Religious Dance and Drama

Incarnating Compassion

Jesus Washing the Feet of His Disciples

When Jesus wanted to teach service, he dramatized the message taking a towel and washing feet.
When Mariam wanted to claim and thank God for freedom from slavery, she led dance with tambourine in hand.
Dance and drama to turn our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.


Some background and examples of religious dance and drama

Jesus’ suffering dramatized - San Fernando Passion Play

Dramatization of Jesus' Suffering

Spain has had the most continuous traditions of religious drama and dance. San Antonio carries on a many of these ways of evangelization, such as Pastorellas, Posadas, Passion plays, and Matachines.

San Fernando Cathedral Passion Play - Jonathan Cruz - Photographer – Editor. A yearly tradition for San Antonio, The San Fernando Cathedral puts a play together were families gather around and watch the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Produced by Jonathan Cruz. Published on Jan 10, 2013 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwaCXwoUqOE

The Passion Play is open to all religious denomination even to non-believers. Before the re-enactment, there's prayer first, reading of bible passages and message from the Archbishop which is said both in English and Spanish. Uploaded on Apr 22, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0LMZbrN7ZI

Good Friday: Jesus & Pontius Pilate. Good Friday tradition in San Antonio, Texas Uploaded on Apr 22, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOdXnU_LVno

Stations of the Cross. Passion of Christ "Via Crucis" re-enactment at Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto of the Southwest, Oblate Missions, San Antonio, Texas www.oblatemissions.org. Photos by Rudy Gonzalez for Oblate. Uploaded on Apr 22, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAm5-J6WGRE

Puppet presentation.Stations of the Cross 4A Religion Class St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Church, San Antonio Texas. Uploaded on Apr 8, 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB3FB8JnMP4

Read more about drama in “Liturgical Drama,” by Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, Collegeville Catholic Reference Library, CD-ROM (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2001).

Our Lady of Guadalupe Drama

Jose Ruben De Leon as Juan Diego and Amalia Ortiz as Our Lady of Guadalupe at UIW

Jose Ruben De Leon as Juan Diego and Amalia Ortiz as Our Lady of Guadalupe at UIW

Virgen De Guadalupe Play in San Antonio Texas. San Martin de Porres Catholic Church. December 12, 2010. Uploaded on Dec 28, 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_qvlxA0mTo


Matachines Dances

Matachines Dancers at St. Henry’s Church, December 12, 2009

Matachines Dancers at St. Henry’s Church, December 12, 2009

Matachines dancing and paying homage to the Virgen Guadalupe in front of the San Fernando Cathedral. Uploaded on Dec 12, 2010 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCmEilV4h-g

Traditional matachines group on San Antonio, TX performing in St. Alphonsus Parish hall on the Day of the Epiphany. See also http://youtube.com/watch?v=8gcuhj7VgEo and http://youtube.com/watch?v=gX9W5hoR7BQ

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 2010.A compilation of some of the dancing groups that come and celebrate at Guadalupe Church, near downtown San Antonio, TX. Uploaded on Feb 8, 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHu82nK4fvM

La danza guadalupana de Pablo Olivares Sr. en la iglesia San Alfonso, San Antonio, TX. Uploaded on Dec 27, 2010 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIebWcq3qI8

DANZA CATEDRAL fiesta de san lorenzo cd juarez chihuahua. Uploaded on Aug 18, 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOYR8k2gFfY


Posadas

UIW students representing Mary and Joseph for a Posada prayer service

UIW students representing Mary and Joseph for a Posada prayer service

Posadas are processions with drama remembering that Mary, who was about to give birth, and Joseph were seeking shelter. Persons go from place to place asking for lodging and praying for all who need shelter. Finally they are welcomed and the community has a celebration.

Christmas Posada : Sonny Melendrez Community Center :: San Antonio, Texas. Families, gathered at The Sonny Melendrez Community Center to participate in this beautiful tradition. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8h8Yi5P1z0

Las posadas navideñas. Durante diciembre, en distintas partes del país, se celebran las posadas. Los residentes de Antiguo Cuscatlán, como cada Navidad, salieron a las calles para recrear el peregrinaje de María y José Uploaded on Dec 17, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP0p3kfoUYE


Pastorellas or Shepherds’ Plays

Gabriel Zertuche dances “Pues Si Vivimos” at San Fernando as Archbishop Flores looks on.

