Experience a dramatic declaration of Christ as king through dance cinema.

No dance knowledge required — this ten minute dance film, based on the sermon “That’s My King,” will move anyone who watches it.

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Experience a dramatic declaration of Christ as king through dance cinema.

No dance knowledge required — this ten minute dance film, based on the sermon “That’s My King,” will move anyone who watches it.

Experience a dramatic declaration of Christ as king through dance cinema.

No dance knowledge required — this ten minute dance film, based on the sermon “That’s My King,” will move anyone who watches it.

A woman in a red top lying on a couch with a book and a transparent overlay of her face.

About KING

the story

"KING" begins in a living room with a young lady pulling a forgotten Bible off a shelf. She opens the Bible to the red letters of Jesus. Suddenly the red letters become living dancers moving to the sermon “That’s My King.”

KING captures what it feels like to open God's Word and encounter it for yourself. Rather than telling a narrative story, the film is built around an actual sermon excerpt — so what you're watching isn't fiction, it's Scripture itself, given room to breathe through dance.

In that way, KING reflects something we believe the modern world needs: a return to the teachings of Christ, and to the kind of pastoral leadership that lets Scripture speak for itself.

About The Sermon

“That’s My King”

A color photograph of a smiling man with glasses and dreadlocks, wearing a black shirt, against a light gray background. There is also a smaller black-and-white portrait of an older man with white hair, wearing a suit, in the bottom left corner.
A color photograph of a smiling man with glasses and dreadlocks, wearing a black shirt, against a light gray background. There is also a smaller black-and-white portrait of an older man with white hair, wearing a suit, in the bottom left corner.

S.M. Lockrige (1913-2000) was a renowned African American pastor who preached the famous sermon, "That's My King," in 1976. This dance film is a tribute to Lockridge's lasting impact. Learn more him here: San Diego History Center.

For the film, the vintage audio clip was re-recorded to achieve a clear, modern sound. It was our pleasure to work with vocal talent, Justin Spann. Learn more about this recording in our video film guide, “Behind The Voice.”

A group of ballet dancers practicing on a white studio floor, wearing red leotards and tights, performing various poses and balances.

Choreography

The Director choreographed all of the dancers' movement to the bold, powerful, and poetic rhythms of S.M. Lockridge's voice instead of to music! The assertive and athletic movement is performed in the style of contemporary ballet on pointe.

Three ballet dancers in red costumes performing a choreographed pose in front of a backdrop with large text in black and red.

Red Letters

Older Bibles were often printed with certain red letters. Red letters indicated the actual words of Jesus. The dancers represent these "red letters" through their "alive and active" movement and red costumes symbolic of God's Word.

Two men practicing acro yoga or partner yoga. One man is balancing in a handstand with his legs bent, supported by the second man in a squat position. Both are wearing red athletic clothing, on a studio mat with a plain white background.

Miracle Scenes

There are fast hints of Jesus' miracles. Look for Peter walking on the water, Jesus healing various people, Jesus forgiving the woman caught in adultery, Jesus delivering a girl through exorcism, and glimpses of His death and resurrection.

Multiple electronic devices displaying a presentation titled "How to Use the Devotional" with dancers performing a pose, with a desktop monitor in the center, a laptop on the right, a tablet on the left, and a smartphone in front of the tablet.

Try the KING devotional as:

✔️ A simple 100-day personal devotional for individuals of any age. No dance background required.

✔️ An 18-week group study for any group setting — adult small groups, youth groups, homeschool groups, and more.

✔️ No printing required. Guides for lesson planning and group leaders are available.

Devotional

From The Director

inspiration

Hi there, my name is Vashti Goracke, the Director of "King," and an artist who has led a professional career as a dancer and choreographer for over a decade.

Lockridge's sermon captured me. While I listened, I had to ask myself, “Is Jesus My King?” even though I have been a believer most of my life.

Additionally, wrestling with my retirement as a professional performer, forced me to ask myself, “Do I really believe I have a role in God’s kingdom – even when my professional performing career comes to a close?”

Contemplating this question led me to the creation of this dance film, it’s devotional study, and the additional arts and faith presentations about connecting Christ’s Kingship to our daily lives.

Today, I realize I get to live each day actively with Christ, the Ultimate Choreographer, moving in the roles He has choreographed for me as part of His Kingdom.

This videos was presented as part of the final Arts Fellowship Orlando presentation of KING at the Dr. Phillips Center of the Performing Arts Center in Orlando, Florida.

The Production

behind the scenes

The film's production spanned almost four years with some elements still in the making. We wanted to highlight the skilled professionals who were instrumental in bringing KING to life. Every individual within the production team played a pivotal role in bringing the grand vision into a tangible form.

We wish to extend a sincere expression of gratitude to all those involved in this dance film, irrespective of any variance in religious beliefs. Our cast was international featuring four dancers from Brazil, one from Columbia, post-production members from Latvia, and the rest of the cast and crew coming from various regions of the United States.

An entire cast and crew list is available on the film credits.

awards

KING has found international success across the film festival circuit. It won "Outstanding Music Video" at the Electi Christian International Film Festival in Australia, and 3rd place for "Best Micro Film" at the Shepherd's House International Film Festival in the Philippines. In the United States, the Christian Film Festival honored it with three awards: Best Micro Film, Best Choreography, and Best Cinematography.

The film has also been screened at the Green Mountain Christian Film Festival, Atlanta Christian Film Festival, Salty Earth Film Festival, and Branson International Film Festival, and was selected for the International Christian Film & Music Festival.