Liturgical Dance illuminates the incarnational nature of our faith.
The liturgical dancer serves as leader of prayer, inviting a deepened awareness of the rhythm of the liturgy itself. Liturgical dance is not performance and is not separate from the liturgy; its intent is to “enhance, support, and illumine” the natural movement of the liturgical action (Art and Environment in Catholic Worship, p. 25).
Dance helps us to highlight movement in particular places within the liturgy, including processions and rituals that naturally call us to “journey” through a space. Through embodied expression, the minister of dance “speaks” for all, just as the presider, lector, or cantor “speaks” for the entire assembly. Paradoxically, dance breaks open the mystery of the Word in a way that mere words cannot.
The experience of dance, gesture, movement is also a powerful form of religious education. When children learn at a gut level that God celebrates their whole selves, it is an element that lays out the groundwork for a healthy spirituality. For adults, learning this reality at later stages in their lives can be transforming. Liturgical dance can express a positive theology of the body: the whole person, perfectly imperfect, is redeemed in Christ. Dance is a vehicle to help us remember that our faith is about incarnation leading to resurrection! The liturgical dancer is a teacher of this communal catechesis.
At the Paulist Center, dance is an integral part of particular liturgies throughout the year, including Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Triduum, Pentecost, and Masses involving our youth during Ordinary Time. Our ministry occasionally has opportunities to dance at ecumenical services and social justice events.
Participation is open to all who express an interest, as choreography creatively engages all levels of abilities. The Center offers educational workshops annually.
“Let us build the City of God! May our tears be turned into dancing!” – Dan Schutte
For more information or to get involved, contact Christine Tardiff.