Dancing with Joy – Christy Hernandez on Proclaiming the Gospel Through Movement

At ChristianPodcast.com, we’re passionate about showcasing how God moves through His people in unique and beautiful ways. In a recent episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with Christy Hernandez, the inspiring leader of Dance for Joy Ministries in Southern California. Christy’s story and her ministry’s mission to train the next generation to proclaim the gospel through dance left us in awe of God’s creativity and purpose. Here’s a glimpse into our conversation and why Dance for Joy is transforming lives through movement.

A Calling to Dance for God’s Glory

Christy’s journey with Dance for Joy Ministries began in 2006 during a Bible study when God spoke clearly to her heart: “You’re going to lead a dance ministry.” As a former professional dancer who gave her life to Christ 12 years prior, Christy had been seeking God’s purpose for her dancing. His answer was Dance for Joy—a nonprofit dedicated to using dance as a form of worship and evangelism, rooted in Psalm 149’s call to “praise the Lord in dance.”

Before knowing Christ, Christy experienced the emptiness that can come with secular dance, where the focus often shifts away from God. But through her faith, she discovered that dance was created to worship and celebrate the Creator. Dance for Joy Ministries embodies this truth, helping dancers—boys, girls, and adults—find joy in movement that glorifies God. As Christy beautifully put it, “When I’m dancing, it’s like breathing, except better—it’s worshiping the Lord with my whole being.”

Dance as Worship, Not Performance

One of the most powerful takeaways from our conversation was Christy’s emphasis on dance as an encounter with God, not a performance. Drawing from King David’s example, who “danced before the Lord with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14), Christy explained that dance is a universal expression of worship, not limited by gender or age. At Dance for Joy, boys and girls, men and women, learn to move in response to the Holy Spirit, embodying scriptures and stories that proclaim the gospel.

The ministry’s Joy Transformation Model ensures that every class is more than just dance training. Classes begin and end with prayer, are grounded in scripture, and focus on movements that reflect God’s Word. For example, their recent production, Echoes of Eden, told biblical stories through dance, allowing dancers to become vessels of God’s truth. As Christy shared, “We’re not performing. We’re opening ourselves up to the living God through movement.”

Transforming Lives, One Dance at a Time

Christy shared a moving story about a young girl, whom we’ll call Peggy, who joined one of Dance for Joy’s outreach programs with no initial interest in dance or faith. Over four years, through the ministry’s nurturing environment, Peggy transformed from a reluctant participant to a young woman who trusts God and intercedes for others. When she recently asked Christy to pray for her brother, it was a testament to how Dance for Joy creates a safe space for kids to encounter God’s love and grow in faith.

This story highlights the ministry’s mission: to transform the lives of dancers and those who witness their worship. Whether it’s a teenager, an elementary student, or an adult, Dance for Joy creates opportunities for people to experience the joy of the Lord and share it with their communities.

Navigating Culture with a Gospel Focus

In today’s culture, dance is often commercialized or focused on self-expression, sometimes at the expense of its sacred roots. Christy acknowledged the challenge of bringing God into the conversation in a world where dance is heavily Americanized and secularized. Dance for Joy stands out by offering an alternative—dance that is excellent, disciplined, and consecrated to God.For parents wondering how to guide their children in a culture that emphasizes performance over purpose, Christy’s message is clear: God doesn’t limit us; He frees us. Whether it’s wearing sparkly costumes or moving to joyful music, Dance for Joy encourages kids to embrace their creativity while surrendering their will to God’s higher design. As Christy shared, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

Excellence as a Reflection of God

At Dance for Joy, excellence is a core value, reflecting God’s own perfection. This means rigorous training to hone dance techniques, but it also means cultivating humility and servanthood. Christy emphasized that true excellence in dance ministry comes from being a humble servant, echoing Jesus’ call to serve rather than be served (Mark 10:45). The result? Dances that move audiences to tears, as they witness the Holy Spirit at work through the dancers’ movements.

Join the Dance for Joy Movement

If you’re in Orange County and want your child—or yourself—to experience dance as worship, Dance for Joy Ministries welcomes you. Starting at age three and extending to adults, their classes offer a free trial week to new students. Visit danceforjoy.org to enroll, and follow them on Instagram (@d4jministries), Facebook (Dance for Joy Ministries), or YouTube (Dance for Joy Ministries) to see their inspiring work in action.

A Final Note

Christy’s heart for God and her passion for dance remind us that every gift—whether dance, music, or even parenting—can be offered to the Lord for His glory. As she beautifully said, “Whatever God has put in our hands, that’s all He asks of us.” At ChristianPodcast.com, we’re honored to share stories like Christy’s, which show how God uses creative avenues to reach hearts and transform lives.Listen to the full episode with Christy Hernandez on ChristianPodcast.com, and let’s keep the conversation going about how God moves through His people. Have a story of how you’ve seen God work through art or ministry? Share it with us in the comments below or on social media!Keep dancing, keep worshiping, and keep proclaiming the gospel!