Heads up: Virtual Kids Dances in June

From Morgan, Dance Leader in Des Moines, IA:

--
Greetings Central Iowa Dances Community,

Hello ~ I sure am missing being able to Dance in-person with you!

Until it seems safe to gather, though, we’ll continue offering the Dances virtually through Zoom.

So, here’s a heads up that we WILL be doing our annual June Dances with Kids on June 7th from 2:30 to 4:00. [CDT, GMT-05]


We’ll be upgrading the entry method so the meeting will be secure.
Link details will be sent out closer to the time.

Meanwhile gather up your children that you are safe to be with … and inner children ~ I think it will be a lot of fun.

A silver lining in the Virtual Dances is, you could invite grandkids who live at a distance to join the meeting too so you could Dance “together” in our virtual circle.

Virtual Offerings

Connecting with beloved faces and singing together, even if you can hear only one other person, is even more important to our well-being than before.  Here's some DUP offerings we know about to share with you:  

Saleem's 1st Sunday Dance Circle continues to meet.  More details to come or watch the "DUP-Upper Mississippi River Basin" FB group as he usually posts there.

Conie is offering a couple of different things:  

1. Virtual Dance Circles on Sat, May 9 & 23, 7:30-8:30 p.m. CDT (GMT-05).  See more details here at www.pointsoflightmusic.net.  
2. Spirit of Peace Meditation on the 1st Tuesday at 2p CDT (GMT-05).  More details here.  

The North American and International organizations of the Dances of Universal Peace are also compiling online offerings. 

• DUP-North America - One Time Events Listing
• DUP-International - International Events Listing

Please let us know of other events you are aware of.  We'd be pleased to share them with others!

May you be healthy, creative, and present during this challenging time.  

Feb 28-Mar 1 Retreat: A Delicate Balance: Embodying the Qualities of the One Love

AN INVITATION FROM SUFI CENTER MN

A Delicate Balance:

Embodying the Qualities of the One Love

A Special Weekend Workshop with

Maboud & Tara Andrea Swierkosz

Dates:  Friday, February 28-Sunday, March 1, 2020 (more details below)

Where:  8120 Penn Ave., S., Bloomington, MN



“Start by learning to be fair to yourself, balanced in your viewpoint and in the way you treat yourself before extending this to your fellow human beings and to all animals, plants, stones, and minerals.”
Rosina-Fawzia Al-Rawi



What might your inner and outer existence be like if you could more deeply receive and embody the Divine Qualities or Names of God? What might happen if you were to more fully experience the grace and healing - the light that these Divine Names carry? We have an amazing opportunity to explore the reality of the Divine Qualities through this special workshop.

Through song and silence, movement and stillness, group sharing and deep listening we will feel into the living energies of the “Healing Names of the One Love.” We intend to cultivate an experience that inspires us to nurture this delicate balance between our inner experience and worldly life.

Through our attunement, we extend an invitation to release our bodies to the Breath which may carry and reveal certain Qualities of Unity (or wazifahs). In this way a spaciousness is created inside our bodies for the Qualities to live and guide us. We may become deeply infused and embodied with these beloved Qualities of Wholeness, which allows for a softening of our rigid and limited humanity. By grace, we may receive the inspiration and empowerment to live our lives with greater loving kindness, fluidity, gentleness, fairness and compassion.


MEET THE TEACHERS:
Tara Andrea and Maboud Swierkosz are long time mentors of the Dances of Universal Peace. They live in Santa Fe, NM where they lead public dance circles and bi-annual Wazifah Dance Intensive Retreats. Both are guides in the Sufi Ruhaniat International. Their dance work and retreat offerings have touched people throughout the world. They have created an original body of songs and dances that have been inspired by their living relationship with the Healing Names.

Maboud’s practice with the Wazaif includes contemplation of the Divine Qualities through images of nature. He has published a booklet of photographs called the Colors of Unity. Maboud works as a licensed psychotherapist using mindfulness-centered counseling approaches, Sufi-based depth psychology and Heart Rate Variability biofeedback methods.

Tara Andrea has directed the Dances of Universal Peace for the German Youth and Young Adult camp for over 10 years and loves holding sacred spaces as a private caregiver for people needing home or hospice care.



