PAST EVENTS
JUNE
ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY IN THE TRADITIONS OF THE CHURCH THROUGH DANCE
Sacred Dance Workshop at St.Nick's
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.
June 21, 2014 10:00 am-2:30 pm
St. Nicholas of Myra Church Parish Hall
17114 Ventura Blvd. Encino, Ca.
Please register at info@valyermodancers.org
Workshop: $30 preregister $35 at the door
Bring water and a lunch and enjoy the park-like setting of the church grounds.
During this workshop, sacred dance becomes the vehicle of our expression and engagement
in the worship traditions of the Church. Participants will gather and explore the gestural and
dance possibilities in the life of parish community. Come and learn where to dance, when to
dance, and how to involve the community in this art of motion, emotion, and prayer. The day
promises to be full of fellowship and prayer.
John West is an oblate of St. Andrew’s Abbey and founder of the Valyermo Dancers. A gifted dancer,
choreographer and liturgist, he has been conducting dance workshops at St. Andrew’s. He is also a
lecturer and educator at the international and national collegiate and university levels. His professional
associations include membership in the prestigious North American Academy of Liturgy.
Please email to register at info@valyermodancers.org
MAY
Dancing in Step with the Past Into the Future
Sacred Dance Workshop at Valyermo
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.
With Fr. Philip Edwards, OSB
May 17, 2014 9:00 am- 4:30 pm
St. Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, CA
Workshop Price: $40.00
Continental breakfast, coffee, tea and water are available throughout the morning;
lunch is served following the noon Mass.
This workshop will help participants experience the power of dance as an outward sign of
community and religion, the ties that bind us. Through explorations of rhythm and group dances,
participants will reach back in time to the biblical dances of matriarchs and patriarchs and project
into the legacies we can build for ourselves and our children in the future. These will be the steps
of justice, unity, peace, and love.The workshop provides another opportunity for dance prayer to
be experienced by the non-dancer and dancer alike. Please support the abbey by promoting it at
your parishes.
John West is an oblate of Valyermo and founder of the Valyermo Dancers. A gifted dancer,
choreographer, and liturgist, he has been conducting workshops at St. Andrew’s, as well as at
the international and national collegiate and university levels. His professional associations
include membership in the prestigious North American Academy of Liturgy.
Please Contact St. Andrew’s Abbey: retreats@valyermo.com or call (661)944-2178
MARCH
AUDITIONS
Male and female dancers of all backgrounds are welcome to audition for
membership in the Valyermo Dancers. Previous dance background in any
dance tradition is welcomed. Minimum age: 15 yrs. old. Please, come
dressed in dance wear or active/athletic wear - no shorts or visitors please.
Dance shoes or bare feet used for audition. Bring bottled water or eco- sipper
for hydration. Come prepared to work and pray in the Benedictine tradition.
Please bring the complete form below as your registration for the auditions.
March 13- March 16, 2014
Hope A World Afire!/Esperanza que Enciende al Mundo!
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim CA
The Valyermo Dancers will participate in the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in
Anaheim. The dance company will serve as ministers of liturgical movement for the Opening
Event, the Friday Jazz Liturgy and Spanish Liturgy; Saturday the Mayan Liturgy and Black
Culture Liturgy, and Sunday, the closing liturgies.
Friday, March 14, 2014
8:30-9:30 am Opening Event & Welcome (Arena)
5:15 pm Jazz Liturgy -- Rev. Patrick Mullen
Spanish Liturgy – Archbishop José Gomez (Hall B)
Saturday, March 15, 2014
3:00-4:30 pm Enkindle The Light of Hope Through Dance-by John West
Workshop Period 6
Hilton, Laguna Room
5:15 pm Black Culture Liturgy, Presider: Rev. Gregory Chisholm
Spanish/Mayan (Misa Maya) – Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez (Hall B)
Sunday, March 16, 2014
8:00-9:30 am Eucharistic Liturgy (Arena)
3:30 pm Closing Eucharistic Liturgy, Archbishop José Gomez
Enkindle the Light of Hope Through Dance
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.,
March 15, 2014
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress,
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim CA
Hilton, Laguna Room
Period 6
3:00-4:30 pm
If we "learn to live by practicing living," then come practice movement in dance that will help
exercise our social justice, equity and peace. The principles are the same. With an eye toward
realizing a world that embraces the spiritual and social challenges of the Gospel message, experience
the power of prayerful movement and sacred dance.
