Christians serve God through many different passions and pursuits. Sometimes those activities seemingly come out of the blue, and they may even come later in life. For Michael Ann Chapman, one way to serve God is through her love of clogging.
“I have a servant’s heart and love doing things for others. Clogging ticks that box because it’s not something you see people doing every day. Clogging makes people smile, and they love to see it performed. For me it’s a way to give back to my community. It’s about getting out there and showing something that I love to do,” Chapman said.
Community
Chapman had been part of the dance world throughout her life and was on the drill team at her high school. When she was 47 years old, she was trying to find an activity that she could do that was just hers, one that her husband and son “would care nothing about.” It would be a bonus if it involved dance.
Looking through a local community center’s catalog, she noticed an adult beginning clogging class. As it didn’t require experience or special shoes, she jumped in and ended up being the only one in the class.
Though she started alone, it didn’t take long for her to become part of the clogging world — a community that loves to clog and loves God.
“I’m not sure about clogging overall, but I know at the studio where I clog it’s definitely a place of faith.,” she said. “PowerTaps Clogging Studio is owned and operated by Marci and Ryan Rickard. They are a wonderful Christian couple who have poured their lives, heart and soul into everyone who has come through the studio doors for 21 years.
“There are many Christians at the studio. We frequently talk about our faith, pray for each other and share our lives with each other. We celebrate birthdays. We’ve been to funerals. We’ve supported each other through illness, injury and surgeries. We share a lot of life experiences with each other,” she said.
Performances and competitions give Chapman and her dance mates many chances to connect. They compete eight or nine times a year with up to six routines per competition. The performance team dances at festivals, assisted-living facilities and community events.
Each time they perform, the team gets together in a circle, holds hands and prays.
“We recognize where our gifts, talents and love for clogging come from. In expressing that joy and love to my heavenly Father by praising Him with dance, I get the opportunity to showcase clogging and how God has blessed me with it,” Chapman said.
Challenges
Challenges are part of the sport, especially as one gets older. It can be a struggle to learn new steps. Once, Chapman was in a leg boot for three weeks and after recovering, she tore her calf muscle. It took longer to recover with the second injury.
So at 58 years old, Chapman wondered if what she was doing was “hurting more than helping.”
Chapman learned to lean on God even more during those times of waiting for healing to come. She claimed the promise of James 1:2–3: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
She noted, “I guess what I’ve been learning, especially during my injuries, is that there will always be times in my life that I don’t understand what the Lord is doing. But He does, and He defines what is good for me. I have trusted Him during those times and know that He loves me, so I’m able to rest and be patient, knowing that this testing will help bring about endurance in the race of life.”
Chapman loves the competitions and community, but she loves even more when she and her team bring joy to others. One of her favorite places to perform is at assisted-living facilities.
“The residents love when we come to perform for them,” Chapman shared. “I love seeing their smiling faces, making eye contact with them and seeing them tap their toes and clap. Afterward, we always get a chance to talk and visit with them. I love hearing the older ladies tell me how they used to dance. It warms my heart.”
Learning
Throughout this journey, Chapman has learned a lot.
She has learned that she’s stronger than she thought. She has learned that she can keep going when she’s frustrated. She has learned to believe in herself.
She never imagined she would be clogging at 59 years old, performing all over the U.S. while also benefiting from an ongoing fellowship with a community that shares her passion.
“I just simply wanted to get out of the house, exercise and possibly learn something new. I just wanted a little ‘thing’ I could do that was just my little thing,” she said.
“No matter what I’m doing, I want to glorify my Father in heaven. I want to show people that God loves dance, and it can be done to please and glorify Him. Being a Christian and clogging is just another way I can praise Him. He has given me the talent, and I want to bring joy to others while praising Him.
“It’s all about Jesus!”
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