Xpressions Of Praise Christian Dance & Performing Arts
"You don't have to be great to start; Just START, to be GREAT!"
Xpressions Of Praise Christian Dance & Performing Arts
"You don't have to be great to start; Just START, to be GREAT!"
About Us
Who We Are
The Artistic Director
The Artistic Director
Xpressions of Praise CPAA is designed to build character and self-esteem in the lives of each student. We focus on muscle strengthening, development, dance technique styles, the discipline of movement and the education of Christian Dance. It is very important that the dancer develops strong muscle-mass, exude power and strength in order
Xpressions of Praise CPAA is designed to build character and self-esteem in the lives of each student. We focus on muscle strengthening, development, dance technique styles, the discipline of movement and the education of Christian Dance. It is very important that the dancer develops strong muscle-mass, exude power and strength in order to project confidence in any style of dance. The choreography and dancing, in its essence is always symbolic. It is laughter; a profound means of admonishing and the ability to connect audiences to exhilaration in a dancer’s world
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The Artistic Director
The Artistic Director
The Artistic Director
Mrs. Laassah has trained intensely with Patrick Johnson, Artistic Director for Grand Rapids Community College, in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Modern dance. Her passion for dance began as a child and has developed into a lifestyle, in which she pours out her soul when she’s dancing. Her choreography experience began in 1995 with the Grand Rapi
Mrs. Laassah has trained intensely with Patrick Johnson, Artistic Director for Grand Rapids Community College, in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Modern dance. Her passion for dance began as a child and has developed into a lifestyle, in which she pours out her soul when she’s dancing. Her choreography experience began in 1995 with the Grand Rapids City-Wide High School Black History Programs. Along with training and developing several local church Praise Dance Ministries, she has had the opportunity to travel worldwide.
Annual Programming
The Artistic Director
Annual Programming
Xpressions of Praise Christian Performing Arts Academy strongly believes in providing platforms for students to share their gifts and talents with the world. Annual opportunities are given at our Bi-Annual Recital Showcases, The GR Festival of the Arts, The Balloon Festival, Organizational, church, and school programs to name only a few.
Xpressions of Praise Christian Performing Arts Academy strongly believes in providing platforms for students to share their gifts and talents with the world. Annual opportunities are given at our Bi-Annual Recital Showcases, The GR Festival of the Arts, The Balloon Festival, Organizational, church, and school programs to name only a few. We service our community with Year 'Round Arts opportunities through our Special Programs.
Our Dance Family Opportunities:
- Monthly Open Enrollment
- Multiple Family Discounts
- Tri-Annual Recital Productions
- Quarterly Dance Education Symposiums
- Performing Arts College Trips
For Our Community:
- Book-A-Party Packages
- Wedding Party Packages
- Dance Ministry Training
'Our Family & 'Our Coaches
Bridging Faith & Community Xpressions Of Praise Christian Dance & Performing Arts has connected with our community by sharing the love of Christ through the Arts since 2014 at Festival of The Arts, Grand Rapids, MI. Building our network of community partners through collaboration in Balloon Festival, churches, organization events, and GRPS Schools.
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Our Motto: You don’t have to be great to start, just start, to be great. This is evident in the lives we get to touch by providing platforms for those who would otherwise not have the opportunity.
Our Objective: Gifting foundational principles and the education of dance in worship. This demonstrates the connection of the heart of God to the heart of man.
Mission Statement: Building character & self-esteem Building through the Art of dance, drama, etiquette, exercise and music. Bridging Faith and Community by implementing healthy youth programs.
We believe in you! You Are Good Enough!
We aspire to cultivate your passion through movement and drama.
Festival Of The Arts GR
Community events create opportunities to bring our family together and provide platforms to share our gifts.
Our Coaches & Team
Ms. Taylor McKinney
Ms. Taylor McKinney
Ms. Taylor has been with Xpressions Of Praise since its inception. Her love for God extends from her heart to the passion in every movement she displays. The passion for dance is a gift she shares with every student as a positive influence on the flow of their movement. Taylor volunteers her time to the Classy Young Lady's Association & Phenomenally Made Society, which is a program offered under the umbrella of XOP.
Ms. Endia Finn
Ms. Taylor McKinney
Ms. Endia first discovered an inner love for dance at the age of 3 yrs old. She began training and performing with XOP at age 6yrs. old. Her life's journey has brought her to a sacred place in God that matches her heart's desire to dance only to honor Him. Endia pours out that love upon every student she encounters. She is also a volunteer Confidante Coach for the Classy Young Lady's Association & Phenomenally Made Society, which is a program offered under the umbrella of XOP.
Ms. Ja'ila Hall
Ms. Jaila Hall has shared her gift of dance since 2008, with studies in Communications, Jazz and Modern Contemporary at Jackson University College. Her passion is to use dance/arts to build relationships and to tell a story through movement. She has been dancing for 12 years and works closely with XOP's Recital Production Team. She embodies the theory and goal of Classy Young Lady's Association & Phenomenally Made Society because she was once a Sophisticated Jewel and has returned to, as she states, "give back to a program I was apart of."
Ms. Injeel Starr
Ms. Sophia Lindsay
Ms. Injeel initially found her love for dance at the age of two. She began dancing with Xpressions Of Praise at age 3yrs old at its inception. Dance is my ministry, are the very words that express her heart for the Art of Dance. Although moving in and out and experiencing multiple dance studios, she has had the assignment to gather knowledge and skill to share with her students as it aligns with the gift God has given her to dance. Pouring into young people and bringing them closer to God is her primary goal in life. She has accepted her call to this mission and has vowed to God, to carry it out.
Ms. Sophia Lindsay
Ms. Sophia Lindsay
Ms. Sophia Lindsay
Ms. Sophia, currently attends GRCC and at the age of 19, has committed her heart and soul to the love of dance. Sophia began dancing with XOP at age 11, loving Lyrical and Contemporary styles of dance. She currently volunteers in Youth Mentorship, Summer Camps, & Youth Counseling. Her passion for movement extends from her experience in cheerleading. Sophia expresses the joy of being introduced to the Art of dance , which changed her perspective on what it means to be actively connected to it. XOP gave her the space to be who she is freely without the pressures of what others thought about her. "XOP pushed me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to unique experiences of which makes me who I am today," says Sophia. XOP has helped her tap into her passion for musical theater and acting. Sophia was a recipient of Classy Young Lady's and now has decided to give back the empowerment that she gained through the program, to someone else. "XOP will be apart of me always & forever," says Sophia!
Ms. Taylor Hall
Ms. Sophia Lindsay
Ms. Sophia Lindsay
Ms. Taylor has been apart of the XOP Family since the age of 10 years old. Even in her season of not physically dancing, her passion for dance took flight as she earned an Associates Degree in Aviation Flight Technology. Always carrying the love for the Arts everywhere she went, brought her back to assist in XOP's Productions, serving as Stage Manager and an intricate part of the development. She is valued so much as part of the Production Team.
XOP's Production Team
Extended Family Members
*Tyreece Guyton
*Dadrian Nelson
*Damiane Lake
*Patricia Jones
XOP is forever grateful for the sacrifice of time and energy this team extends to ensure the success of every Production. IT is marvelous in God's eyes and It is only great because these people are great!