07 / 8
Start: 6:30 pm
End: 7:30 pm
|
07 / 9
Start: 7:00 pm
End: 9:00 pm
Portland Central America Solidarity Committee presents:
HONDURAS IN CRISIS:
What you should know about the coup
When: Thursday July 9, 7-9pm
Where: Liberty Hall (311 N. Ivy St. Portland)
Panelists include:
Maribel Gomez, Angie Mejia, and Jorge Madrid - Hondurans living in Portland
Ryan Stevenson, School of the Americas Watch
Elliott Young, Director of Latin American Studies, Lewis and Clark College.
Information about the Coup in Honduras:
On Sunday June 28, 2009 a military coup took place in Honduras led by
School of the Americas graduate Romeo Vasquez. Members of the Honduran military surrounded the presidential palace and took President Manuel Zelaya into custody.
Honduran state television was taken off the air and electricity to the
capital city of Tegucigalpa was cut as well as phone and cell phone lines and communication. Later that day, the Honduran Congress voted
in speaker Roberto Michiletti as the country's new president.
Ousted president Zelaya was unpopular with the Honduran elite for his
progressive policies, including raising the minimum wage. Sunday's coup happened the morning that a non-binding poll asking the citizens
of Honduras whether they wanted the government to consider re-writing the Honduran Constitution was to occur. The current Constitution was
written during the early 1980s at the height of the Cold War.
Come hear about why this coup happened, what is really happening in
Honduras, and what we can do to support real democracy in Honduras and the social movements that are leading the struggle. More information about the event is below.
Take Action!
Also, please take a moment to call the State Department as well as your Congressional Reps and demand that the U.S. Congress pass a resolution condemning the coup in Honduras. In addition to the passing resolution, we also demand that the U.S. government cut all assistance to the de facto government in Honduras, including military aid, as required by U.S. law.
1) Call Secretary of State Clinton's Chief of Staff Cheryl Mills at 202-647-5548. Use the call script below.
2) Call your Congressional Representative and Senators to demand that the U.S. Congress pass a resolution condemning the illegal coup carried out against the legitimate President of Honduras, and calling for the Obama administration to immediately cut aid to the de facto government.
Sen. Gordon Smith: (202) 224-3753
Sen. Ron Wyden: (202) 224-5244
Rep David Wu: (202) 225-0855
Rep. Greg Walden: (202) 225-6730
Rep. Earl Blumenauer: (202) 225-4811
Rep: Peter DeFazio: (202) 225-6416
Rep Kurt Schrader: (202) 225-5711
CALL SCRIPT:
I urge the United States to take strong action to reject the military coup in Honduras. In keeping with the Obama administration's stated demand for the immediate return of President Manuel Zelaya to office, please withdraw our ambassador to Honduras, as our European allies have already done. Please also cut all U.S. assistance to the de facto government, including military aid, as required by U.S. law. The U.S. must immediately back up its words with actions to further isolate the illegal government in Honduras.
|
07 / 10
Start: 5:00 pm
End: 6:00 pm
Friday Rally & March for Peace and Justice
Every Friday at 5:00 PM! - PPRC's Friday Rally and March - Since November 2001 and still going strong!
Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square, SW Yamhill & Broadway, downtown Portland
Contact: (503) 344-5078 pprcnews@yahoo.com or go to www.pprc-news.org
Start: 6:30 pm
End: 7:30 pm
Please join us this Friday in solidarity with Iran
A post from member group AIFC:
Portland Stands with Iran, a non-partisan group of ordinary people from the Portland Metropolitan area and from Vancouver, WA will continue Friday night vigils in solidarity with the courageous people in Iran who have been protesting ever since the election results were announced and their will was disregarded. We came together because we are heartbroken by the violence inflicted upon the Iranian people. We are also tremendously proud of our fellow Iranians for their perseverance and non-violent presence in streets demanding change and justice.
We unite with people in Iran in demanding an end to the violence, the release of all those detained and democracy for Iran. We share President Obama’s message of concern while refraining from direct US intervention.
This Friday we will link with the international campaign “green scroll,” which intends to create the longest petition by collecting and stitching together green scrolls from all over the world with the message "Ahmadinejad is not Iran's President:" http://greenscroll.blogspot.com
The citizens of Portland will have an opportunity to join the world community by adding their signatures to the scroll on Friday, July 10.
"Portland Stands with Iran" Vigil
Friday, July 10 at 6:30pm
in the South Park Blocks (corner of SW Harrison)
in front of Smith Center by Portland State University
Click here to download a "Portland Stands with Iran" poster and display it in your house, your car or your favorite stores.
www.portlandstandswithiran.org
Start: 7:30 pm
End: 9:30 pm
Celebrate Friday night with the Dances of Universal Peace. These energy and consciousness raising circle dances, formerly known as Sufi Dancing, blend folk-style dancing with words and themes from the world's religions. They are a way to joyfully experience the innate heart-connection with each other and with The One, the Spirit that moves through all.
