Love, dance, pray: a show dedicated to art and spirituality in Ostia Antica

The cultural association " Amici dell'Ostiamare " presents "Love, Dance, Pray," an initiative "designed," as stated in a statement, to transform encounters between people into an opportunity for mutual enrichment, promoting moral, intellectual, and spiritual growth through art and spirituality. Conceived for the 2025 Jubilee, the event will take place at Casale Girasole in Ostia Antica, every Friday from September 12th to October 10th . The meetings will be moderated by Rai journalist and author Fabrizio Silvestri. The project, promoted by Rome Capitale – Department of Culture, is the winner of the public tender "Artes et Iubilaeum – 2025," funded by the European Union's Next Generation EU under the PNRR (Measure M1C3 – Investment 4.3 – Caput Mundi). The initiative, focused on major tourism events, is being implemented in collaboration with SIAE. "Love, Dance, Pray," the statement continues, "is not just a moment of celebration; it aims to leave a lasting mark on the Roman coastline, strengthening the city's social and cultural fabric. Through a series of artistic and spiritual encounters, it aims to reawaken a sense of belonging and community, stimulating cultural and spiritual rebirth among the audience and promoting dialogue, inclusion, and solidarity. The initiative aims to promote the psychological and physical well-being of residents and pilgrims, integrating body, mind, and soul. Through love, art, and prayer, participants will be invited to build authentic relationships, express their creativity, and cultivate their spirituality. The program includes workshops, conferences, and artistic performances to stimulate discussion on topics of social and cultural relevance."

On the occasion of Jubilee 2025, "Love, Dance, Pray" will offer spaces for reflection and dialogue, inviting participants to rediscover their spirituality through moments of meditation, prayer, and reflection. The goal is to inspire positive and sustainable change, encouraging the formation of support and collaboration networks that can thrive beyond the event. Each meeting will conclude with a performance by Lazio artists committed to promoting art, culture, and sports in the City of Rome and the Lazio region.

THE PROGRAM

First stage – Friday, September 12, 2025

Theme: Dance as a universal language and a language of prayer

A profound exploration of dance as a sacred and universal form of expression, capable of uniting and elevating the spirit.

• Presenter: Fabrizio Silvestri, Rai journalist and author
• Ecclesiastical speaker: Don Gerardo Rodriguez, Chaplain of Spallanzani
• Lay speakers:
  • Andrea Pietrangeli, Musician and Writer
  • Virginia Vandini, Sociologist
• Workshop: Cristina Crescenzi, Ecstatic Dance
• Performer: EMAHO – a musical trio that explores the harmony of natural frequencies, awakening a deep connection with our origins.

Evening program:

• 6:00 PM: Debate on the topic "Dance as a Universal Language and a Language of Prayer"
• 8:00 PM: Break for stage set-up
• 8:30 PM: EMAHO Concert

Second stage – Friday, September 19, 2025

Theme: The meeting of the arts: Dance, Cinema, Music

An interdisciplinary dialogue that celebrates the fusion and interconnection of dance, music, and film, exploring how these arts influence and enrich each other.

• Presenter: Fabrizio Silvestri, Rai journalist and author
• Ecclesiastical Speaker: Father Nicodemus Antony Pam, Cathedral of Ostia Antica
• Speakers/Artists:
  • Gabriele Muolo, Guitarist
  • Maria Corrao, Director of “7 Colli”
• Experiential Workshop: Sound Bath with Shanti Harmonica

Evening program:

• 6:00 PM: Interdisciplinary debate on the intersection of dance, music, and cinema
• 7:30 PM: Break for stage set-up
• 8:00 PM: Guitar concert with Gabriele Muolo

Third stage – Friday, September 26, 2025

Theme: Music and dance as prayer and celebration

An immersive journey through music and dance as an expression of faith and joy, culminating in a collective celebration.

• Presenter: Fabrizio Silvestri, Rai journalist and author
• Ecclesiastical Speaker: Father Nicodemus Antony Pam, Cathedral of Ostia Antica
• Lay Speakers:
  • Simona Fancello, Teacher and Dancer
  • Sara Nesci, Vatican correspondent for Rainews24
• Special Guest: Gabriele Albanese, Photographer
• Performance: Bluemoon Dance School

Description of the evening: The evening will explore music and dance as prayer and celebration through sacred and traditional music workshops and dance workshops. It will be enlivened by a concert featuring musicians of different faiths and cultures, accompanied by traditional dances, offering a vibrant and inclusive experience.

Stage Four – Friday, October 3, 2025

Theme: Dance and painting as a means of expression and prayer

An innovative fusion of movement and color, where dance and painting meet to express spirituality and beauty.

• Presenter: Fabrizio Silvestri, Rai journalist and author
• Ecclesiastical Speaker: Don Gerardo Rodríguez, Spallanzani Chaplain
• Painters Artists:
  • Giovannino Montanari
  • Mauro Russo
• Workshop: Cristina Crescenzi, Ecstatic Dance
• Performer: TetranacriaOriginal Folk Music – a musical project rooted in Sicilian folk tradition, where religion is not only faith but also daily experience.

Description of the evening: The evening offers a fusion of dance and painting, with mural painting workshops led by local artists and sacred art and symbolism workshops. The experience will be enhanced by a musical performance by Tetranacria.

Fifth stage – Friday, October 10, 2025

Theme: Literature as a bridge between cultures

The written word rises to become a tool of unity, exploring its capacity to build bridges between different cultures and faiths.

• Presenter: Fabrizio Silvestri, Rai journalist and author
• Ecclesiastical speakers:
  • Don Giuseppe Fusari, Influencer
  • Sister Anna Nobili, Holy Dance – Catholic Artists in the World
• Lay Speakers:
  • Mimmo Muolo, Vatican Expert for Avvenire
  • Roberta Ferrari, TG1 Correspondent
• Special Guests:
• Performer: San Nicola – Cinemart Group

Description of the evening: Literature becomes a bridge between cultures with masterclasses in creative writing and storytelling, readings of sacred texts and world literature. The event concludes with a moving performance of the story of Saint Nicholas by the Cinemart Group.