A CELEBRATION OF SACRED CIRCLE DANCING

"Circle dancing makes me feel connected with my essence!"
Ana, age 42.

"A connection between the physical (movement), the mental (learning the steps), and the spiritual (sense of well-being and community)".
Adrian, age 49.

"Such loving company with wonderful music and uplifting exercise".
Lori, age 72.

"Circle dancing nourishes body and soul -gentle (and not so gentle) exercise, music, rhythm, holding hands for support and encouragement. Expressing feelings relating to the passing seasons of the year and of life."
Ann, age 64.

"My spiritual nourishment - a place where I can be my authentic self. A chance to connect with all I have been before and all I will be".
Cindy, age 42.

"Circle dancing is fun. The dancers and teachers are very kind."
Catrina, age 10.

"A time for music, joy, sharing, laughter, belonging and quiet reflection. Life would not be the same without it".
Sue, age 60.

These comments are a selection of what the Chorlton Tuesday evening circle dancers had to say about their experience of circle dancing. They celebrated 20 years of circle dancing in Chorlton on Tuesday 10 July 2007.

Dancing in a circle is an ancient tradition common to many cultures for marking special occasions, strengthening community and encouraging togetherness. Modern circle dance draws on the rich and diverse traditional dances of many countries, including the Balkans, Greece, Israel, Russia and France. There is also a growing repertoire of new dances to classical music and contemporary songs. The aim is to experience the joy of dancing with others and to create a sense of well-being and community. Circle dance groups meet regularly all over the United Kingdom and abroad, and hold special events, dance days, weekends and holidays, and even sometimes dance on the beach!

Circle dances can be energetic and lively or gentle and reflective. Anyone of any age or ability can circle dance. Each dance is taught, there is no audience, and everyone is welcome. You can come on your own or with a friend.

The Tuesday group would like to invite friends old and new to join their group. They meet every Tuesday in term time, from 7.30-9.15pm, at The Unitarian Church, behind 548B Wilbraham Road, Chorlton. So come on and join in.

by Ann Heathcote, a circle dancer