The Chenaniah Praise Dancers is a group composed of five (5) sisters . . . Britni , Ashanti , Toni, Tiffany and Briana . They are the Children of Pastors Anthony and Carla Mays. Ashanti is the choreographer. God uses her to choreograph routines that are prophetic and life changing. This remarkable family began dancing in the den of their home in August of 2000.
The name Chenaniah means 'Strength of the Lord' and 'God has Planted' from 1 Chronicles 15:22. Their name is indicative of their struggle. For, they were birthed out of rejection. Ashanti danced briefly with an adult ministry that rejected her because of her ideas and stature. She was moved from the frontline of that ministry, to the backline and then eventually out the back door. At the tender age of 11 she learned that 'Your pain is preparation for your destiny.' Ashanti's pain and rejection, fueled her passion for the dance, and she began to download dance routines to her sisters. The group quickly learned that the call of God has nothing to do with how you feel.
Their debut was a service in appreciation of their Youth Pastor in August 2000. It was suppose to be the one and only time they danced. However, God had another plan. Although the girls had no formal training in dance, Chenaniah quickly grew into a full-time ministry. By October 2003 Chenaniah was hosting their third Gospel Extravaganza. In June 2009, Chenaniah hosted their 6th annual Dance & Worship Conference "Dancing with Authority "and the DWA Awards Show. (DWA 2nd Tour begins June 2010)
Chenaniah also hosts a new TV Show called, "It's time to Dance". The show airs weekly on CTN TV 61 locally, CTN National "Direct TV Channel 376" and Good News TV (South Florida).
Chenaniah has danced nationally and internationally at 100's of events, conferences and churches. Today the girls can be seen ministering with some of the greatest gospel artist and speakers of our time. Such as: Donnie McClurkin, Dr. Cindy Trimm, Karen Clark Sheard, CeCe Winans, Byron Cage, Martha Munizzi, Mary Alissi, Judy McAllister, Dr. Wanda Turner, Micah Stampley, Fred Hammond, Les Brown, Stephen Hurd, Freda Battle, Nancy Alcorn ( Mercy Ministries), , Darlene Bishop, , and Myles Munroe.
Some conferences and events where Chenaniah has been featured:
- Morris Cerullo World Conference ( Special Guest January 2010)
- Bishop John Francis – Order My Steps & Prophetic Prayer Conference (London)
- Dr. Cindy Trimm – Kingdom Summit ( Miami & Bermuda)
- CeCe Winans – Always Sisters Conferences 2006, 2007, 2009,
- Bishop Vernon Lamb – Conferences in Bermuda
- Kim Daniels – Double Portion Conference
- Theresa Hairston – Gospel Heritage Fest (Washington, Atlanta)
- Bobby Jones Gospel Show
- Juanita Bynum –Threshing Floor & Women on the Front Line ( Atlanta and California)
- Donnie McClurkin – Concerts & Conferences
- Theologian Awards Houston Texas and more.
The Girls are powerful speakers and ministers of the Gospel and have been featured on TBN, BET, PAX TV, The Word Network and many other networks around the country. Chenaniah has also been featured in several articles with the Palm Beach Post, Washington Post, Gospel Today Magazine, Saved Magazine, Gospelcity.com and the Worldwide Web.
Chenaniah is Anointed and Sanctified by God to destroy yokes and to set the captives free. They minister with Passion, Power and Synchronized movements to an audience of one - GOD!
The girls believe that all of their Dances are given by Revelation and not just interpretation.
As Chenaniah ministers, you are invited into their personal worship. After you enter in, "you will never hear the song the same again".