalm 149:3 says “Let them praise his name with dancing…” For over 20 years, the GAC School of Ballet has embraced this call, expressing joy and worship through dance. The creation of this program began out of a hope to expand GAC’s Fine Arts program and create a greater foundation for other areas in the program. Starting with a small number of ballet classes, the School of Ballet experienced exponential growth each year. Dance, as an activity, is progressive; it builds on itself over time. Since its creation, the School of Ballet continued to grow as students advanced in their skills, building classes out each year as students needed more challenging classes. This program has grown to currently offer twenty-eight different classes in all diverse forms of dancing techniques in all different age-levels.
Regan Burnett, current GAC Fine Arts Director, began her ministry at GAC as the School of Ballet Director in 2006. Over the years, she has witnessed significant growth: physical expansion as new spaces were created, talent-based growth as students gained experience, and a flourishing Fine Arts program driven by student interest. She says “the success of the School of Ballet came from those teachers who God sent us” because “their mission was to praise him with dancing, and that never changed.” Celebrating over two decades of the GAC School of Ballet allows us to reflect on all the Lord has provided from nurturing students' talents to fostering a strong community. We are hopeful in what the Lord will bring to this program over the next 20 years.
“The School of Ballet is a beautiful reminder of God’s presence here on earth. The art created here seeks to glorify Him. I am humbled to be a part of this amazing program that has thrived under the direction of those who came before me. I pray to continue in God’s path for this program, raising well-rounded young women and men through the discipline of dance.” Maggie Guajardo, current Director of the School of Ballet