Gabriel Zertuche dances “Pues Si Vivimos” at San Fernando as Archbishop Flores looks on.

Pastorellas or Shepherds’ Plays are about the angels announcing to the shepherd’s that they should go to see Jesus. Along the way the devil tries to tempt and stop them. The plays have come to depict the universal idea of the human journey towards God, but the things that tempt and delay or stop people along the way. Creative people are constantly telling the story in new ways and using humor to get attention.

Fragmento de la Pastorela Infantil 2010 de Chikicómicos del grupo Cómicos de la Legua de la UAQ. Dirigida por Victor Mendoza. Querétaro. Uploaded on Jan 25, 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSdDumKnU_g

Rogelio Guerra con 25 actores y músicos en escena, Claustro del Instituto Helénico del 16 al 30 de Diciembre. POSADA - PIÑATAS - PONCHE.  Uploaded on Nov 1, 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHM7Hq_Le5U

UIW students sharing a dance of hospitality at San Fernando Cathedral in the “Gifts from Many Cultures” Workshop.

UIW students sharing a dance of hospitality at San Fernando Cathedral in the “Gifts from Many Cultures” Workshop.

Pastorela Mexicana realizada por los maestros Jubilados del SETE en Tijuana B.C. Diciembre 2011 Uploaded on Dec 17, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gsFsWjZbWg

LA PASTORELA MEXICANA Es una muestra de tantas y tan bellas tradiciones que tiene mi querida tierra. La pastorela es una representación teatral (en prosa o en verso) que bien puede ser seria y formal, hasta cómica y pícara, predominando esta última; Cualquier foro es bueno para representarla (en temporada navideña), desde la propia casa hasta el más elegante teatro y trata de las vicisitudes de los pastores por ir a adorar al niño Dios y las trabas que les pone el diablo para impedirlo. Uploaded on Sep 12, 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PCYoHj4M7U

Read more about Hispanic traditions by clicking here to download Sister Martha Ann Kirk’s book, Dancing with Creation, Mexican and Native American Dance in Christian Worship and Education.

Sister Martha Ann’s “Arts for Christian Worship” Class, Fall 2017 danced to a musical version of St. Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of Creation” which was written by her good friend Brother Rufino Zaragoza, OFM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9N59jWBUPg


Afro-Americans pray with deep feeling

Holy Redeemer Dancers share at the Chapel of the Incarnate Word

Holy Redeemer Dancers share at the Chapel of the Incarnate Word

Holy Redeemer Catholic Church "Ladies of Praise" San Antonio, Texas. Uploaded on Aug 15, 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIOK6qLH6E0

"LADIES OF PRAISE" DANCING TO "JESUS PROMISED ME A HOME OVER THERE" BY JENNIFER HUDSON. Uploaded on Oct 10, 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFhcC5QkgDk

St. Raymond/St. Leo Catholic Church Adult Liturgical Dancers.Located in New Orleans, LA. Published on Jun 2, 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diKu6G1nSSI

Praise Dance at the Rock Catholic Church, St. Louis. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aLLsJa9xYY


Vietnamese praise God with gentle grace

Dancers from Vietnamese Martyrs Church sharing at UIW the “Gifts from Many Cultures” workshop.

Dancers from Vietnamese Martyrs Church sharing at UIW the “Gifts from Many Cultures” workshop.

Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church Dang Hoa. Uploaded on Oct 9, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjpEY5Rbx0s

Vietnamese Martyrs Celebration Annual Diocese of Charleston Vietnamese Martyrs Celebration held in November, 2012, at St. Martin de Porres Church in Columbia, SC. 2012. Published on Dec 5, 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25d4_YmhMpI

Montagnard Dance On Christmas 2012 At Saint Mary Catholic Church. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOCAhAGzCRU

See also “Vietnamese Christians Sharing God’s Beauty in Sacred Dance and Drama” posted on the Sacred Dance Guild website with full color pictures and embedded media of video of dance. http://sdg.memberclicks.net/assets/documents/Vietnamese_article.pdf


 In Filipino Culture, prayer is often expressed through movement

Catherine Cuasay shares a Filipino hymn with dance about the beauty of creation.