John West is an educational consultant for Independent schools and schools for the gifted. He is an
oblate of St. Andrew's Abbey in Valyermo, Calif. and founder of the Valyermo Dancers. As a lecturer
in medieval and sacred dance, a gifted choreographer, dancer, and liturgist, he has been conducting
workshops at St. Andrew’s Abbey as well as international and national collegiate and university venues.
He and his company are regular participatants in the Religious Eucation Congress; John also serves
on the Congress Liturgy Committee. His professional associations include membership in the
prestigious North American Academy of Liturgy.
JANUARY 2014
Footsteps Before Me
Valyermo Mid-Winter Dance Workshop
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.,
With Fr. Philip Edwards, OSB,
January 17th-20th 2014
St. Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, CA
$350 single room; $287.50 shared room.
Price includes meals.
The work and prayer of sacred dance becomes the vehicle for the spiritual journey of this extended
weekend. Participants gather as a community of dancers, musicians, and poets to explore biblical or
liturgical themes. The days are full of scripture, dance, and prayer; the evenings are usually open to
silence and reflection. Sunday night provides the participants the opportunity to offer, with the
monks, the work of previous days in a worshipful setting.
(Bring, along with your imagination and creativity, a Bible, a moleskin or journal, your musical
instruments, dance work clothes, and clothing suitable for liturgical celebrations.)
Please Contact St. Andrew’s Abbey: valyermogh@gmail.com or call (661)944-2178
John West is an oblate of Valyermo and founder of the Valyermo Dancers. A gifted dancer,
choreographer, and liturgist, he has been conducting workshops at St. Andrew’s, as well as
at the international and national collegiate and university levels. His professional associations
include membership in the prestigious North American Academy of Liturgy.
DECEMBER
Dancing Festival of Lessons and Carols
December 21, 2013 7:00 pm
St. Nicholas of Myra Church
17114 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, Ca.
Wander to St. Nicholas' Anglo-Catholic parish and join the Valyermo Dancers in
celebrating joyous expectation of Christmas. It's our inaugural "Dancing Festival of
Lessons and Carols." Be a part of our prayer and cheer!
Dancing Lessons and Carols, Part II
A Full Bodied Celebration of the Word Made Flesh
Valyermo Advent Dance Workshop
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.,
With Fr. Philip Edwards, OSB
December 14, 2013 9:00 am- 4:30 pm
St. Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, CA
Workshop Tuition: $40.00
Continental breakfast, coffee, tea and water are available throughout the morning;
lunch is served following the noon Mass.
Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy!
[ Luke 6:23 ]
The workshop will lead participants from the solemn hope of advent hymns to the joyous
carols and reenactments of Christmas traditions stretching from medieval Europe to the
indigenous people of the Americas. With the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols as a
reference, participants will flesh out the incarnation, celebrating the loving God through
the scriptures and the music of the season. The fruit of the workshop will be offered as
an afternoon group prayer experience, sending all into the season with joyful heart,
mind, and spirit. Dance skirts and pants are encouraged for the celebration.
To register please contact St. Andrew’s Abbey: valyermogh@gmail.com or call (661)944-2178 http://www.saintandrewsabbey.com/
NOVEMBER
Friday, November 15, 2013 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Marymount California University P.E.A.C.E Center
30800 Palos Verdes Dr E., Rancho Palos
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
www.marymountcalifornia.edu (310) 377-5501
www.scinterfaith.org (562) 983-1665
The Valyermo Dancers are pleased to have been invited to open this conference with
the Sanctus and Benedictus of the Missa Luba. This is an academic conference
sponsored by the South Coast Interfaith Council and Marymount California Rancho
Palos Verdes, CA
MAY
Speaking in the Tongues of Dance
Valyermo Pentecost Dance Workshop
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.