DETAILS:
Dates: Friday, February 28th, 7-9pm, Saturday, February 29th, 9:30-5:30pm, and Sunday, March 1st, 9:30-3pm

Location is 8120 Penn Ave., S., Second Floor Conference Room, Bloomington, MN

Cost is $175. Scholarships may be available. Please contact the workshop coordinator for more information.

Hosts are Sufi Center Minnesota, a Shadiliyya Community:  https://suficentermn.org/.  For more information, please contact workshop coordinator, Rahima Cheryl Ritenbaugh at 520-822-6710 or rahima@ritenbaugh.us

**We try to maintain a scent free environment at the center. Out of consideration for those who are sensitive, please do not wear any scents, including those that are considered natural, such as essential oils and body care products. You may also want to be mindful of wearing clothes that may be carrying a scent.**

Dances in Des Moines for 2020

Our friend, Morgan, from Des Moines, Iowa asked us to share when the Dances will be shared in 2020.  

When:  

1:30p ~ Chant

2:30-4p ~ Dances

2020 Dates:  1st Sundays of the Month

- January 5 ~ New Year, New Blessings

- February 2

- March 1

- April 5

- May 3

- June 7 ~ Kids (No chanting beforehand)

Spring 2020 Retreats: Madison, WI * Plano, IL * Newton, IA

April 2020 has an outpouring of Dances of Universal Peace retreats.  Here are three we know about in the region.  Let us know if you know of others!

***

Big Love in Times of Impermanence

with Tasnim Hermila Fernandez & Saadi Neil Douglas-Klotz

April 2-5, 2020

Lussier Family Center, 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison, WI

More details: https://www.madisonsufis.com/special-events

***

Midwest Biennial Easter Retreat 2020

April 9-12, 2020

LaSalle Manor, Plano, IL

More details at the FB event page.  

***

Elemental Joy Retreat

April 24-26, 2020

Newton Christian Conference Center, Newton, IA

Details at Points Of Light Music.  Special information for musicians and dance leaders here.  

Link to Facebook event page.  

Registration opens January 1, 2020.

Upcoming local DUP events: Rumi, Breathe & Dwell, A Carol Festival, and more

There are many yummy sound and movement, poetry and dance events happening this season.  Here are the ones we know about! 

Rumi Celebration
Today, Saturday, Dec 14, 2019, 7-9 p.m.
Tula Yoga, 99 Snelling Ave, St. Paul, MN
Recommended Donation:  $10-15

The 21st annual night of music, chanting, poetry, and sacred dance in honor of Sufism's Greatest Poet.  

With 
* Wild Moon Bhaktas
* Hakim Bushnell of Light Upon Light Sufi Center
* Rev. Ted Tollefson of Mythos Institute
* and You!

Bring your favorite Rumi poem to share. Repeat the same one from last year even!  They are that delicious...

More details on Facebook.  

***

A Carol Festival
Sunday, December 22, 4-5:30 p.m.
Edina Morningside Community UCC
4201 Morningside Road, Edina, MN

Did you know that Carol is the French word for "Joyous Dance"?  That means those Christmas Carols are intended to be danced!  

Conie Borchardt will lead us in the Dances.  Lyrics and Hymnals will be available for those who wish to sing with the musicians accompanying the carol singing.  

More details at Points Of Light Music.  
RSVP on Facebook.  

***

Aramaic Chanting Circles
M.C. Daye is organizing local Study Groups of Saadi Neil Douglas-Klotz's translations of the Aramaic words of Jesus.  

One is meeting Sunday, Dec 15, 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at a private address in Minneapolis.  

Another group will be meeting weekday, tentatively 12:30-1:45 p.m. at Unity Minneapolis.  

If you're interested, please email peacedancetc@gmail.com for more details.  

***

Dances at Holistic Gateway
1st Sundays, Jan 5, 7-9:15 p.m.
Holistic Gateway, 1415 6th St NE, Minneapolis, MN

Saleem Adam Wolter is the leader and host of this regular Dances of Universal Peace circle.  

More details here.  

