Dancing In the Light

Workshop # 14
Ruth E. Hyde

Experience international dance as a joyful, spiritual, group activity. Learn the role of dance in worship and community celebrations. Explore ways in which knowledge of dance in other cultures can lead to peace. Discover that participants of varied ages and levels of experience can enjoy dancing together. No partners needed.

Percentage of time:
Worship/worship-sharing 30; Lecture/Discussion 5; Experiential 65
(PT)

Open to all

Full Description
Expectations and Objectives:

Participants will experience folk dance as a joyful, spiritual, group activity.

They will focus on the value of the dances as an opportunity to interact with people of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities, rather than individual accomplishments so that the group will form a dance community. They will learn about the historical role of dance in relation to worship by those whose lives were close to nature. They will be able to recognize ways in which in which sharing dance and other forms of culture can help to establish peace in the world. By the end of the week, each participant will be able to lead at least one of the dances.

Topics:

Circle dances from the Balkans and Western Europe- a few couple dances may be included.
The historical role of dance in relation to worship and community celebrations.
The role of dance as a unifying force.
Music, rhythms, costumes.

Format:

We will start by introducing ourselves to each other and ascertain our objectives for taking this workshop. Easy dances will be taught along with a few more challenging dances if the group ask for them. After the first session, dances previously taught will be reviewed. Each participant will be encouraged to “adopt” one dance, i.e., lead or even teach, by the end of the week. Silent worship will often occur as the group becomes aware of “dancing in the light”. Time will be set aside for worship and worship sharing during or at the end of each session. I will try to be as flexible as possible . For example, One group asked to try authentic movement (a form of movement meditation) when I explained what it was and most found the experience helpful. Materials for extra reading and DVD’s will be available for those who wish to learn more about folk dancing and folk cultures.

Specific items to bring:

Comfortable clothing and flat-healed shoes
A notebook
An easy dance to share (optional)