Each dance is fully taught, very EASY to learn, and guided. So fear not! First-timers are welcome and greatly encouraged to participate. In fact, each dance is taught as if the group has never danced before. Children who can follow instructions and maintain a sacred atmosphere are also welcome.
We meet every Friday at the Acadia Ballroom building (1829 NE Alberta St, Portland OR) at 7:30pm Contact Jack: 503-954-2942. $5.00 donation requested.
You can dance once a week or once a year, it doesn’t matter. Just bring your smile, the light in your eyes, and a desire to have fun!
Thank you!
Jack
+++ Additional Information +++++ 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.
|
07 / 11
|
07 / 12
|
07 / 13
|
07 / 14
Start: 7:00 pm
End: 9:00 pm
First Unitarian Church
1011 SW 12th Ave. (corner of 12th & Salmon)
Meeting begins at 7pm, second Tuesday of every month
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
We,having dutifully served our nation, do hereby affirm our greaterresponsibility to serve the cause of world peace. To this end we willwork, with others
(a) Toward increasing public awareness of the costs of war.
(b) To restrain our government from intervening, overtly and covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations
(c) To end the arms race and to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons
(d) To seek justice for veterans and victims of war
(e) To abolish war as an instrument of national policy.
Toachieve these goals, members of Veterans For Peace pledge to usenon-violent means and to maintain an organization that is bothdemocratic and open with the understanding that all members are trustedto act in the best interests of the group for the larger purpose ofworld peace.
We urge all people who share this vision to join us.
www.vfpchapter72.org
|
07 / 15
Start: 6:30 pm
End: 7:30 pm
|
07 / 16
|
07 / 17
Start: 5:00 pm
End: 6:00 pm
Friday Rally & March for Peace and Justice
Every Friday at 5:00 PM! - PPRC's Friday Rally and March - Since November 2001 and still going strong!
Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square, SW Yamhill & Broadway, downtown Portland
Contact: (503) 344-5078 pprcnews@yahoo.com or go to www.pprc-news.org
Start: 7:30 pm
End: 9:30 pm
Celebrate Friday night with the Dances of Universal Peace. These energy and consciousness raising circle dances, formerly known as Sufi Dancing, blend folk-style dancing with words and themes from the world's religions. They are a way to joyfully experience the innate heart-connection with each other and with The One, the Spirit that moves through all.
Each dance is fully taught, very EASY to learn, and guided. So fear not! First-timers are welcome and greatly encouraged to participate. In fact, each dance is taught as if the group has never danced before. Children who can follow instructions and maintain a sacred atmosphere are also welcome.
We meet every Friday at the Acadia Ballroom building (1829 NE Alberta St, Portland OR) at 7:30pm Contact Jack: 503-954-2942. $5.00 donation requested.
You can dance once a week or once a year, it doesn’t matter. Just bring your smile, the light in your eyes, and a desire to have fun!
Thank you!
Jack
+++ Additional Information +++++ 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.
|
07 / 18
Start: 7:30 pm
End: 9:30 pm
Sing Out for Single Payer
Featuring Anne Feeney and many other musicians
Saturday, July 18th 7:30pm
SEIU Local 49 Hall, 3536 SE 26th Ave
A star-studded musical Chautauqua about our broken health care system and how we can fix it!
Free, but donations are requested to raise money for the Portland campaign for single payer.
Suggested donation $10.
|
07 / 19
|
07 / 20
|
07 / 21
|
07 / 22
Start: 6:30 pm
End: 7:30 pm
|
07 / 23
Start: 7:50 pm
End: 9:50 pm
Brian Willson: A Painful Odyssey
Born on the Fourth of July, Brian Willson was a typical all American boy- baseball, basketball, college, officer in the Air Force, then Vietnam’s rude awakening led to a path of peace and resistance for which he paid a terrible price; Join us to learn how his story is linked to Central and South America, Ben Linder, and this peace delegation to Venezuela.
WHAT: A evening with Brian Willson, solidarity movement and Air Force veteran sharing his experiences with introductions by Gerry Condon (Vets for Peace) and Benji Lewis (IVAW).
WHEN: THURS, JULY 23rd at 7pm. A small reception and Q&A to follow.
WHERE: First Unitarian Church, main sanctuary (12th and SW Main).
