February 2009 schedule

Feb. 6th     Monthly Community Celebration

Feb.13th     Dances of Universal Peace

     We Now Host Dances of Universal Peace 2nd Friday of each month

(Suggested Donation 5 to $10, no one turned away)  

Dances of Universal Peace

From the beginning of time, sacred movement, song and story have brought people together - at times of seasonal ceremony and celebration, as part of everyday life and life passages, in daily renewal and meditation, etc... The Dances of Universal Peace are part of this timeless tradition of Sacred Dance.

As in these timeless mystic traditions, the Dances use simple music, lyrics, and movements to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and others. No musical or dance experience of any kind is required and everyone is welcomed to join in. No special attire is required, although comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is best. Participants join hands forming a circle with the Dance leader and other musicians in the center. Throughout the evening, the leader teaches the group the words, melody, and movements for the next Dance and often provides some background history about that particular Dance.

The Dances of Universal Peace were brought together in the late 1960's by Samuel L. Lewis (1896-1971), a Sufi Murshid (teacher) and Rinzai Zen Master, who also studied deeply in the mystical traditions of Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity. In this creation, Lewis was deeply influenced by his contact and spiritual apprenticeship with two people: Hazrat Inayat Khan, who first brought the message of universal Sufism to the West in 1910, and Ruth St. Denis, a feminist pioneer in the modern dance movement in America and Europe.

From his rich life experiences, Lewis in his early 70's began to envision and create the Dances as a dynamic method to promote "Peace through the Arts". From the early days and his original body of about 50 dances, the collection has grown since his passing to more than 500 dances which celebrate the sacred heart of Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the Aramaic, Native American, Native Middle Eastern, Celtic, Native African, and Goddess traditions.

Here is the often-quoted passage written by Murshid Samuel L. Lewis in a paper called "Spiritual Dancing":

"Spiritual Dancing is that which elevates the consciousness. Dancing may be said to be the movement of the body or any of its parts to rhythm, and spiritual is that which helps to make one realize that this body is really the Divine Temple.”

Feb 20th     Local Dj tba will be providing the music tonight!  

8pm $5 to $10 sliding fee

7pm Pre-dance event - $10 Goddess Circle with Goddess Brigid Brigid was a Celtic goddess whose festival was celebrated on February 1st and 2nd. Brigid’s Day, or Imbolc, heralded the middle of Winter and anticipated the coming of Spring. It was a festival of purification. Brigid is affiliated with wisdom, healing, metal-work or craftmanship, flames and fire, and childbirth, even though she was a virgin in the Christian tradition. Join us in connecting with Brigid to purify and prepare for spring. Brought to you by Goddesses  Amanda Jones & Crystal Lee

Feb 27th     Movie Soundtracks Theme - Dance to the best music of your favorite movies!

This is our monthly theme Dance, Costumes are encouraged but not necessary.    No Playlist to post  for this one, Dancing scheduled to start at 8pm,  $5 to $10 sliding as usual.

Pre-Dance Event - $10

Romantic Living with Jonathan Batley & Crystal Lee

Explore the essence of Tantra and Sensual Living at this experiential workshop

We will discuss topics such as:
Creating Energetic/Magnetic Flow
Sensual Living - Presence through your 5 physical senses
Sexuality as a Creative Force to transform your life

Come Celebrate this experience with us in a safe and beautiful environment.
Help create passion in your life and the world you live in!

Stay and dance for free after class
For more information Contact Jonathan @ (503) 933-5930