Dancing in a circle is an ancient tradition for marking special occasions, strengthening community and encouraging togetherness. It is common to many cultures and the circle is probably the oldest known dance formation.
It is still found today in the community dances across the world including Greece, Africa, Eastern Europe, Ireland, Breton, Catalan, South American and North American Indian. It is also used in its more meditative form.
Modern circle dance mixes traditional folk dances, mainly from European or Near-Eastern sources, with recently choreographed ones to a variety of music both ancient and modern and draws on a rich and diverse dance tradition. There is also a growing repertoire of new dances to both classical music and contemporary songs.
Sacred Dance is the expression of inner thoughts and feelings through the language of the body. Through movement and music the source of inner peace and calm is expressed and the body, mind and spirit are re-connected.
Circle Dancing can promote a feeling of well-being and may offer a profound experience that affects mind, body and spirit. The dances are applicable to groups of adults or children of all ages and abilities.
This music and movement activity is simple and everyone can learn it. The dances cross all boundaries and can also help overcome cultural difference, language difference and educational disadvantage.
A sense of being centred and well grounded can emerge to support the development of a group, whether it’s a group of professionals who work with groups, or to assist in the development of good working relationships more generally.
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The music is called “Crab Apple”.
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