WHY: This event is a fundraiser for PCASC's peace delegation "CASCADIA TO CARACAS" to Venezuela to bring WINTER SOLDIER an international audience. $10-$20 sliding scale donation at door. No one turned away.http://www.pdxvenezuela.org/background
http://costofwar.com/
SPONSORS: PCASC, VFP72, IVAW-OR, First Unitarian peace action group and economic justice action group, Education without Borders
COSPONSORS: OR chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility, Rethinking Schools.
|
07 / 24
Start: 5:00 pm
End: 6:00 pm
Friday Rally & March for Peace and Justice
Every Friday at 5:00 PM! - PPRC's Friday Rally and March - Since November 2001 and still going strong!
Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square, SW Yamhill & Broadway, downtown Portland
Contact: (503) 344-5078 pprcnews@yahoo.com or go to www.pprc-news.org
Start: 7:00 pm
End: 8:00 pm
Please join us this Friday in solidarity with Iran
A post from member group AIFC:
Portland Stands with Iran, a non-partisan group of ordinary people from the Portland Metropolitan area and from Vancouver, WA will continue Friday night vigils in solidarity with the courageous people in Iran who have been protesting ever since the election results were announced and their will was disregarded.
At one point it was announced that these vigils were cancelled, but they have been resumed. Please read below for an explanation if you want to know more.
"Portland Stands with Iran" Vigil
Friday, July 24 at 7:00pm
in the South Park Blocks (corner of SW Hall)
in front of the Portland State University Library
Click here to download a "Portland Stands with Iran" poster and display it in your house, your car or your favorite stores.
www.portlandstandswithiran.org
Start: 7:30 pm
End: 9:30 pm
Celebrate Friday night with the Dances of Universal Peace. These energy and consciousness raising circle dances, formerly known as Sufi Dancing, blend folk-style dancing with words and themes from the world's religions. They are a way to joyfully experience the innate heart-connection with each other and with The One, the Spirit that moves through all.
Each dance is fully taught, very EASY to learn, and guided. So fear not! First-timers are welcome and greatly encouraged to participate. In fact, each dance is taught as if the group has never danced before. Children who can follow instructions and maintain a sacred atmosphere are also welcome.
We meet every Friday at the Acadia Ballroom building (1829 NE Alberta St, Portland OR) at 7:30pm Contact Jack: 503-954-2942. $5.00 donation requested.
You can dance once a week or once a year, it doesn’t matter. Just bring your smile, the light in your eyes, and a desire to have fun!
Thank you!
Jack
+++ Additional Information +++++ 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.
|
07 / 25
Start: 1:00 pm
End: 3:00 pm
A post from member group AIFC:
In response to global calls by Amnesty International, Shirin Ebadi (Nobel Laureate 2003), Human Rights Watch, Physicians for Human Rights and others Portland, Oregon calls for a
Joint Rally in Solidarity with the People of Iran
Saturday, July 25 at 1:00pm
at Pioneer Courthouse Square
And Human Chain in Support of the
Green Movement for Democracy in Iran
3:00 - 5:00pm
Location to be Announced
Click here to download a "Portland Stands with Iran" poster and display it in your house, your car or your favorite stores.
www.portlandstandswithiran.org
|
07 / 26
|
07 / 27
|
07 / 28
|
07 / 29
Start: 6:30 pm
End: 7:30 pm
|
07 / 30
Start: 7:00 pm
End: 9:00 pm
The conflict over election results in Iran is moving into uncharted territories as millions have taken to the streets in the last month. Is a radical change possible in Iran?
Answering that question requires looking at Iranian history, politics, and society beyond the disputed June 12 election. To better understand how the movement took shape, and its future prospects, it is helpful to look at the history of Iranian politics in the 30 years since the 1979 revolution.
Join the International Socialist Organization for a discussion on the history and future of revolt in Iran.
|
07 / 31
Start: 5:00 pm
End: 6:00 pm
Friday Rally & March for Peace and Justice
Every Friday at 5:00 PM! - PPRC's Friday Rally and March - Since November 2001 and still going strong!
Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square, SW Yamhill & Broadway, downtown Portland
Contact: (503) 344-5078 pprcnews@yahoo.com or go to www.pprc-news.org
Start: 7:00 pm
End: 9:00 pm
Start: 7:30 pm
End: 9:30 pm
Celebrate Friday night with the Dances of Universal Peace. These energy and consciousness raising circle dances, formerly known as Sufi Dancing, blend folk-style dancing with words and themes from the world's religions. They are a way to joyfully experience the innate heart-connection with each other and with The One, the Spirit that moves through all.
Each dance is fully taught, very EASY to learn, and guided. So fear not! First-timers are welcome and greatly encouraged to participate. In fact, each dance is taught as if the group has never danced before. Children who can follow instructions and maintain a sacred atmosphere are also welcome.
