Founded in June 2003 by Shereel & Joseph Washington, IXALT is a performing arts organization dedicated to the promotion of Christian culture and to the expansion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Dance, Music, Song, and Spoken Word.
IXALT performances integrate Modern, Jazz, & African/African derived dance, Traditional & Contemporary Christian Music, and Narration, Storytelling & Poetry
IXALT's collaborative exchange of musicians and theatrical artists perform and present original music, poetry, prose, rap, and lectures on current, historical events and societal themes in religious, civic and social action programs throughout California.
IXALT has appeared in many venues including:
KBLX/Chevron/Hilltop Mall Black History Month Celebration
Union Square, San Francisco
Oakland World Dance Concert
Tapestry, LDS Interstake Theater, Oakland
Dance Mission Theater
Oakland's Art & Soul Festival
Festival By The Bay, Richmond
Kodak Theater-Babylon Court, Hollywood, CA
The Oakland Art Museum
KFAX 100.7 The Bridge's Fun In The Son
IXALT presents events annually during Bay Area National Dance Week.
IXALT has been featured in newsarticles such as:
The Richmond Globe as Artist of the Month in January 2005
The Oakland Tribune, April, 2007
In Dance, December 2007
And has appeared on 1190 The Light, Bay Area's premiere Gospel music radio station and received the Legends of Dance Award at the Christian Ministering Arts Convention in Florida.
IXALT trains speakers, dancers, singers and musicians to professional levels through classes, seminars, workshops, lecture-demonstrations, and conferences. Areas of study include: Technique, Rhythm, Movement and Choreography; Public Presence; Liturgical Expression; and Music Development.
IXALT presents Enchanted Afternoons annually at Union Square Park in the heart of San Francisco, and forums and discussions on the
Biblical Basis/Support for the Dance and Physical Expression in Christian Life and Worship.
IXALT also offers workshops such as:
Dance Jam, a full day workshop offering dance classes of various cultural representations.
Evangelism Through Artistic Expression
The Gospel and the Arts
The Role of Christians in the Entertainment World
Christian Performing Artists and the Great Commission and
Is There A Place for Christians in the Professional Dance World?
IXALT offers artistic development and support for individuals and churches that desire to start or enhance Dance or Music Ministry. IXALT serves as a catalyst to build and support a network of open and active Christian performing artists while encouraging appreciation, support, and expansion of the performing arts in the sacred and secular communities.
