Sacred Circle Dance Links

The Dance of Life

We dance in a circle, usually holding hands. No partner is needed. The dances are simple, using repetitive sequences. Each dance is introduced as if it has never been danced before, reviewing the steps before beginning. Thus first-time dancers are able to participate fully in the dancing circle.

We learn the story of the dance and its origin. Some are traditional dances from countries all over the world. Some are set to Appalachian type tunes; some are Native American. Some are new and are danced to contemporary music.

The atmosphere is one of joy and vitality and vibrant togetherness. The dance takes us back to our roots in the rhythm of community life. We celebrate our connection with others and with the Earth.

Circle Dance creates a feeling of group cohesion and sensitivity to those around us. As we join hands and move together in harmony, we feel a common spirit. We learn that through cooperation, we can create a whole that is greater than the individual parts. We are uplifted, energized and renewed.

Marga participates in the week long East Coast Dance Camp. She has studied Circle Dance with Dance Camp founders Shaker and Anja, of Touchstone Farm and Yoga Center in Easthampton, Massachusetts. In Knoxville Marga is mentored and inspired by Circle Dance colleague Kevin Meyer.

Marga hosts Sacred Circle Dance once a month on Saturday evening ($5/session). She can also bring special Circle Dance programs to your organization, school or group. Call or email Marga for details and scheduling.
(865) 947-7795 Marga@AttuneEssence.com

I was first drawn to the Dance while living in England in 1988, and for two years I danced with a local circle, attended my first dance camps, and tried out my first choreographies. I moved to California and then Tennessee, where I founded a monthly Sacred Circle Dance gathering in 1997 at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. It was at a dance camp in 1997 that I met Shaker and was introduced to the power and beauty of the LongDance. Since then Shaker has been my mentor, friend, and brother in the Dance. In 1998 I started a monthly LongDance gathering in Oak Ridge. I have facilitated sacred dance at gatherings and workshops in Greece, France, England, Canada, and the US. I experience my deepest joy and ecstasy when I am in a moving circle of people.It is where I lose my self and find my higher, most passionate and playful Self.
KMeyer1423@aol.com

Toni Stephenson discovered the joys of Long Dancing several years ago when Kevin Meyer began a group in Oak Ridge, TN. Kevin's love of the dance and his enthusiasm inspired her to begin developing choreography and teaching Long Dancing to others. She says that each time she listens to a piece of music a dance may begin in her mind. Toni has shared her love of this dance form with several groups. She has taken workshops with Shaker from Touchstone Farms and continues to dance each month with Kevin.

ste@esper.com

Heather Thompson

The Circle Dance I teach is open to all peoples of every culture/religion. I try and not impose anything of my own on their experience other than times of year. Circle dance is rich enough in itself - I need not add a thing to it, just the dance is what is important to me. Our circle meets in Nashville on the 1st and 3rd fridays of every month, 7:30 to 9:30pm at the Global Education Center on Charlotte Avenue. This is traditional Circle Dance - -what John and Marina Bear brought in 1986 to Nashville and what they continue to teach in California.

ltledeer@bellsouth.net

Chrys Hulbert, also known as Dancing Spirit, teaches " Sacred Circle Dance -The Inner Path", a blending of traditional circle dances and meditative long dances.

A student of Ballet and modern dance in my childhood and early teens, I was introduced to the concept of "worship dance" in the Unitarian Church in the 1960's. I discovered Sacred Circle Dance in 1992 and began teaching in 1994. I have attended workshops and dance camps in the U.S. and Costa Rica. I have a strong knowledge of the traditional circle dances and am well versed in the myths and lore that surround them. I especially like the deep meditative long dance form, and strive to imbue the dance circles I lead with reverence for the Sacred Circle that sustains all life.

dancnspirit@yahoo.com