With Fr. Philip Edwards, OSB
May 4, 2013 9:00 am- 4:30 pm
St. Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, CA
Workshop Price: $40.00
Continental breakfast, coffee, tea and water are available throughout the morning;
lunch is served following the noon Mass.
Dance is a “tongue,” a language of its own:“…why should not mankind speak again in its most
ancient language of the mystery of movement and countermovement: the one movement which
proceeds from this world to God, and the other movement which proceeds from God to this world?”
[Gerardus van der Leeuw]
The session provides another opportunity for dance prayer to be experienced by the non-dancer and
dancer alike. Please support the abbey by promoting it at your parishes. The retreat will include
reflections on relevant scriptures and various writings about the power of Pentecost. Through
movement enhanced prayer and sacred dance, we will come to relearn and newly experience the
sacred language of the body in dance and prayer.
John West is an oblate of Valyermo and founder of the Valyermo Dancers. A gifted dancer,
choreographer, and liturgist, he has been conducting dance workshops at St. Andrew’s for many
years. He is also a lecturer and educator currently serving as Headmaster at the Mirman School.
To register please contact Bro. Bede at St. Andrew’s Abbey: bedehazlet@gmail.co
(661)944-2178 http://www.saintandrewsabbey.com/
MARCH
Valyermo Dancers in Cristo Vive!
Choreography by John West
March 23 and 24, 2013
Performances: at 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 6:00 pm
East Los Angeles College
1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez
Monterey Park, CA
The Valyermo Dancers will participate dancing in a Spanish
theatre piece of the passion, death, and resurrection of Our
Lord Jesus Christ. Cristo Vive was written, composed, and
directed by Rafael Moreno.
FEBRUARY
February 22- February 24, 2013
Enter the Mystery/ Entra al Misterio
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim CA
The Valyermo Dancers will participate in the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in
Anaheim. The dance company will serve as ministers of liturgical movement for the Opening
Event, the Friday and Saturday Hispanic Liturgies, the Gospel Liturgy, the Stations of the
Cross, and the Closing Liturgies on Sunday.
Friday, February 22, 2013
8:30-9:30 am Opening Rite & Welcome (Arena)
1:00-2:30 pm JOB: The Now Testament, John Angotti, Period 2
(featuring John West as God the Father)
3:30-4:30 pm Roman Catholic Rituals- Ever Ancient, Ever New
ValLimar Jansen, Period 3
5:15 pm Misa del Pueblo – Archbishop José Gomez
Saturday, February 23, 2013
5:15 pm Gospel Liturgy, Presider: Msgr. Ray East
5:15 pm Spanish/Mayan (Misa Maya) – Rev. Domingo Rodríguez
5:15 pm Stations of the Cross
Sunday, February 24, 2013
8:00-9:30 am Eucharistic Liturgy (Arena)
3:30 pm Closing Eucharistic Liturgy, Archbishop José Gomez
JANUARY 2013
More Than an Open Door
Valyermo Mid-Winter Dance Workshop
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.,
With Fr. Philip Edwards, OSB,
Contributing artists, ValLimar & Frank Jansen
January 18th- 21st 2013
St. Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, CA
$350 single room; $287.50 shared room.
Price includes meals.
The work and prayer of sacred dance becomes the vehicle for the spiritual journey of this extended
weekend. Participants gather as a community of dancers, musicians, and poets to explore biblical or
liturgical themes. The days are full of scripture, dance, and prayer; the evenings are usually open to
silence and reflection. Sunday night provides the participants the opportunity to offer, with the
monks, the work of previous days in a worshipful setting.
( Bring, along with your imagination and creativity, a Bible, a moleskin or journal, your musical
instruments, dance work clothes, and clothing suitable for liturgical celebrations.)