3rd Thu of Apr and June in Waukesha, WI

Where:  UUU Congregation, 506 N Washington, Waukesha, WI
When:  3rd Thursdays of Even Months:  

• April 18 
• June 20
• Aug 15
• Oct 17

Time:  7-9:15 p.m.
Who: Patti Kies is the circle leader, (262) 642-9289 or pattiburncake@hotmail.com

Apr 12-14: Sussman's in Madison

To register online with credit card, go to http://madisonsufis.org. 

Apr 12-14: Yoga-Sufi Fusion Retreat in Sturgeon Lake, MN

Spring Dances at the Seminary

Saleem and Conie will be bringing Dances of Universal Peace to United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (UTS) this spring!  

We are excited by this new partnership because UTS is known as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions and trains leaders who dismantle systems of oppression, explore multifaith spirituality, and push the boundaries of knowledge.  Sounds like a pretty good match for the Dances community, doesn't it?  

Four Dance Circles are planned.  Three are planned for Thursday late afternoon/evening at a time between the afternoon and evening classes are scheduled so students can drop-in during their break.  The last one in May is held in collaboration of a 3-day Music that Makes Community workshop event also held at UTS.  (Check it out if you're interested in community singing!)

Location:  Chapel, 767 Eustis Street, Suite 140, St. Paul, MN 

Here is their website for directions and parking info.  Regardless of which door you enter, the Chapel will be ahead of you, at the intersection of the hallways from these doors.  

Days:  3 Thursdays, March 14 * April 11 * May 16 

Time:  5-7 p.m.

Dances of Universal Peace with Music that Makes Community

Date:  Friday, May 31, 2019

Time:  7 p.m.

Join us for one or all.  A love offering basket will be available, but don't let funds keep you away.

50th Anniversary Dances Around the World [Video]

June 2018 marked the 50th Anniversary of the first Public Dances of Universal Peace led by Samuel Lewis in San Francisco.  Dance Circles around the world were invited to gather to dance and sing, and capture on video their group dancing the Kalama, one of the Original SAM Dances.  

Here's the compiled video.  Enjoy!  

Iowa Retreat Registration

From Points of Light Music:  

Registration is open for the retreats with Anahata Iradah in April!  Early Bird Rates and Registration continue until March 3.  See details at each link.  

For Dancers:  Dancing Ourselves Awake

For Dance Musicians & Leaders:  The Music & The Dance

Interview with Anahata and retreat updates posted on the Facebook events.  Help spread the beauty and power of the Dances by Updating your attendee status and Sharing the event with others!

Ya Fattah!  Toward the One.

- Morgan, Conie, and Mary Ann

For Sufis: Imam Bilal Hyde April Retreat

THE INNER CERTAINTY OF LOVE

A Residential retreat with

Imam Bilal Hyde

When:  Friday, April 5 - Sunday, April 7, 2019
Where:  Assisi Heights Spirituality Center 

1001 14th St. NW
Rochester, MN 55901

This workshop will explore the depths of universal love as revealed to all the messengers. This retreat is open to all, no experience necessary. As the mystical heart opens to divine love, we encounter our true reality. This healing process is deeply rewarding, spiritually and practically.

Registration information:
Full weekend Fri night thru Sunday lunch
Cost $385 (housing and meals included)

Commuter and partial weekend rates available

Shuttle service available from airport 

To register, please email marioncoit@hotmail.com or call Marion Coit at 507-398-6028.

(Updated 2/10/19)

2019 April 26-28: Anahata in Central Iowa

From Morgan Rivers, of Des Moines, IA: SAVE THE DATE!!!

More details to come, but I wanted to share with you the dates for our next Retreat at the Newton Christian Conference Center:  April 26 – 28, 2019

I’m pleased to say that Anahata Iradah will be returning and offering the retreat for us entitled: “Dancing Ourselves Awake”

With the theme:


"What if each dance called forth from us the ability to be so present that time stands still and we are living exactly in the present moment? What would we need to do, to adjust, to let go of to allow that to happen? What would we need to do to dance ourselves awake?”