Catherine Cuasay shares a Filipino hymn with dance about the beauty of creation.

Liturgy of the Santo Niño of Cebu, celebrated January 15, 2012 at All Saints Catholic Church, Hayward California. Don Pribor directed the music and taught the children the Sinalog Dance. The Mass and Blessing was performed by Father Tony Herrera, with Father Fernando Cortez and Father George Byarugaba. The Homily was given by Stephen Mullin, Parish Life Director. And all the Pinoy Families brought their images of the Santo Nino. Uploaded on Jan 19, 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqlRH4twN1w http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3PkMmYM55Q

LUWALHATI DANCE. First Performance (2nd mass) Santo Niño De Praga Parish January 20, 2013. Published on Jan 21, 2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YwWkDJyI9Y

LUWALHATI DANCE 2013 - ST MICHAEL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, SHARJAH, UAE. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=famLhqT549s

See also “From east to west and north to south, let us praise God. Gifts from many cultures enriching God’s people” Sacred Dance Guild Journal, Fall 2006 Vol 49, No. 1, p. 14 with invitation to the longer article with full color photos from the Worship Renewal Grant workshops. http://sdg.memberclicks.net/assets/documents/SDG%20article%204-25-07.pdf

Become a member of the Sacred Dance Guild http://www.sacreddanceguild.org/ and have many opportunities for education and networking.Sister Martha Ann Kirk dances “I Will Raise You Up on Eagle’s Wings”

For a good example of dance enriching worship, see St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco. They remember the words of their patron saint who lived in the fourth century. In his commentary on the Psalms, St. Gregory wrote, “Once there was a time when the whole rational creation formed a single dancing chorus looking upward to the one leader of this dance. And the harmony of motion that they learned from his law found its way into their dancing.” The church has a huge icon of ninety dancing saints (and four animals), who wrap themselves in two large rings around the rotunda as they follow the lead of Jesus, the Lord of the Dance. Each Sunday the congregation circles around the altar joining in the joy of the heavenly group. See http://thejesusquestion.org/2012/03/11/jesus-the-dancer-part-5-the-art-of-mark-dukes/ or https://www.saintgregorys.org/liturgy-scripts.html

Sister Martha Ann Kirk danced “I Will Raise You Up on Eagle’s Wings” for the wake of her mother Ada Koenig Kirk who had always encouraged her in dance. Sister first studied sacred dance with Carla De Sola.

Carla De Sola is one of the foremost dancers, choreographers, teachers, and authors in the field of religious dance in the United States in the modern period. In 2008 at the Sacred Dance Guild Golden Anniversary Festival De Sola was acclaimed as a “Living Legacy.” She teaches at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA, in the Center for the Arts, Religion, & Education and at the Pacific School of Religion.The Spirit Moves Handbook of Dance and Prayer Carla De Sola

Carla DeSola's choreographed Sacred Dance for Easter Vigil Offertory 2011 at Holy Spirit Newman Hall, Berkeley, California. April 23, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1i6Gi0s_08

Beyond Words: An Interfaith Ritual for Peace, co-created by Carla De Sola, Omega West Dance Company Published on Nov 13, 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfU_YtdP4b0

“Documenting a ‘Living Legacy’ On-line: Carla De Sola,” Sacred Dance Guild Journal, October 3, 2016, By Sister Martha Ann Kirk, Th.D. https://sdgjournal.wordpress.com/2016/10/03/documenting-a-living-legacy-on-line-carla-de-sola-by-sister-martha-ann-kirk-th-d/ Learn more of De Sola and of the forthcoming biography of her by Sister Martha Ann http://spiritmovesomega.weebly.com

A Glimpse of the God Project at St. Gregory's (Summer 2012)Catch a glimpse of the Summer 2012 God Project at St. Gregory's. Lynn Park leading photography and Carla De Sola lead sacred dance. Published on Jul 10, 2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj-2jRO7psg

A Dance Featuring Numerous Different Religions

Performance of American composer Carson Cooman's work "I Have Seen the Lord: a Mary Magdalene Sequence" (2006) for SATB choir, alto saxophone, organ, and dancers at the Investiture and Recognition of Marc Handley Andrus as the Eighth Bishop of California in Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. The work was performed to a dance choreographed by Carla DeSola. (July 22, 2006). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44AcTCgWI8M