Please Contact St. Andrew’s Abbey: retreats@valyermo.com (661)944-2178
John West is an oblate of Valyermo and founder of the Valyermo Dancers. A gifted dancer,
choreographer, and liturgist, he has been conducting dance workshops at St. Andrew’s for many
years. He is also a lecturer and educator currently serving as Headmaster at the Mirman School.
DECEMBER
Dancing Lessons and Carols I
A Full Bodied Celebration of the Word Made Flesh
Valyermo Advent Dance Workshop
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.,
With Fr. Philip Edwards, OSB
December 8, 2012 9:00 am- 4:30 pm
St. Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, CA
Workshop Price: $40.00
Continental breakfast, coffee, tea and water are available throughout the morning;
lunch is served following the noon Mass.
Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy!
[ Luke 6:23 ]
The workshop will lead participants from the solemn hope of advent hymns to the joyous
carols and reenactments of Christmas traditions stretching from medieval Europe to the indigenous
people of the Americas. With the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols as a reference, participants
will flesh out the incarnation and celebrate the loving God through the scriptures and the music
of the season. The fruit of the workshop will be offered as an afternoon group prayer experience,
sending all into the season with joyful heart, mind, and spirit. Dance skirts and pants are encouraged
for the celebration.
To register please contact St. Andrew’s Abbey: retreats@valyermo.com
(661)944-2178 http://www.saintandrewsabbey.com/
OCTOBER
Valyermo Dancers in Concert!
New Choreography by John West
October 6, 2012 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
16th Annual Southern California
Christian Dance Concert
Trinity Church, Redlands CA
JULY
July 15, 2012
Golden Jubilee of Monastic Profession
Fr. Philip Edwards, O.S.B.
On July 15, 2012 the monastic community of St. Andrew’s Abbey was joined by the family
and loved ones of Fr. Philip Edwards, OSB in celebration of Fr. Philip’s 50th year of monastic
profession. The Valyermo Dancers were blessed to be included in the Jubilee Mass where they
danced, at Fr. Philip’s request, the 4th movement of Mahler’s 2nd Symphony, his Resurrection
Symphony. Choreographed by John West and entitled “Primordial Light,” the piece served as
the song of thanksgiving at the liturgy’s end. Its use of white lighted candles and red rose petals
augmented Mahler’s poetry and music to underscore the renewal and blessing of Fr. Philip’s
celebration. May his continued ministry and support of the Valyermo Dancers serve as a
blessing to us.
MAY
Igniting Faith into Action
Valyermo Pentecost Dance Workshop
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.
With Fr. Philip Edwards, OSB
May 19, 2012 9:00 am-4:30 pm
St. Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, CA
Workshop Price: $40.00
Continental breakfast, coffee, tea and water are available throughout the morning;
lunch is served following the noon Mass.
The session provides another opportunity for dance prayer to be experienced by the non-dancer and
dancer alike. Please support the abbey by promoting it at your parishes. The retreat will include
reflections on relevant scriptures and various writings about the power of Pentecost. Through
movement enhanced prayer and sacred dance, we will come to embrace the fires of the Spirit
and answer the call to action for social justice, equity, and peace.
John West is an oblate of Valyermo and founder of the Valyermo Dancers. A gifted dancer,
choreographer, and liturgist, he has been conducting dance workshops at St. Andrew’s for many
years. He is also a lecturer and educator currently serving as Headmaster at the Mirman School.
Please Contact St. Andrew’s Abbey: retreats@valyermo.com (661)944-2178
MARCH
March 23 - March 25, 2012
Voice Infusing Life/ Voz Que Infunde Vida
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue
Anaheim CA
The Valyermo Dancers will participate in the Los Angeles Religious Education
Congress in Anaheim. The dance company will serve as ministers of liturgical
movement for the Opening Event, the Friday and Saturday Hispanic Liturgies,
the Jazz Liturgy, the Celtic Liturgy, and the Closing Liturgies on Sunday.
