Ismael Olivas reflects on emotional Bernabéu choreography for papal visit

Ismael Olivas, the choreographer behind the dance performances during Pope Leo XIV’s recent visit to Spain, has spoken about the profound emotional impact of his work, particularly the event held at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. The 25-year-old described the experience, which involved coordinating 100 young dancers, as a deeply moving moment that brought him to tears.

A Sense of Deep Emotion

Olivas shared that as his fellow dancers lifted him at the conclusion of one of the numbers at the Bernabéu, he was overcome with emotion. This was not his first large-scale performance; he previously choreographed for 40,000 people in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. However, he noted that performing for such vast crowds always brings a fresh wave of emotions, a sense of responsibility, and a desire to imbue the moment with the significance it deserves.

Global Experience, Local Roots

Despite his international experience, having lived and worked in the United States, Italy, and England, Olivas’s roots are firmly planted in Spain. He recently returned to Madrid, bringing him closer to his home region of Albacete. For Olivas, dance is more than just an art form; it’s a spiritual practice, a way to connect with God through his God-given talent.

Meticulous Planning

The creation of the choreography involved a multidisciplinary team, including architects who advised on the most appropriate color palettes to enhance the atmosphere and emotional resonance of each performance. This meticulous approach was driven by a desire to fulfill a dream: to dance for the Pope and to express his faith through his art.

The Pope’s Visit to Spain

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Spain on June 9th included a significant event at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid, where he met with the diocesan community. This gathering was part of a broader itinerary designed to thank the thousands of volunteers who contributed to the organization of his apostolic journey. The event featured testimonies, music, and videos highlighting the dedication of those involved in logistics, hospitality, communication, and coordination.

Following the Madrid event, Pope Leo XIV traveled to Barcelona. His itinerary included a midday prayer at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, followed by a visit to the cloister and a symbolic moment of signing the Cathedral’s Golden Book. The day culminated with a large prayer vigil at the Olympic Stadium Lluís Companys in Montjuïc, featuring musical performances by artists such as Pablo López, Beret, Álvaro Soler, and Sergio Dalma, alongside cultural interventions and spiritual reflections.

Olivas’s role in choreographing the dance elements for these significant events underscores the intersection of faith, culture, and performance. His emotional response highlights the power of art to convey deep personal and collective meaning, particularly in the context of a major religious and cultural occasion.

Datos clave

This event, while primarily religious, showcased the artistic contributions that enhance large-scale public gatherings. For Football Español readers, it offers a glimpse into the cultural and artistic dimensions that can accompany major international events hosted in Spain, demonstrating how different disciplines converge to create memorable experiences.

Fuente: cope.es – https://www.cope.es/programas/herrera-en-cope/la-historia-del-dia/audios/ismael-olivas-coreografo-me-saltan-lagrimas-danza-nueva-forma-evangelizacion-emocionado-vivido-bernabeu-20260609_3380339.html