Heritage Dance Ministry

Where dance ministry comes from the heart


The Heritage Dance Ministry was formed in February 2006 under the leadership of Chris Kelly. What began as a one-time mass dance presentation for the Black Heritage Organization of Greater Kansas City's  worship service evolved into a community dance ministry.

Mrs. Kelly sent letters to area churches in the Kansas and Missouri metropolitan area inviting dancers from all dominations to join her for a mass dance presentation to celebrate the heritage of Kansas City in the praise and worship service.

Many of the participants had never danced together and found the fellowship to be a rewarding experience. Their first worship service was held at the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, Wallace Hartsfield, Senior Pastor (Pastor E). That presentation opened doors for the dancers to receive invitations to participate in Black History programs around the city. 

It was Pastor E's vision to have a city wide mass dance presentation that opened the door for Chris as he assumed the role as her spiritual advisor.  Her desire was to form a community dance ministry that was inclusive of people from all cultures and dominations. The dancers enjoyed dancing and expressed a desire to stay together as part of Chris's community dance ministry. Chris's dream became a reality and the Heritage Dance Ministry was officially formed and later became a program of the RCLG Family Foundation which is named after her parents.

The Heritage Dancers have ministered for the Kansas City Kansas and Missouri SCLC King Celebrations, the NAACP 101st National Convention 2010, the 130th Annual Session National Baptist Convention USA Inc. 2010, A.M.E. National Convention 2013, the C.O.G.I.C. AIM National Convention 2014, the National Baptist Convention USA Inc. 136th Annual Session Pre-Convention Musical 2016, the installation service of Dr. John Lewis Jr, Second Baptist Missionary Baptist Church 2018, and have appeared on program with national recording artist Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Carolyn Traylor, Bee and Cee Cee Winnans, Shirley Caesar, Robert Houston and True Dedication, Toi Lee for a Fred Hammond concert and California Congresswoman, Maxine Waters. In addition to the many engagements around town, they also minister at nursing homes, for reunions, weddings, funerals, women conferences and many other events. HDM is known nationally for their annual dance conferences and concerts. 

Membership is open to the public and is inclusive of all age groups, church denominations, ethnic groups and gender.

For more information you may contact Mrs. Kelly at rchristine@earthlink.net


 


In loving memory of our Spiritual Advisor

Rev. Wallace S. Hartsfield Sr.

November 1929-January 2020


LIFE WELL LIVED


A life well lived is a precious gift of hope and strength and grace, from someone who has made our world a brighter, better place.


It's filled with moments, sweet and sad with smiles and sometimes tears, with friendships formed and good times shared, a laughter through the years.


A life well lived is a legacy of joy and pride and pleasure, a living, lasting memory our GRATEFUL hearts will treasure.

-Author Unknown