Soul to Sole Choreography

Soul to Sole Choreography Introduce

Welcome to Soul to Sole Choreography, a unique and impactful organization based right here in Redlands, California! For locals in the Golden State, particularly those invested in the well-being and holistic development of children in the arts, Soul to Sole Choreography stands as a vital advocate and educational resource. This is not a traditional dance studio offering weekly classes for performance; instead, it is a non-profit charitable trust founded on a deep commitment to preserving the art of dance and protecting young dancers. Under the visionary direction of Mary Margaret Bawden, Soul to Sole Choreography, which began as SonLight Dance in 1994, has evolved into a powerful voice promoting healthy, age-appropriate dance practices and combating the hypersexualization of children in dance. It’s a place where the artistic integrity of movement is cherished, and the innocence of childhood is fiercely protected.

At its core, Soul to Sole Choreography (and its related initiative, DA:NCE - Dance Awareness: No Child Exploited) is driven by a passion to ensure that children enjoy the transformative benefits of dance in a safe and developmentally appropriate manner. Mary Margaret Bawden, a highly trained dance educator and author, recognized a concerning trend in children's dance and dedicated herself to providing "education and resources to end the sexualization of children in dance." This organization aims to empower parents, educators, and dance professionals with the knowledge needed to distinguish between healthy and harmful dance environments. Beyond advocacy, Soul to Sole Choreography also embraces Christian dance ministry, transforming "dance movement into prayer-in-motion" and offering conceptual choreography for worship settings. For anyone in the Redlands area, or indeed across California, who cares about the future of dance and the protection of children within the arts, Soul to Sole Choreography offers a principled and proactive approach to a critical issue, making it an invaluable local and regional asset.

Soul to Sole Choreography is centrally located at 300 E State St Suite 430, Redlands, CA 92373, USA. This address places the organization within a prominent and accessible area of downtown Redlands, making it convenient for local residents and those from surrounding communities in the Inland Empire, such as Loma Linda, Yucaipa, and San Bernardino. State Street is a key thoroughfare in Redlands, known for its vibrant atmosphere and various businesses, ensuring that the location is easy to find. While operating as a non-profit and resource center rather than a typical dance studio with walk-in classes, its central position allows for convenient access for meetings, workshops, or for those seeking information and resources. Ample parking is typically available in the vicinity of downtown Redlands, simplifying any visits. This strategic location ensures that Soul to Sole Choreography remains a readily accessible hub for advocacy, education, and ministry within the local California community.

Soul to Sole Choreography primarily operates as a non-profit organization focused on education, advocacy, and ministry within the dance community, rather than offering traditional recreational dance classes. Their core services and offerings include:

Education and Resources for Healthy Dance: Providing materials such as the "Healthy or Harmful Children's Dance" eBook, designed to educate parents, dance instructors, and community members on recognizing and preventing the hypersexualization of children in dance.
Advocacy through DA:NCE (Dance Awareness: No Child Exploited): Spearheading a movement to advocate for age-appropriate guidelines in dance instruction, costumes, music, and choreography, with the aim of protecting children from exploitation and preserving the artistic integrity of dance.
Christian Dance Ministry: Developing and offering the "Soul to Sole Choreography method to transform dance movement into prayer-in-motion." This includes creating conceptual choreography for worship services, women's Bible studies, and Children's Christmas musicals.
Speaking Engagements and Workshops: Mary Margaret Bawden is available to speak on topics related to Christian dance ministry and the sexualization of children in dance for various organizations, churches, and conferences (e.g., National Sacred Dance Guild Conference, CAHPERD dance workshop, Saddleback Worship Conference).
Choreography Tools and Methodologies: Providing concrete tools for people of faith to experience hope and healing through movement, including a 6-step choreography method and resources for setting up church dance ministries.
Non-profit and Charitable Trust: Operating as a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable trust, enabling them to receive donations to further their mission of protecting children and advancing dance ministry.
Consultation and Partnerships: Seeking partnerships with individuals and organizations who share their vision for promoting healthy dance practices and advocating for child protection in the arts.

Soul to Sole Choreography is distinguished by several unique features and highlights that underscore its mission and impact within the dance community and beyond.

Pioneering Advocacy for Child Protection: A primary highlight is its dedicated focus on "providing education and resources to end the sexualization of children in dance" through the DA:NCE initiative. This proactive stance on child safety and healthy development within the arts is critically important.
Founded by an Experienced Educator and Author: Mary Margaret Bawden, with her background as a dance educator, author, and holder of a California Secondary Teaching Credential, brings deep expertise and passion to the organization's mission. Her book, "Dance is Prayer in Motion: Soul to Sole Choreography for Church Dance Ministry," is a testament to her dedication.
Unique Blend of Dance and Faith: The integration of "prayer-in-motion" and Christian dance ministry offers a distinct service, providing a spiritual dimension to movement and art for churches and individuals seeking to express faith through dance.
Focus on Conceptual Clarity in Choreography: Mary Bawden's approach emphasizes that "prayer-in-motion must be purposeful and conceptually clear," ensuring that dance is not just aesthetically pleasing but also carries meaningful intent.
Award-Winning Choreographic Background: Soul to Sole Choreography has a history of recognition, placing in the non-professional finalist category of the "Festival of the Stars" choreography festival at the McCallum Theatre for multiple years (2002, 2003, 2004), demonstrating artistic excellence.
Commitment to Healthy Artistic Development: The organization's core belief is that dance should provide "benefits from movement that cemented her love of dance many years ago," free from adult themes or inappropriate costumes for children under 12.
Community Resource and Collaboration: By offering speaking engagements and seeking partners, Soul to Sole Choreography aims to be a valuable resource for other organizations and individuals who share their passion for protecting children and promoting positive dance environments.

For inquiries regarding educational resources, speaking engagements, dance ministry, or to support their mission, Soul to Sole Choreography can be contacted through the following details:

Address: 300 E State St Suite 430, Redlands, CA 92373, USA

Phone: (909) 793-8925

Soul to Sole Choreography is particularly suitable for locals in the California region, especially those in and around Redlands, who are deeply concerned with the ethical and healthy development of children in dance. For parents and educators who believe in preserving childhood innocence and the true artistic value of dance, this organization provides invaluable resources and advocacy. It serves as a crucial hub for information on age-appropriate dance practices and offers a platform to address the challenging issue of hypersexualization in children's performing arts. Additionally, for individuals and churches interested in exploring dance as a form of spiritual expression and worship, Soul to Sole Choreography offers unique expertise in Christian dance ministry. By supporting or engaging with this non-profit, locals contribute to a broader movement that champions responsible dance education and fosters a positive, enriching environment for all young artists. Its dedicated focus on advocacy and education makes it a vital and distinctive asset to the Redlands community and the wider California arts landscape.