WATCH: Cebu Dancing Inmate’s ‘Pope Dance’ for Papal Visit

The famous prison inmates of Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Centre (CPDRP) also known as ‘Cebu Dancing Inmates’ expressed their welcome greetings as they prepare a special dance number for Pope Francis’ 5-day visit in the country.

Screenshot photo from Facebook

 In the past few days, the inmates have been busy rehearsing for what they call the ‘Pope Dance’. The dance, which is mostly composed of hand gestures, is the inmates’ simple token of appreciation for Pope Francis’ visit.

According to the lead choreographer Vince Morales, the inmates are really working hard to make the presentation work. In fact, they even invited a few priests to check the steps and assure that the whole dance number is presentable at the eyes of His Holiness. Morales said that the whole practice took only two days to master because of the inmates’ eagerness and cooperation.

Their song number started with the Gregorian chant as the inmates slowly filled the quadrangle. Then, they danced gracefully to the tune of ‘We are all God’s children’, the Papal visit’s official theme song.

In an interview, some of the inmates also said that aside from their performance, they are also praying for an early release to be with their families. Even though there is a little chance for the Pope to actually witness the dance number personally since he will not be directed in Cebu, still the inmates say that they are happy to perform for him.

They presented the dance at the morning of day of the arrival of Pope Francis, January 15. The jail management agreed to open the presentation for public viewing.

On the other hand, Cebu dancing inmates is also famous for their hit dance numbers like Michael Jackson’s Thriller in 2007, Florida’s Low in 2008, Wonder Girls’ Nobody in 2009, Psy’s Gangnam Style in 2012 and many more. Their videos are uploaded in Youtube for anyone who wants to watch.

Meanwhile, aside from their ‘Pope Dance’, the inmates are also preparing a special performance for the Sinulog Festival this month.

Post by Cebu Provincial Government.