We meet every Friday at the Acadia Ballroom building (1829 NE Alberta St, Portland OR) at 7:30pm Contact Jack: 503-954-2942. $5.00 donation requested.
You can dance once a week or once a year, it doesn’t matter. Just bring your smile, the light in your eyes, and a desire to have fun!
Thank you!
Jack
+++ Additional Information +++++ 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.
|
08 / 1
Start: 8:00 am
End: 7:00 pm
A CONFERENCE FOR ACADEMICS, ACTIVISTS, STUDENTS AND PRACTITIONERS
Saturday, August 1, 2009 at PSU - Cramer Hall
The PeaceVoice conference will feature presentations on Media and Peace Studies, Journalism, Conflict Resolution and related fields. Our PeaceVoice community is transdisciplinary and bridges the gap between the academy and activism.
Keynote address: BARBARA WIEN, peace scholar, former Director with Peace Brigades International, former official with United States Institute of Peace.
Contact PeaceVoiceDirector@gmail.com for more information.
|
08 / 2
Start: 8:00 pm
What
Sunday Salsa Party for Venezuela Solidarity
When
Sun Aug 2 8pm – Mon Aug 3 12am
Where
Andrea's Cha Cha Club (832 SE Grand Ave)
Created By
PCASC Events Calendar
Description
Come dance the night away with us and support PCASC's Venezuela Solidarity Committee! Come at eight for a free salsa lesson! There will be door prizes and surprises.This is a fundraiser to send PCASC's Venezuela Solidarity Committee to Caracas in September where they will be conducting a peace delegation and an alternative media campaign about the Bolivarian Revolution.http://www.pdxvenezuela.org
|
08 / 3
|
08 / 4
|
08 / 5
Start: 6:30 pm
End: 7:30 pm
|
08 / 6
Start: 6:00 pm
End: 7:00 pm
A Nuclear-Free Future: It Takes Everyone
August 6th, 2009
6:00 pm-7:00 pm
The Japanese American Memorial site
at Waterfront Park downtown Portland
(just north of the Burnside bridge)
 A diverse coalition of community organizations request your presence at the annual Hiroshima Ceremony on August 6th. Please join us in honoring the 200,000 immediate victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear weapons attacks. This event will highlight movements on multiple fronts from city mayors, heads of state, the United Nations, and grassroots activists.
Add your voice, energy, and effort to accomplish A Nuclear-Free Future.
Featured speakers and performers are Margaret Eng, Chisao Hata and friends, Ronault “Polo”LS Catalani, Goudarz Eghtedari, Yoshie Yamasaki and Lyn Nutter, Emily Hill, Dr. John Pearson, Mayor Adams and Thousand Waves.
The event is free and open to the public. Seating is on the grass; bring a blanket or chair.
Sponsors: Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility, Japanese American Citizens League, Portland Branch of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Peace and Justice Works, Oregon Hiroshima Club, SGI-USA Buddhists, American Friends Service Committee, Metanoia Peace Community-United Methodist Church, Hanford Challenge, United Nations Association of Oregon, Portland Japanese Garden Society, City of Portland, Office of Human Relations, Japanese Buddhists, Thousand Waves, Portland Peaceful Response Coalition, Kol Shalom, Community for Humanistic Judaism, Great Vow Zen Monastery, Multnomah Friends Meeting, American Iranian Friendship Council.
|
08 / 7
Start: 5:00 pm
End: 6:00 pm
Friday Rally & March for Peace and Justice
Every Friday at 5:00 PM! - PPRC's Friday Rally and March - Since November 2001 and still going strong!
Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square, SW Yamhill & Broadway, downtown Portland
Contact: (503) 344-5078 pprcnews@yahoo.com or go to www.pprc-news.org
Start: 7:30 pm
End: 9:30 pm
Celebrate Friday night with the Dances of Universal Peace. These energy and consciousness raising circle dances, formerly known as Sufi Dancing, blend folk-style dancing with words and themes from the world's religions. They are a way to joyfully experience the innate heart-connection with each other and with The One, the Spirit that moves through all.
Each dance is fully taught, very EASY to learn, and guided. So fear not! First-timers are welcome and greatly encouraged to participate. In fact, each dance is taught as if the group has never danced before. Children who can follow instructions and maintain a sacred atmosphere are also welcome.
We meet every Friday at the Acadia Ballroom building (1829 NE Alberta St, Portland OR) at 7:30pm Contact Jack: 503-954-2942. $5.00 donation requested.
You can dance once a week or once a year, it doesn’t matter. Just bring your smile, the light in your eyes, and a desire to have fun!
Thank you!
Jack
+++ Additional Information +++++ 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.
|
