Movement III:

We discussed the contrasting themes, movements, and emotions in Gospel Impressions after the first run of Movement II on August 8, 2021. Each element contrasts another specific element, (i.e., grace contrasts legalism in Prodigal God), but as a whole, Gospel Impressions displays the contrast between the world’s message and the Gospel’s message. After all, the Good News is being uniquely displayed in every one of the Gospels. The message remains the same, but the delivery is slightly different, depending on which Gospel you read.

Take Movement III, for example. In the beginning, Valerie (representation of The Word) portrays the concept of resurrection and new life. She rises from the ashes and, in a blur, reflects the joy, peace, and abandon that comes in trusting Christ. This is especially poignant coming out of the 9/11 reference, where the natural human response would be mourning, depression, and anxiety.

Then, the Lilies emerge in a line across the back of the stage. The contrast of lines and circles is quite evident in the entire piece, and reflects Makoto’s paintings. In this instance, the line represents the world’s figurative concept of “hanging on by a thread.” Sometimes in life, we feel like we are barely hanging on, instantly concerned about how we will provide for ourselves. The Gospel message dissipates these worries and can turn this “thread” into a means for trusting the Lord, and “taking the jump” of faith.

Speaking as the dancer at the back of the line, “hanging on by a thread” can actually be a glorious ride when you know who your provider is. After the Lilies “take the jump,” (in the ballet, a literal jump, or Italian pas de chat), we land and then spin, almost as if to testify, “See? We did not labor or spin! Yet God provided for us!”

The end of the first Lily section in Movement III clearly sings of the sparrows over which God watches. The pas de papillons mirror the movement of a baby bird hopping along, unable to fly at first. They do not worry about taking flight until one day it clicks and they fly into the air! God ultimately cares for them; He never lets them fall. The dancers saut de chat to exit the stage, imitating flight. God watches over the sparrows…How much MORE will He watch over you?

Lorianne enters the stage with another “sling-shot line” after the Lilies exit. This line signifies eternity. We can get wound up in concern for the future, but sometimes all we need to do is take a step to the side, be still, and remember who God is and what He holds. Lorianne emerges out of the “eternal line”—In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

As the Lilies enter the stage with the “Tears of Christ” walks, I feel God’s provision for each one of us on an emotional level. He did not have to weep for Lazarus… He was about to raise him from the dead! Yet he wept with Lazarus’ hurting sister, and showed the depth of His love for her. Out of the walks, the Lilies form a line and pivot in all directions, giving a clear picture to how we are dressed… in splendor! The waltz line represents the Gospels weaving together. As we see in the “Sermon on the Mount” section, Jesus’ message remain the same: despite the work of the enemy, the Word goes forth.

Stay tuned for more of Company Apprentice Sophia Snider’s thoughts on Julianna Rubio Slager’s Gospel Impressions.