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. Participation, not presentation, is the focus. 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 teaching is always done from a compassionate heart in a comfortable, quiet, and often sacred setting.

The movements and songs drawn from over 400 Dances include themes of peace (both inner and outer), healing (the Earth, individuals, and the global family), and the celebration of life's great mystery. Dancers focus on peace and harmony creating a sense of solidarity and community while celebrating the underlying unity of all the spiritual traditions of the Earth. By experiencing these many traditions, a greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures, as well as one's own heritage, is gained.

When Dance lyrics include sacred phrases in their own native languages, special attention is given to insure that all have ample opportunity to pronounce the foreign words comfortably and correctly. Leaders usually make a point to have the group first speak and then sing the unfamiliar words. Most Dances are only four lines long and repeated many times, so learning is usually quick and easy - within ten minutes people are moving, singing, and sharing together.

The mood of the Dances is infinitely variable, evoking feelings of love, joy, and compassion. Whether invoking the compassion of the Buddhist Qwan Yin, celebrating the playful energy of Krishna, or experiencing the related emotion of any other spiritual figure, dancers take part in a dynamic relationship between the group, individuals, and the self.

The Dances are an experience that all the world should be fortunate enough to enjoy. Hopefully as the Dances of Universal Peace continue to spread, the world will.



Dances are held in Rochester on the Second Saturday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Friends Meeting Hall, 84 Scio Street at the corner of Charlotte Street. Suggested donation $5.

For directions or more information call (585) 423-0563 or (315) 946-9854

Email information: Aeolea@juno.com