We are excited to welcome Katie Haaser to the team as our dance department intern! Katie has been a student in our dance program since it started in 2007 and was most recently the lead in our spring 2009 production, “Glow”. In addition to her involvement at 6ft Studios, Katie has toured with the Young Continentals across the United States and Costa Rica with a third tour scheduled for this summer. To reach Katie you can email her at katie@6ftstudios.com.

Here we are almost through the first month of 2010 – crazy, huh? Don’t worry, we still have 11 months left!

In 2009 we saw great things happen in, through, and for 6ft Studios. The video department was able to work with a number of clients to create promotional videos. Our dance department grew from 15 students to 35 students between the ages of 4 and 20. Our performance, Glow attracted people from all over Grand Rapids and West Michigan and impacted many lives. We were able to build many great friendships and partnerships with churches, businesses, and artists across the United States. All in all – it was an amazing year.

As we venture into 2010 we keep this in focus:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the thrown of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

2010 is going to bring with it more growth for 6ft Studios. We are excited to share with you that as of January 23 we reached our goal of $2,000 in pledges to help fund our filing for non-profit status! In the next few weeks we will start that process and then begin to raise funds for the expansion of our dance division and the launching of 6ft Productions – leading a spiritual and artistic revolution impacting the world church and the global artistic community. This spring we will also feature another large theatrical dance production in Grand Rapids, MI! We are looking forward to a wonderful 2010 and can’t wait to see what else is in store!

The world was shocked last week at the sights following the earthquake in Haiti. The tremors were felt in the lives of many of our ministry friends here in the United States including Compassion International (a child sponsorship organization) and Haiti Foundation Against Poverty. We are rejoicing today as Compassion staff in Haiti were all accounted for and alive. We continue to lift up their ministry in prayer as well as Mallery Thurlow (from Haiti Foundation Against Poverty) as they work to provide medical assistance and basic essentials to area. For more information on how you can help these ministries’ efforts in Haiti; visit www.compassion.com/helphaiti or www.haitifoundation.com.

We’re launching our Winter/Spring Session of dance classes on January 4, 2010 for ages 4 and up! Our Winter/Spring Session will focus on dance performance and creativity. All students will have the opportunity to perform in a theatrical dance production at the end of the session. Register before Dec. 25th and give the gift of dance this Christmas!

If you are a pro sound newbie or volunteer on your church’s tech team you’ll want to check out this great resource from Shure!

Audio Systems Guide for Houses of Worship

This 60-page Shure classic covers audio basics (perfect for the newbie) along with information about the selection and application of microphones in house of worship applications.  Written by Shure Applications Engineer Tim Vear.