‘Dance is a joyful way to worship’

Christabel Yeboah (Clapton) talks to Salvationist about Clapton Dance Group’s performance at Celebrating Christmas with The Salvation Army.

What sort of music do the girls dance to?

The girls mostly dance to Afrobeat and hip-hop, but they are incredibly versatile. If they connect with a song, they’ll find a way to choreograph something to it. Their creativity means they can bring movement to almost any style of music.

Where have they performed?

The girls had always choreographed dances for Sunday services. During the Covid-19 lockdowns, they kept the creativity going by sharing routines in our church WhatsApp group. After restrictions lifted, they wanted to create a dance to thank our church leaders. That’s when things really took off. 

Their performance at a Salvation Army summer camp talent show sparked more opportunities, including events at William Booth College, Christmas celebrations across the London Division and, most recently, at Riverbank Women’s Conference. This will be the girls’ first time performing at – and visiting – the Royal Albert Hall, which makes it extra special! A few of the mums attended last year’s event, and I casually said: ‘Watch this space! The girls will dance on that stage one day.’ I didn’t think much of it until we got the email inviting them to perform. It was a real God-is-always-listening moment.

Can you tell us anything about the performance?

I don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say it’s fresh, it’s different and it’s going to blow the audience away. 

Have there been any pre-performance nerves?

Absolutely! The girls always feel a few nerves because they care deeply about doing well. But for them, it’s not just about performing, it’s about dancing for Jesus, their audience of one. That focus helps ground them in their faith. Before each performance, we surround them with positive affirmations and pray together, reminding them why they dance and who they’re dancing for.

What is the best part of Christmas for the group?

They’d probably say the presents, of course! But, more importantly, it’s about spending quality time with family and celebrating the birth of Jesus. That’s what truly makes the season special.

How will the group share the reason for the season through their dance?

The girls will express the heart of the season through movement, sharing God’s love in a way that’s joyful, uplifting and full of meaning. The dance is a celebration of faith. We hope it helps others feel the true spirit of Christmas.

• A recording of Celebrating Christmas with The Salvation Army 2025 will be available at youtube.com/salvationarmyvideo from Wednesday 10 December at 7pm.