MEET THE TEAM

I was invited to play for Dance Church in 2017 by Paul Frett. Ever since then, my love for ecstatic dance and its vibrant community has expanded beyond measure. Historically, I am usually providing the music, but now I am awakening my inner dancer. Cutting it up on the dance floor without thinking too much has allowed me to understand music so much more, feel how and why it moves people, and how to be a better DJ. I love to see how Dance Church affects and heals so many people, it is truly remarkable! I am grateful for my calling to help the group and host the events.

I am a devotee. I stepped on the floor about 7 years ago and found a home. It wasn’t long after that I asked Anna, one of our founders, if I could help. That simple offer has led to what feels like a calling. Over the years, I have ridden the wave with all of you, from what had been, to what shook us, and what is now…and am honored to open, prep and hold the space for the magical happening we all love called Dance Church. When I’m not hosting or dancing, I am a graphic designer and illustrator with an independent practice.

Like many, I found Dance Church at a transformative time in my life. After my first dance 5 years ago, I was hooked – I had found a space where I could show up exactly as I am, feel free and loved, and move through all the seasons of my life. Dance Church has changed my life, and I’m happy to call many of my fellow dancers very close friends. This is such a special community, and I feel so blessed to be a part of it and to play a role in maintaining this safe and sacred container for us all to express ourselves.

Sloan is a dancer, early childhood educator, and seminary student who moved up to Minneapolis from Austin, Texas in 2022. They have found a deep wellspring of life affirming community in the twin cities, Dance Church has been instrumental in this. Dance Church has offered him such a splendid container to be in/experience her body in shared space. They are very grateful for the celebration and ritualization of all sorts of human/embodied expressions which take place at DC... such a powerful and potent and liberating energy. Glad to be here<3

I have always danced – first, as a kid, in my living room- dancing to the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, The Wiz, and then and still often to great live music, wherever I can find it. Years ago, when I moved to New York, I discovered 5 Rhythms Dance and took to it enthusiastically.   When I returned to Minnesota, I wanted to find some dance thing to continue to have a practice to keep feeling connected and keep my soul moving.    Dance Church has been that for me and more.  It has become a big part of my weekly rooting, rising, feeling love and feeling free. I’m grateful for every Sunday dance.

In the midst of confusion and transformation, Dance Church served as a powerful catalyst for manifesting new opportunities. I found Dance Church over five years ago and began exploring new aspects of self expression and understanding. This communal celebration of freedom and expression stands as a beacon for all those seeking a home. 

Paul is one of the original founders of Dance Church. He believes that it's incredibly important to find containers for communities to gather and express themselves. In turn, dance is such a powerful tool for emotional and physical expression. These two ideas have been the foundation of what he's brought to the DC community. As a DJ, he is inspired by Gabrielle Roth and the 5 Rhythms. He sees his DJ sets as a journey of emotions and ideas, of stillness and chaos, of love and loss. When not spinning at Dance Church, he can be found around town DJing either as Butaca or his alter ego, Faux Paul, at places like the Hewing Rooftop, Lush & ROK Eatery.