Infusing Movement Into Prayer In Response To God's Word
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.,
March 24, 2012
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress,
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim CA
Period 4
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Speech is one-third or less of the process of communication. Gesture completes
the meaning of our words. Similarly, the infusion of gesture and movement into our
prayerful dialogue with God can help us stretch into becoming the people that the
Gospels call us to be. God's words and our prayers can become the fleshed out realities
of our lives. Come experience and learn the power of prayerful movement in this
interactive workshop led by the Director of the Valyermo Dancers.
JANUARY 2012
Wrestling with the Dream
Valyermo Mid-Winter Dance Workshop
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.,
With Fr. Philip Edwards, OSB
January 13th- 16th 2012
St. Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, CA
$350 single room; $250 shared room.
Price includes meals.
The work and prayer of sacred dance becomes the vehicle for the spiritual journey of this extended
weekend. Participants gather as a community of dancers, musicians, and poets to explore biblical or
liturgical themes. The days are full of scripture, dance, and prayer; the evenings are usually open to
silence and reflection. Sunday night provides the participants the opportunity to offer, with the
monks, the work of previous days in a worshipful setting.
( Bring, along with your imagination and creativity, a Bible, a moleskin or journal, your musical
instruments, dance work clothes, and clothing suitable for liturgical celebrations.)
Please Contact St. Andrew’s Abbey: retreats@valyermo.com (661)944-2178
John West is an oblate of Valyermo and founder of the Valyermo Dancers. A gifted dancer,
choreographer, and liturgist, he has been conducting dance workshops at St. Andrew’s for many
years. He is also a lecturer and educator currently serving as Headmaster at the Mirman School.
DECEMBER
Fleshing Out the Incarnation
Valyermo Advent Dance Workshop
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.,
With Fr. Philip Edwards, OSB
December 10, 2011 9:00 am- 4:30 pm
St. Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, CA
Workshop Price: $40.00
Continental breakfast, coffee, tea and water are available throughout the morning;
lunch is served following the noon Mass.
This day long workshop will include reflection on relevant scriptures of both Old and New
testaments, and the writings of various Church Fathers & Benedictine theologians as we “incarnate”
our meditations and enter prayerfully into Advent. We will conclude the workshop with an
afternoon group prayer experience drawing on movement prayers developed during the morning and
applied to an adapted version of the Vespers ritual from the Coptic Rite Divine Office. Dance skirts
and pants are encouraged for the celebration.
Please Contact St. Andrew’s Abbey: retreats@valyermo.com (661)944-2178
OCTOBER
Valyermo Dancers in Concert!
New Choreography by John West
October 8, 2011 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
15th Annual Southern California
Christian Dance Concert
Trinity Church, Redlands CA
JULY
Let Us Dance Before the Lord
Dance Workshop
Led by John West
July 19, 2011 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Our Lady Queen of Angels, Newport Beach, CA
Summer Series, "Having Fun Being Catholic"
Organized by Dr. Victoria Dendinger
MAY
A Moving Oblation to the Spirit of Pentecost
Actions of Renewal & Prayer for the Unity of Creation
Valyermo Art Series Dance Workshop
Led by John West
May 21, 2011 9:00am-4:30pm
St. Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, CA
$38.00 per person; $100 per family of 3.
Hot and cold beverages and fruit are available throughout the morning, and lunch is served
following the noon Mass.
It is the second of the art series to include dance. The session provides another opportunity for dance
prayer to be experienced by the non-dancer and dancer alike. Please support the abbey by promoting
it at your parishes. The retreat will include reflections on relevant scriptures and various writings
about the nature of the Spirit. Through movement enhanced prayer and sacred dance, we will come
to tell the story of Pentecost, recognize God’s breath in us, and answer the call to action for social
justice, equity, and peace.
Valyermo Art Series Dance Workshop John West is an oblate of Valyermo and founder of the
Valyermo Dancers. A gifted dancer, choreographer, and liturgist, he has been conducting dance
workshops at St. Andrew’s for many years. He is also a lecturer and educator currently serving as
Headmaster at the Mirman School.
