Cebu Dancing Inmates rehearsing special dance number for Pope Francis

Published January 7, 2015 10:25am

(Updated 10:53 a.m.) The famous dancing inmates of Cebu will be showcasing their moves once again when Pope Francis arrives in the Philippines next week for a five-day visit.

A report on GMA News' Unang Balita on Wednesday said the inmates have been rehearsing for a special number dubbed as the “Pope Dance” for weeks.

They are even consulting with priests to ensure their dance steps are fitting for the occasion.

Even if Pope Francis will not be dropping by Cebu during his visit, the inmates said they will still perform the “Pope Dance” as a gift for him.

Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the Philippines from January 15 to 19. On January 17, he will fly to Leyte to spend one day with the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

Apart from rehearsing the “Pope Dance,” the inmates are also preparing a special dance number for the Sinulog Festival this month.

The dancing inmates rose to fame in 2007 with their rendition of Michael Jackson’s hit song, “Thriller.” Their performance, which was uploaded on YouTube, was ranked fifth by Time Magazine among the ten most watchable Internet videos for that year.

In 2010, Jackson’s choreogrpaher, Travis Payne, traveled to Cebu to teach the inmates the dance moves to “They Don’t Care About Us.” The dancing inmates’ performance was included as part of the global launch of Jackson’s “This Is It” DVD. — Xianne Arcangel/RSJ, GMA News

Tags: cebudancinginmates, popefrancisphlvisit, papalvisit2015, popedance