In a large and very hot dance studio in a converted warehouse in Oakland, Tecsia Evans talks through a microphone to about 30 women and girls. “God made you masterpieces,” Evans says as fans whir.

TACOMA, Wash. — Six women, dressed in flowing white skirts and purple tunics, move gently to the recorded music that echoes through their sanctuary. Their white-gloved hands and ballet-slippered feet ...

Mylenda Wright, 11, of Henderson, dances during practice for Anointed Hands Studio Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Tyler. Anointed Hands Studio is a ministry of the church Higher Dimensions ...

Six women, dressed in flowing white skirts and purple tunics, move gently to the recorded music that echoes through the Tacoma, Wash., sanctuary. Their white-gloved hands and ballet-slippered feet ...

Participants will showcase a variety of dance styles at Praise Dance Expo. Courtesy photo Twerking, grinding and other suggestive dance moves may get the headlines and YouTube views. But a recital at ...