Firm Foundation
Dance Movement
ABOUT
Firm Foundation Movement
The Movement
Firm Foundation Movement is a community for worshipers and liturgical dancers with the purpose to provide support and equip dancers with the foundations to thrive in dance ministry.
The Founders
Leresa Gripper and Mariah Washington are childhood friends who have received professional dance training and are passionate about their craft. After years of ministering through dance and growing both professionally and spiritually, the duo has long desired to partner and share their wisdom in the ministry of dance with others. Inspired by God and recognizing the lack of foundational knowledge in active dance ministries, they have developed the Firm Foundation Dance Movement to fulfill this calling.
Our Foundations
Movement Leaders
Leresa Gripper
Movement Leader
Leresa is a dancer, content creator, and arts management professional with roots in liturgical. From the age of three, she trained intensively and was selected to the National Dance Institute, earning scholarships to its summer intensives. Active in her church’s dance ministry, she deepened her technique while growing spiritually and artistically.
Fascinated by the business of entertainment, Leresa studied art management and launched her career as an executive assistant for prestigious performing arts organizations. She has also been a dance instructor for after school programs, summer camps and bible institutions. She later founded Resa Arts, an arts management company that partners with brands and entrepreneurs to bridge creative ideas with strategic execution.
Mariah Washington
Movement Leader
Nellie Mariah Washington has been dancing since the age of five, dedicating over 25 years to the art of movement and the ministry of dance. Trained in multiple styles of dance including praise and liturgical dance, African, jazz, hip hop, ballet, and more; Nellie brings both versatility and anointing to her teaching and performances.
She currently serves as the Intermediate Liturgical Dance Instructor for the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), where she leads an annual 4-day dance class. Her experience extends across the country, having performed in national competitions and at venues such as Disney World. Nellie has collaborated with numerous ministries throughout New York, including Pleasant Grove Tabernacle, Merrick Park Baptist Church, and Concord Baptist Church, and she teaches at Artistry Performing Arts Center.
In 2024, Nellie was honored with the Pearl Award for Best Praise Dancer, recognizing her commitment to excellence in ministry. Her passion is rooted in her calling: to use the gifts God has given her to bless others and minister through the power of dance. Guided by her personal motto, “Excellence without excuse,” Nellie believes in giving God nothing less than her best because that is what He so graciously gives us.
Our Coaches
OUR TEAM
Meet the team! Our team members are Spirit-lead Dance Leaders who are qualified to facilitate, teach and guide others in Liturgical dance.
Aaliyah Felder-Washington was introduced to liturgical dance around the age of five and has been doing it ever since. She spent four years in a professional dance school and was mentored in liturgical dance by Nellie Washington and Leresa Gripper. In 2012 Aaliyah was introduced to mime, and gained a whole new love for and connection to God. Liturgical dance and mime ministry have carried her through the most difficult moments of her life and continue to sustain her through trials to this day. Aaliyah’s goal is to continue doing the Lord's work using the gifts He has given her and to pass her knowledge on to the next generation.
Shalice Hunt, born and raised in Queens, New York, is a versatile artist and dedicated healthcare professional. A graduate of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts (Dance, Class of 2014) and Ithaca College (B.S. in Exercise Science, 2018),
she will be entering the Accelerated Nursing Program at Pace University this Fall. She currently works full-time as a Nursing Assistant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at NYU Langone.
Shalice began dancing at the age of three at Once Upon a Time Performing Arts Center & Theatre Street School, training through 2012. She expanded her artistry through prestigious summer intensives with Joffrey Ballet (2012), Manhattan Youth Ballet (2012, 2013), Miami City Ballet (2009, 2010), NYSSSA Ballet (2013, 2014), and NYSSSA School of Dance (2014). Her liturgical dance journey began at age nine with Harvest Revival Full Gospel Baptist Church (2005–2010). She now continues her ministry as a member of Flames of Fire at Deeper Life Ministries, where she has served since 2019.
Stacey N. Lodge is a passionate dancer and choreographer whose love for movement began at a young age with formal training in ballet and modern dance. She brought her talent to the stage in local productions of Grease and West Side Story, and later performed in the Dance Ministry Institute’s presentation of The Nativity.
At just 16, Stacey began leading the liturgical dance ministry at Greater St. Stephen U.C.O.G., Inc., where she introduced youth and young adults to a variety of dance styles, including ballet, modern, contemporary, African, and Broadway-inspired choreography, each infused with worship and spiritual purpose.
Now serving as the Youth Minister at her church, Stacey continues to guide the ministry, using dance as a powerful tool for expression, connection, and spiritual growth. Her leadership fosters a deeper sense of community and faith, empowering young dancers to move in grace and purpose both on and off the stage.
Our Point Of View
EXPECT
Meaningful connections & collaboration opportunities.
Deeper clarity about your identity and the unique gifts you bring to your ministry or work.
Concrete plan to apply your gifts in daily life and leadership.
Renewal & spiritual encouragement.
NEED
Open heart and a positive attitude.
Brand or business information to share.
Something to keep record of your experience.
BENEFITS
Fully operate in your calling.
Connect with a supportive community.
Receive tailored guidance and clarity on your next steps.
Partner
Partner with us! Let’s create together, sponsor a dream, or sow into the movement. Invite us to co-craft workshops or pieces for your church, help fund scholarships and outreach, or give a one-time or monthly gift. We’re better together, and your yes makes a real difference. Start clicking the SOW button below or fill our "Get In Touch" form.
