Matt C. Abbott
Young mom heads Catholic dance school
By Matt C. Abbott
Meghan Frato sent me the following e-mail in response to my June 19, 2007 column on liturgical "go-go" dancers:
"I read your article about the liturgical dancers at the cathedral in Joliet, Ill. Unfortunately, I was at the Mass that day and witnessed the disgrace of it all. I am a young mother of two who graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a theology degree. I also founded a Catholic dance studio here in Joliet called In His Steps Catholic Dance School that promotes purity and modesty. It is like a regular dance studio, with regular recitals, but features Christian music, modest costumes and choreography, and prayer at the end of each practice. So, being a big fan of the art of dance, yet knowing the proper time for it, I was disgusted by what happened."
Says Mrs. Frato:
"Catholics don't have to compromise their beliefs if they want their children to learn the art of dance. But it can be very difficult to find dance studios that understand the meaning and value of modesty. Through In His Steps, I have enjoyed developing a relationship with each dancer, leading them to Christ and His Church. God has blessed me with so much between revealing to me the truths of the Catholic Church and allowing me to learn the art of dance. He has now given me the opportunity to share these blessings with others through the Catholic dance program."
According to the school's Web site:
For more information about Meghan Frato's dance school, visit www.inhissteps.biz.
© Matt C. Abbott
Meghan Frato sent me the following e-mail in response to my June 19, 2007 column on liturgical "go-go" dancers:
"I read your article about the liturgical dancers at the cathedral in Joliet, Ill. Unfortunately, I was at the Mass that day and witnessed the disgrace of it all. I am a young mother of two who graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a theology degree. I also founded a Catholic dance studio here in Joliet called In His Steps Catholic Dance School that promotes purity and modesty. It is like a regular dance studio, with regular recitals, but features Christian music, modest costumes and choreography, and prayer at the end of each practice. So, being a big fan of the art of dance, yet knowing the proper time for it, I was disgusted by what happened."
Says Mrs. Frato:"Catholics don't have to compromise their beliefs if they want their children to learn the art of dance. But it can be very difficult to find dance studios that understand the meaning and value of modesty. Through In His Steps, I have enjoyed developing a relationship with each dancer, leading them to Christ and His Church. God has blessed me with so much between revealing to me the truths of the Catholic Church and allowing me to learn the art of dance. He has now given me the opportunity to share these blessings with others through the Catholic dance program."
According to the school's Web site:
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'Each class has a different combination of styles of dance that are taught. Cherubs work on ballet. Lambs learn tap and ballet. Lilies study tap, jazz, and ballet. Daddy's Girls focus on ballet (regular ballet and pointe). All of the above classes also dance with ribbons that are attached to sticks, as class time permits. Sons of Thunder is a boys' tap class and the Irish Ceili dance class is co-ed and works exclusively on Irish folk dancing. The dance classes take place in the gym at St. Jude Catholic School in Joliet.'
For more information about Meghan Frato's dance school, visit www.inhissteps.biz.
© Matt C. Abbott
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