Likewise, Cornelia Winter, an au pair from Austria, could not have foreseen that scrolling on Instagram would lead her to Catholic Dance Crew (CDC), a group partly spearheaded by Christina Pirotta. Christina also began her dancing with no experience and, like Darran, Filippo, and Cornelia, was simply excited to connect with other young adults.

All four now participate in, lead, and actively promote Catholic Dance Crew which, simply speaking, seeks to evangelize by giving people opportunities to connect — which they view as vital, in this age of digital isolation — through the wholesome art of dancing, and to invite all to communal fun, and in some cases, to discover or rediscover faith.

The Crew

Darran became interested in line dancing in 2016 when his older brother introduced him to it in a hometown bar. He recalls how, “I fell in love instantly.” He says, “Catholic Dance Crew has provided a space for me to freely serve others in the name of God and nothing else.”

As an instructor, Darran acknowledges that dancing can be a vulnerable experience, but time and again he has witnessed the fruit of the courage of participants. “I have been touched by the ways dancers have grown and shared appreciation of their own newfound ability to express themselves and connect in dance.” Darran also related how, “I have also found inspiration through other Catholics’ spiritual journeys to deepen my own connection with God.”

Darran’s counterparts, Filippo, Christina, and Cornelia all see the hand of the Holy Spirit in leading them to 'the crew.’ Filippo recounted that to attend a CDC workshop, he purchased a pair of boots from a Mexican Western store that was displaying a giant Saint Jude statue at the entrance. With humor, he mentioned that, as a Catholic, that was his sign that he was on the right path.

Cornelia and Christina originally simply desired to connect with other local young adults. For Cornelia especially, the Catholic part came later. “To be honest, I was a little skeptical at first about the ‘Catholic’ aspect of things.” Cornelia explained. “It was surprisingly enjoyable to see how much fun it is to praise God out on the dance floor!” For Christina: “When I moved here 3 years ago after college, I was looking for a Catholic young adult community. When the first Catholics I met invited me out to dance, I decided to join them even though I had no experience.”

Dancing as Evangelization

Nearly three years later, all four young adults cannot imagine their lives without Catholic Dance Crew. Christina’s favorite events are the Saturday night workshops because they also include Holy Mass. “These are the perfect integration of faith, fellowship and dance. It also might be the only time a non-Catholic friend will be invited to a Catholic Mass, so it is also a perfect opportunity for gentle evangelization.”

For Filippo, “Catholic Dance Crew is one of the communities I feel the most joyful to belong to. We go out to country clubs, parishes, fairs, and schools, and spread the joy of the Catholic faith through dancing and fellowship.” Darran has found his life enriched, and his perspective changed in the process. “Before, I had viewed being a practicing Catholic as a mutually exclusive activity from all other activities in the world. Catholic Dance Crew helped to integrate enjoyable things with my faith.”

Cornelia’s dance journey was also a personal movement back to the Church. “Being a part of this group had greatly changed my faith; the group helped me find my way back to church and restore my relationship with Christ. I now know that there are many ways to celebrate that relationship. Sometimes it's in the silence and stillness of worship, and sometimes you feel God's presence most when you are dancing with friends.”

Evangelizing through Dance: Why Not?

Young adults from all walks of life are welcome to participate in Catholic Dance Crew workshops and events. In a short time, CDC also has branched out to other states. Christina reflected, “I think there is something very special about serving the Church in this unique way. I regularly speak with Catholic young adults across the country asking how to build something like this in their city. I think all young adults can all relate to this desire for community, friendship, and belonging.” For her, and for all of them, defeating isolation and bringing Christ to all is what it is all about.

“God is using our ministry to welcome people back to the faith and expose new people to the Church!” Christina shared. “I always feel re-invigorated and I hope we can continue to reach, encourage, and invite people back into relationship with Him!”

For Cornelia, it is all part of a healthy young adulthood and healthy faith. “You can feel God's presence in each of these special moments and bonding, and that's why I think every Catholic, and especially young adults, should consider dancing as an expression of their faith.”

As Catholic Dance Crew proves, dancing can be a valid starting point, or even a return point, of faith and fellowship for many. And why not? As Filippo puts it, “Ultimately, if God can use all sorts of people and talents to bring people to His kingdom, and if He chose a group of nerdy 20-something year-olds to remind the Silicon Valley of the values of community, joy and worship through dance, let His will be done!”