In this episode of Psalms for the Spirit, I’m joined by Rev. Julie Hoplamazian, an Episcopal priest in New York City and the founder of Faith on Pointe ~ a ministry exploring ballet as a spiritual practice and theological language. A lifelong dancer, Julie weaves together her grounding in ballet, her Armenian heritage, her love for stories and art, and her recent journey through cancer with a deep, honest faith.

Julie reflects on the Psalms that speak to her most and shares how these ancient words have met her in seasons of fear, recovery, and resilience, and how dance became part of her healing journey.

Through her ministry, Julie teaches ballet not as performance, but as prayer: a way of listening to the body, noticing the movements of the heart, and letting the Spirit speak through breath, balance, opposition, and grace. Her insights gently invite us to consider how movement can help us know God, know ourselves, and reconnect with hope in difficult times.

“Our bodies know things before our minds do ~ sometimes healing begins with simply lifting your heart.”

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that God meets us in every posture: in grief that folds inward, in courage that rises slowly, and in the unexpected moments when mourning really does turn into dancing.

Learn more about Rev. Julie here:Website: faithonpointe.comInstagram: @faith_on_pointe

Featured Song:

Psalm 30: You Have Turned My Sorrow

Proclaiming God’s power to transform sorrow into ‘dancing and song,’ this Psalm is sung to the uplifting Irish melody, “Green Grows the Laurel.” It’s a testament to coming through a time of sorrow and mourning, and finding dancing, song, and joy once again.

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