SNOHOMISH — Len and Debbie Wiens believe in dancing with a higher purpose.
The couple runs a dance studio, Reflections School of Dance, where Debbie Wiens teaches many of the classes and Len Wiens handles administrative tasks.
Dancing here is not just about movement of the body. It’s an expression of worship, Len Wiens said.
“It does so much for our human spirit. It just lifts us up,” he said.
Dancers perform to raise money for important causes and also as a gift to people who may not otherwise have a chance to enjoy a live performance.
Classes include ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, modern and other types of dance. Students range from 2 years old to adults.
Students perform at churches and throughout the community. They have participated in Kla Ha Ya Days in Snohomish, performed during the Mill Creek Festival and danced at the Westlake Center in Seattle.
Len Wiens recalled that when he was growing up, dancing was almost considered a sin at some churches. Since then, many have accepted dance as an expression of worship.
The couple saw the healing power of dance when they traveled to Thailand and Belize with workshops for kids, Len Wiens said.
“It was a different experience,” he said. “It was such a joy to just see the kids smile and laugh.”
Len Wiens is originally from Canada. Debbie Wiens is from Indiana. They met and got married in Canada where Len Wiens was a youth pastor and his future wife was working at a performing arts school.
The couple later moved to Snohomish County to start a dance studio after they had what Len Wiens described as a vision. They haven’t looked back since.
“It was an opportunity to really look at something greater than ourselves,” he said.
Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.
Workshop
Attend a free workshop, Dance as Prayer and Worship, on Aug. 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. The studio is at 13823 Seattle Hill Road, Snohomish. For more information call 425-338-9056.
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