Dance Guide - Seattle Dances of Universal Peace

Guide to Dancing
Live music, devotional song & movement, no experience necessary!

The Dances of Universal Peace are a joyous, multi-cultural way to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and others. The Dances use sacred phrases, chants, music, and movements from the many spiritual traditions of the world to promote peace and create an integrated experience of body, mind, and spirit. There are no performers or audience: new arrivals and old hands form the dance circle together. All are welcome. Dances are easy to learn and are taught to the whole group each time.

Our DUP dance meetings holds sincerity, love and prayer above all else; it’s not about doing it "right” ~ it’s about moving from the “heart”!

To help you more fully enjoy your time at the Dances, the following list of customs
and suggestions should help you flow easily with the dance community experience.

The Attunement
We usually begin with a walking meditation guided by one of the dance leaders followed by a greeting and invocation*.

The Circle
Joining hands gently in the circle, the hands often are linked with “thumbs to the left” (left palm up, right palm down). Many people dance without shoes although do whatever your feet need to feel comfortable.

The Dances
All Dances are taught: words, melody, movements, meaning. Live music accompanies our voices and movements. There is usually a moment of silent reflection after each Dance.

The Words and Music
The words reflect the sacred attunement of a Dance and may be taught in English or other languages. Humming or other respectful vocalizations are also fine if the words are initially too challenging.

"On the breath" means "without singing out loud" but continuing the concentration on the sacred phrase inwardly. At times the leader may instruct men or women only to sing. Other frequent instructions are to chant quietly, whisper or with full voice, speed up or slow down. These dynamics help to keep the dancers tuned into each other and the circle.

The Movements
All movements throughout the Dances are suggestions and you are welcome to modify any that aren't comfortable either for yourself or to accommodate others.

For instance, people may stand still instead of turning or hold arms at waists instead of shoulders. Please do keep moving in the line of direction you are directed to.

People may come and go between Dances. If you need to join or leave during a “partner” Dance, please remember that if you drop out, you need to take a partner with you or things can get confusing! If you find yourself without a partner during a Dance simply drop into the circle center and you'll likely find your odd pair there!

You are also welcome to sit outside or even inside the circle during a Dance if you wish.

Other Dance 'Customs'

Personal boundaries
Personal boundaries vary so please ensure your own comfort level and respect others' needs as well.

Sharing “the Glance”
Gazing gently though directly into the eyes of another dancer during certain
Dances can be initially a deeply moving or intense experience so you may consider focusing on the 'third eye' point between the brows instead until you are comfortable with the gaze.

Hugging
A shared, heartfelt hug is a widely enjoyed form of greeting in the circle but it is an individual and optional choice so please respect others' personal or cultural customs.

Breaks
Please take conversations outside during Dances or after the meeting is over.
A short rest break is taken mid-way and here we usually share our names and events of interest to the Dance community. After we finish the evening of dancing, we do need to clear the building by 10pm so please visit with friends outside or at another social venue. Your cooperation is appreciated!

Information
Flyers about Dances of Universal Peace sponsored events are at the table by the door along with sign-up forms to get on the DUPNW social email list or to join Peaceworks www.dancesofuniversalpeace.org which supports the DUP Network worldwide!
Other related community flyers and networking information are on the table in the alcove.

Donations:
The suggested donation of $5-10 per person is gratefully appreciated!
Our donation jar is located near the door and cash or checks, please.
As a non-profit, all-volunteer community, this money is needed to cover rent of our dance space and related expenses. This donation is requested with the understanding that your presence is valued whether or not you can contribute financially ~ glad you are here!

We welcome your written comments or suggestions which may be left in thedonation jar or the guest book provided.

There are Dances in Seattle every Wednesday, 7:30-9:30pm, at the Keystone Church (5019 Keystone Place North)
and monthly on the Eastside, Whidbey Island, Mt Vernon and Bellingham

NOTE: Some of our Dancers are highly sensitive to fragrances (soaps, natural essences,
perfumes, colognes, hair spray). Please do not wear these to Dance events if possible

The Invocation Of Pir Hazrat Inayat Khan
   Toward the one
   The perfection of love, harmony and beauty
   The only being
   United with all the illuminated souls
   Who form the embodiment of the master
   The spirit of guidance