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Nov 11-13, 2005
“The original impulse to dance came from a deep desire to connect with divine mystery.”
—Ellen Kennedy
Circle Dance is the living, moving embodiment of the old African saying: “If you can talk, you can sing, if you can walk, you can dance!”
What is it like to Circle Dance? We awaken joy and laughter as we hold hands together and dance simple steps connecting us to the earth and to each other. We trace centuries old steps from many parts of the world and we join in newly created dances that are prayers and celebrations.
Bernard Wosien, a German dance master, collected the old village dances of Europe to prevent them from being lost. The Findhorn Community in Scotland welcomed him enthusiastically and helped him spread these beautiful dances, and Rowan was in his first group of dancers and teachers.
The wonder of circle dance is that the steps are so easy to follow; we tap into the source that inspired our ancestors. If you are new to dance, you will soon feel welcome. All dances are taught, people learn at their own pace, and missteps are considered variations on the theme. A warm feeling of mutual respect, inclusion, and bonding is a hallmark. If you have been to many circle dance events, you’ll feel nourished by familiar favorites and enjoy the newest creations. We’ll learn candle dances Saturday night, sensing how meditative dances are like dancing mantras. We’ll experience new dances that teach the cosmic story of the Universe. Together we’ll experience how dance bonds us in community and helps us discover and embody spiritual truths.
After her training with Wosien at Findhorn, Rowan taught for three years in Europe, and then brought the dances here. She helped create the first North American Dance Camp and we’re honored to share her wisdom and experience. Ellen Kennedy was trained and certified as a Sacred Circle Dance facilitator at Findhorn and has a background in ballet and modern jazz. She’s taught for 12 years and founded the group in Newburyport.She’s known for her ability to incorporate the dances as a centering and grounding force in conferences, most recently with Matthew Fox. Lucia Wilson has been dancing all her life, from twirling around the house in a flowing skirt as a child to training in ballet, modern, and liturgical dance. In circle dance she has come home. She co-leads one of the oldest groups in the country and is passionate about reviving community festivals of the old agricultural celebrations. Sarah Pirtle knows how to weave a group together with deep caring, safety, humor, and respect. She creates dances about the beat of the cosmos. She’s been leading workshops at Rowe for 20 years, is the author of four peace education books, is an award-winning recording artist with six CDs. Please join us in the dance.