Gloria Weyman
1927 — 2012
Gloria Weyman, longtime advocate of music, dance, and the visual arts for liturgical prayer, went to dance for her Lord on Wednesday, May 9, 2012. She was 85.
Ms. Weyman was a native Cincinnatian, an author, choreographer, dance consultant, and producer/artistic director. She was an internationally recognized authority in the art of liturgical dance. Her books and videos were pioneering works and were received enthusiastically as an outstanding contribution toward better understanding the use of dance in worship.
In the years following Vatican II, she was an advocate for the music and ministry of Fr. Lucien Deiss, CSSp, and conducted workshops and seminars with him throughout the world. Her efforts were instrumental in making his Biblical Hymns and Psalms known throughout the U.S. as well as his work as a speaker on the topics of scripture and liturgy.
Ms. Weyman was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a B.S. and M.A. in education. She received her dance training from the Cincinnati Conservatory Dance Program and the New York School of Ballet. She was a former member of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and former dance director at Thomas More College in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky. She was the founding member of ILDA (International Liturgical Dance Association) in affiliation with the NPM (National Pastoral Musicians) association and a member of the North American Academy of Liturgy, the first member specializing in liturgical dance. She initiated a dance and movement track for the conventions of NPM and promoted the use of dance, movement, and gesture in the liturgy. She remained active and interested in the liturgical life of the Church well into her 80s.