Please Contact St. Andrew’s Abbey: retreats@valyermo.com (661)944-2178
MARCH 18 - MARCH 20, 2011
Hold Firm... Trust!
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, Anaheim CA
The Valyermo Dancers recently participated in the Los Angeles Religious Education
Congress in Anaheim. The dance company served as ministers of liturgical movement
for the Opening Event, the Saturday Hispanic Liturgy, and the Jazz Liturgy. John West
was also a minister of movement for the Black Culture Liturgy on Friday evening.
Suggestions for Holy Week Reflections The Passion of Our Lord according to John
Choreographed by John West
Performed by the Valyermo Dancers
Composed by Rev. Lucien Deiss, CSSp
Produced by World Library Publications
Click here to find Gesture Prayers
Suggestions for Holy Week Reflections:
Choreographed by John West
Performed by the Valyermo Dancers
Composed by Rev. Lucien Deiss, CSSp
Produced by World Library Publications
Suggestions for Holy Week
Reflections:
Choreographed by John West
Performed by the Valyermo Dancers
Composed by Rev. Lucien Deiss, CSSp
Produced by World Library Publications.
"And they
were
all filled with the Holy Spirit,
and began to speak with other tongues
as the Spirit gave them utterance."
(Acts 2:4).
Come to us, Spirit of God,
Breathe in us now…
Send us the wings of new birth,
Fill all the earth with the love you have taught us
Let all creation be shaken with love…
Come Spirit of God
(David Haas, Send Us Your Spirit)
“Christmas is a most appropriate season for adding dance to other art forms used
in
expressing the great joy of the season. The word ‘carol’ itself means to dance with singing.”
~ Doug Adams
Holy flaming
leaps in earth's embrace,
leaps in precious tongues
within a womb.
What burning
prancing within a womb aflame!
What fire enkindles and loves,
enkindles and nurtures you?
~ Charolotte Mary Roberts
With the world’s evening near,
Christ Jesus comes like the bridegroom out of His chamber,
out of the virgin mother’s womb, to set a crown of invisible grace,
joy and gladness upon his servants.
“Christmas is a most appropriate season
for adding dance to other art forms used in
expressing the great joy of the season. The word ‘carol’ itself means to dance with singing.”
~ Doug Adams
Wrestling with the Dream
“….the time to make new efforts to be what we say we want to be.”
“Is this the path on which I see the footsteps of God most clearly in front of me?”
More Than an Open Door
"...Letting the God of the unexpected come in”
Suggestions for Holy Week Reflections:
Choreographed by John West
Performed by the Valyermo Dancers
Composed by Rev. Lucien Deiss, CSSp
Produced by World Library Publications
Watch us at the Celtic Liturgy!
Watch us at the Closing Liturgy.
WHEN MARCH 29
TIME 11:00-1:30 p. m.
WHERE St. Nicholas of Myra Church
Parish Hall
17114 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, Ca
To request information or for any questions, please email info@valyermodancers.org.
DECEMBER
Dancing Festival of Lessons and Carols Concert
December 20, 2014
2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Holy Spirit Retreat Center Chapel
4316 Lanai Rd.
Encino, CA 91436
The Valyermo Dancers in partnership with the Sisters of Social Service invite you to their "Dancing Festival of Lessons and Carols" concert. This is an inter-faith celebration of the Advent and Christmas seasons open to everyone. Wander to Holy Spirit Retreat
Center in Encino and celebrate the joyous expectations of Christmas through music, dance, poetry, and scripture based prayer.
Come be part of our prayer and cheer!
WordNet Productions’ Interview with Fr. Mike Manning and John:
“Dancing With God.”
This is a spirit-filled conversation between television host Fr. Mike Manning and John about the prayer and worship value
of “Dancing With God.” The interview was broadcast nationally and globally in early September. The interview was carried by TCC, TBN, and ESNE Networks in addition to some national diocesan cable stations. The video recording of the interview is available at http://www.wordnet.tv/videos.htm or www.wordnetproductions.com
Enjoy!
The Footprints of a Star
Sacred Dance Workshop at Valyermo
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.
