Dance students at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools will be performing in a re-arranged religious service at St Mary’s Priory Church this Saturday (25th June) to raise funds for the children’s charity, Tŷ Hafan.
Ms Rhyan Parry and Ms Zoe Heelas are leading the D4Motion troupe in a collaborative, site specific project with the chaplaincy and music departments, from 2.45pm.
Worship Through Dance is the title of the unique service being led by the schools’ Chaplain, Reverend Clifford Swartz.
Head of Dance, Ms Parry, explained: “Our dance has been devised in three parts: drawing inspiration from the religious artefacts and imagery of St Mary’s Priory Church; the crucifixion of Jesus and, most significantly, the famous scene of Jesus meeting the Samaritan Woman at the well in the Gospel of John.
“The choreography is representative of this Gospel story; its teachings, its importance and its emotional significance in our current climate. But it embodies that dance itself is a means of worship and a way in which we can all quench our thirst with living water in our daily lives.”
She added: “Our service has contemporary music as well as readings and prayers led by the dancers and will be followed by tea and homemade cakes from the Red Castle Tea Rooms, Cross Ash, in the Priory to raise money for Ty Hafan.”
This special service takes place at St Mary’s Priory Church on Saturday from 2.45pm to 3.30pm and is open to all.