Ministry innovator spotlight: Julie Hoplamazian of Faith on Pointe

I am very excited to start a new blog series that features clergywomen who are putting fresh expressions of ministry out into the world. My hopes are to amplify their great work, to spark readers’ imaginations, and to encourage pastors who are thinking about new ways of living into their call.

Today I am delighted to feature The Reverend Julie Hoplamazian, Associate Rector of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in New York City. She is also the founder of Faith on Pointe, which offers online ballet classes that integrate dance and spirituality. I love that Julie’s ministry pushes against the old spirit/flesh dichotomy, that it is so body positive, and that it brings together play and prayer. I asked Julie to share about her ministry and the hurdles and helps to it. Check out her responses below.

What is your ministry all about?

This ministry is all about an embodied, creative spirituality, rooted in the knowledge that we are created in the image of an incarnate, creative God.

You've created a brand-new ministry, unlike anything else out there. What are the sources of your inspiration, courage, and support?

First and foremost, I'm inspired and encouraged by the people I've been privileged to meet through this work. To find so many people who know, deep in their bones, that dancing is spiritual has been a great joy and energizer. On the flip side, I suppose you could also say I was inspired by my own loneliness in this area and the hope that there were others like me who wanted to dance and integrate their faith into it. And I'm constantly inspired by so many colleagues who are creating their own ministries. Seeing others live into their authenticity inspired me to do the same.

What obstacles have you faced to launching your ministry, and how are you overcoming or managing them?

Can I be completely honest? My biggest obstacle is my impostor syndrome, that I have no right to be teaching this stuff -- despite my theological training and years of experience as a ballet teacher and a priest. The recurring voice in my head says that I have nothing new or original or groundbreaking to offer. On a related note, I also struggle with the "business" side of it: the self-promotion, growing my email list, advertising the classes I teach, and so on.

How do you overcome this?

I mean, I don't. It's probably never going to go away. I'm lucky that I have a spouse and some close, trusted friends who are unwaveringly supportive and remind me to get my head out of my ass when I get stuck in my self-doubt loops. And, deep down, I'm connected to my "why." I know why I want to do this and why I'm passionate about it. That root connection is absolutely necessary to keepin' on going.

For whom is your ministry really good news? Why?

This ministry is good news for folks who want more embodied spiritual practice, and who want to integrate creativity into it. I've done a lot of research into the connections between ballet and theology, and there's a lot of richness there. Rather than being two separate (albeit often parallel) disciplines, there are actually several common "doctrines" they share, and uncovering that is the key to this being a genuine spiritual practice.

What's the best way for people to get more information about your ministry?

My website Faith on Pointe has it all! I send out a monthly newsletter that you can sign up for on the website - that's the best way to stay connected. You can also find me on Instagram (@faith_on_pointe).

Thank you, Julie, for sharing so openly about your ministry and about all that is going on in and around you as you invite others into it!

Look for another ministry innovator spotlight next month.