Immanuel Dance Center Inc. was founded by Madi Portes in 1997 and registered with the State of New Jersey in 1998. Its original name was Immanuel Ministries as it was a dance ministry that she started out of a church. The first time Madi danced in a church, she danced to a ballad called Immanuel. She decided as a dedication to the Lord, her dance company will be named as such. Thus, Immanuel Dance Center, Inc. was born and it is the home of Immanuel Dance Company and Immanuel Ministries-- or just Immanuel for short.
Immanuel Dance Company and Ministries consists of both female and male dancers that come from different backgrounds, different races and nationalities and range from 7 years of age to 40+. Their repertoire consists of Jazz, Modern Dance, African, Praise and Worship, Poetry in Motion, all forms of Latin dance and the favorite and most popular among the youth; Hip Hop and Funk. We perform at conventions, conferences, schools, festivals, secular as well as religious events, churches and private functions. We have participated in the Jersey City Christian Childrens Parade, the Puerto Rican Day Parade in Jersey City and other multicultural parades throughout the New York and New Jersey area. We have participated for the past four years in WWDJ970 Big Splash in Ocean Grove, New Jersey and continue to perform at many festivals down the shore throughout the summertime. Our aim is to attract especially the youth, as well as people of all ages, through the art of dance, and at the same time be a positive outlet and a beacon of light for all to receive encouragement and hope in their lives through a relationship with God. Our goal is to be able to go into different communities and areas and reach out to the untouchables and unreachables right here in our community. Our Mission Trip is right outside our doors.
Although Immanuel has done a lot of work through the Grace of God, the most rewarding experience was when in 1998 Immanuel won second place in a nationwide contest being held by Carman Ministries. Winning Carman's Mission 3:16 Video Contest gave five of Immanuel's dancers the opportunity to go to Acapulco, Mexico on a missions trip with Teen Mania Ministries and make a difference to a lot of orphans and poor people in Mexico. This experience gave Madi an opportunity to produce and direct and see the vision that was placed in her come to life on video and broadcasted all over the world. What a Blessing!
God has opened and continues to open the doors to Immanuel and there is still a lot of work to be done. This is only the beginning! Madi and Immanuel have proven over and over again that they possess a very high tolerance for adversity and their perserverance has demonstrated their strength -- a strength that can only be given by God. Madi lives by the words to whom much is given, much is required, and accepts her challenges with her arms raised and her fists clenched, ready to fight the good fight, at the same time building an excellent character and reputation.
And Here We Are!
God With Us,
Immanuel. |