With Fr. Philip Edwards, OSB
December 13, 2014 9:00 am- 4:30 pm
St. Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, CA
Workshop Price: $40.00
Continental breakfast, coffee, tea and water are available throughout the morning;
lunch is served following the noon Mass.
In the tradition of the seasons of Advent and Christmas, participants will
experience through movement how humanity moves through the stages
of life “like a bird or dancing spark…” Each of us learns to spot our guiding
star and follow its disappearing footprints into the promise of tomorrow.
John West is an oblate of Valyermo and founder of the Valyermo Dancers. A gifted dancer,
choreographer, and liturgist, he has been conducting workshops at St. Andrew’s, as well as
at the international and national collegiate and university levels. His professional associations
include membership in the prestigious North American Academy of Liturgy.
Please Contact St. Andrew’s Abbey: retreats@valyermo.com or call (661)944-2178
NOVEMBER
November 6 - November 8
BILAC
BIG ISLAND LITURGY AND ARTS CONFERENCE
John has been invited to be a participant and presenter at BILAC. Historically, the conference was located on the Big Island of Hawaii, but is now based on the island
of Oahu. If you feel the call of aloha and ohana, come to the conference. Treat yourself to the beauty of the conference and the work of all of the presenters. For more information, visit the conference website, http://marianistbilac.wordpress.com/
Below are the two workshops that John will be privileged to provide.
MERGING THE SELF INTO COMMUNAL PRAYER THROUGH SACRED MOVEMENT AND GESTURE -B-3
Ritual is a choreographed experience of prayer and worship. Through such choreographed gesture and movement old words are given new meaning; recited words of
faith are called to life, and a gathering of individuals becomes merged into the flow of the communal prayer of the Body of Christ. Workshop participants will
experience where and how these sacred gestures and movements might best serve the Assembly in these settings. John will draw on his experience with the Valyermo Dancers and his leadership role with sacred movement at the renowned Arena liturgies of the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress.
MOVING WITH THE BODY IN PRAYER - C-6
Speech is only 1/3 or less of the human communication process. Gesture completes the meaning of our words. Similarly, the infusion of gesture and movement into
our prayerful dialogue with God can help us stretch into becoming the people that the Gospels call us to be. God’s words and our prayers can become the fleshed out realities of our lives. Come experience and learn the power of prayerful movement in this interactive workshop..
Please see go to our Events page for current workshops.
MAY
Dancing With the Divine Breath of Creativity
Valyermo Sacred Dance Workshop
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B. A., M.Ed, MA.,
May 16th, 2015 9:00 am-4:30 pm
St. Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, CA
Workshop Price: $40.00
Continental breakfast, coffee, tea and water are available throughout the morning;
lunch is served following the noon Mass.
"With loving regard, the divine Artist passes on to the human artist a spark of surpassing wisdom,
calling him or her to share in divine creative power.
Pope St. John Paul II, Letter to Artists.
Come join in a danced renewal of our role as instruments of the living God in the ongoing work of creation.
Workshop tuition, $40.00, includes continental breakfast, coffee, tea, and water. These beverages are available
throughout the day. Lunch is served following the noon Mass.
Register online www.saintandrewsabbey.com or please contact St. Andrew’s Abbey email retreats@valyermo.com or call
(661 )944-2178.
APRIL
SPEAKING IN THE TONGUES OF DANCE
Sacred Dance Workshop at
Holy Spirit Retreat Center
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B. A., M.Ed, MA.,
April 11th 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
4316 Lanai Rd.,
Encino, Ca. 91436
Fee: $45.00 with lunch; $35.00 without lunch
$10.00 non-refundable deposit with registration
818-784-4515 FAX: 818-784-0409
hsrcenter@earthlink.net
www.hsrcenter.com
This Sacred Dance Workshop provides an opportunity for dance prayer to be experienced by the dancer and non-dancer alike. The retreat, led by John West, founder of the Valyermo Dancers, will include reflections on relevant scriptures and various writings about the power of Pentecost. Through movement enhanced prayer and sacred dance, we will come to re-learn and newly experience the sacred language of the body in dance and prayer.
MARCH
March 12- March 15, 2015
S E E /V E R
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim CA
The Valyermo Dancers will participate in the Los Angeles Religious Education
Congress in Anaheim. The dance company will serve as ministers of liturgical
movement for the Opening Event, the Friday Spanish Liturgy and Prayer Service;
Saturday Spanish Liturgy and Concert; Sunday closing liturgies.
Friday, March 13, 2015
8:30-9:30 am Opening Event & Welcome (Arena)
5:15 pm Ecumenical Prayer Service for Persecuted Christians
Spanish Liturgy - Archbishop José Gomez (Hall B)
Saturday, March 14, 2015
10:00-11:30 am See the Beauty and Dance a Song of Praise by John West
Workshop Period 4
Hilton, Laguna Room
5:15 pm Spanish Liturgy - Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez (Convention Arena)
8:30 pm Concert- The Influence of One Life:
A celebration of Sr. Edith and her 27 yrs. with Congress
(Convention Arena)
Sunday, March 15, 2015
8:00-9:30 am Eucharistic Liturgy (Arena)
3:30 pm Closing Eucharistic Liturgy, Archbishop José Gomez
See the Beauty and Dance a Song of Praise
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.,
March 14, 2015
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress,
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim CA
Hilton, Laguna Room
Period 4
10:00-11:30 am
Through the use of sacred dance, our human artistry manages to underscore the living beauty of the Word of God made flesh. Come and respond to his invitation to the dance – embrace the beauty of sacred movement. See God’s beauty in ourselves and dance his praise. All levels of experience are welcome.
John West is an educational consultant for Independent schools and schools for the gifted. He is an
oblate of St. Andrew's Abbey in Valyermo, Calif. and founder of the Valyermo Dancers. As a lecturer
in medieval and sacred dance, a gifted choreographer, dancer, and liturgist, he has been conducting
workshops at St. Andrew’s Abbey as well as international and national collegiate and university venues.
He and his company are regular participants in the Religious Education Congress; John also serves
on the Congress Liturgy Committee. His professional associations include membership in the
prestigious North American Academy of Liturgy.
JANUARY
From Fraction to Unity
Valyermo Mid-Winter Dance Workshop
Led by John West, Obl. OSB, B.A., M.Ed., M.A.,
With Fr. Philip Edwards, OSB,
January 16th-19th 2015
St. Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, CA
$350 single room; $287.50 shared room.
Price includes meals.
The work and prayer of sacred dance becomes the vehicle for this weekend of celebration and praise of the unifying breath
of the living God who created our diverse, multiformed, humanity. Dancers, musicians, and poets of good faith are called
together this weekend to translate religious, biblical, and liturgical themes into moving art reflective of God’s creative
presence in all of humankind. The days are full of scripture, dance, prayer, and fellowship; the evenings are open to silence
and reflection. Sunday night provides the participants the opportunity to offer, in the company of the monks, the work of
previous days in a worshipful setting. (Bring, along with your imagination and creativity, a Bible, a moleskin or journal, your
musical instruments, dance work clothes, and clothing suitable for liturgical celebrations.)
Please Contact St. Andrew’s Abbey: retreats@valyermo.com or call (661)944-2178 http://www.saintandrewsabbey.com/
John West is an oblate of Valyermo and founder of the Valyermo Dancers. A gifted dancer, choreographer, and liturgist,
he has been conducting workshops at St. Andrew’s, as well as at the international and national collegiate and university levels.
His professional associations include membership in the prestigious North American Academy of Liturgy
Tickets for Concert: $15.00
2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Purchase Tickets Online
(to be picked up at Will Call)
or
Contact Sr. Deborah
(818) 784-4515
.Suggestions for Holy Week Reflections:
Choreographed by John West
Performed by the Valyermo Dancers
Composed by Rev. Lucien Deiss, CSSp
Produced by World Library Publications