Anahata will be orchestrating the retreat sharing primarily her Dances, inviting in other leaders and musicians as guided. (As last time, she will be leading a training for Musicians/Leaders of the Dances prior to the retreat)

Here is her bio in case you missed her in 2017:  Anahata is a senior teacher in the Mentor Teacher’s Guild of the International Network for the Dances of Universal Peace. She is a gifted musician, teacher, composer, songwriter, meditation teacher, DVD author and documentary film producer. The revered Buddhist teacher Shinzen Young has been her personal guide in the path of Vipassana meditation. With his encouragement she has combined the Dances of Universal Peace and Buddhist meditation techniques and teachings. She orchestrates spiritual pilgrimage to India, Nepal and Brasil. The quality that stirs her heart most is the attribute of kindness. She is currently working on an ambitious environmental project to make Troup County, GA (where she lives) a “zero waste” community.

 

Jul 28: Earth and Sky: Elemental and Astrological Walks of Universal Sufism

Here's a Link to sign up through Meetup.com:

The Minnesota Dances of Universal Peace

May 24: Dances in Ely

Where:  Ely Folk School (see below for address and map)
When:  Thu, May 24, 7-9 p.m.

Dances of Universal Peace are singing, moving meditations that incorporate singing divine names and phrases with simple folk-dance movements into an experience that helps us connect with the sacred that flows with love within and around us. Spiritual inspiration and guidance from all spiritual traditions are embraced as we open ourselves to the deep peace within our hearts that we may live by this inner peace and manifest peace in our world.

No experience necessary. All are welcome.

$6 suggested donation

The Dances will be led by Carol Orban, Carl Karasti and special guest Conie Borchardt.

June 23: Dances in Rochester

 

When:  Saturday June 23, 2018, 7-9 p.m.
Where:  Rochester's Assisi Heights - TEK Room, lower level

Come and weave a circle of sacred presence with experienced seekers and curious newbies alike. We honor spiritual traditions of the world by singing sacred songs and dancing simple steps in a circle of universal prayer. No former experience is necessary. You'll learn the words, songs and steps we'll be
using in a comfortable setting. There are no performers and no audience members. This is a circle of healing presence. Come and find out more for yourself.

All are welcome.

The leader will be Francis Gurtz, a "Certified Dance Leader" who's been participating in these Dances of Universal Peace for over 25 years.

Updates from the Light Upon Light Center

From Karima:  Our Dances are changing! [On the 4th] Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. we'll be heading out on a voyage of discovery piloted by moi, little old Irish-music-playing Sufi Muslim writer and creator of (literary) Intelligent Earth-Saving Alien Squid! (I sound like Gilderoy Lockhart, don't I? Non Harry-Potter fans, please disregard.) Inshallah there will be joy, laughter, deep diving and assorted wonders. You'll never know what happens unless you're there!

Aziza’s Note About Dances Changing:  Sometimes it's really good to be surprised, to NOT know, and to just show up with an open heart.  My nerdy translation:  Hakim is taking a break from running the Dances in their more “traditional” form, and Karima is excited to offer a Sufi Community Gathering featuring a version of the Dances and whatever else comes as inspiration. Here's a chance to enjoy time with a bunch of Sufis exploring the path of the heart using movement, music and more.  Karima’s Dances are very likely to be different from Hakim’s – we are so blessed to have both streams in one family!

Next Dance is Sunday, April 22, 2018, 2-4 p.m.

Where:  Center for the Performing Arts, 38th St. & Pleasant Ave. in South Minneapolis

Easter Dancing in Northeast

Sufi Dancing  

Sunday, April 1st
7:00 - 9:15 P.M.

at Holistic Gateway

Suggested Donation: $10

Come and weave a circle of sacred presence with experienced seekers and curious newbies alike. We honor all the traditions of the world by singing sacred songs and dancing simple steps in a circle of universal prayer. No former experience is necessary. You'll learn the words, songs and steps we'll be using in a comfortable setting. There are no performers and no audience members. This is a circle of healing presence. Words can't do justice to the beauty that unfolds here. Come and find out more for yourself.

All are welcome

The host of this circle is Saleem Adam Wolter, a "Certified Dance Leader" who's been participating in the dances since 2010, and has been on a program of intensive study with mentors since April 2014.

He can be reached by phone: 612-237-6690 or email: AstrologerSaleem@gmail.com

For more info on the dances: 

Dances of Universal Peace North America

And the universal Sufi order they come from:

Sufi Ruhaniat International
 

Aramaic Dances in Coon Rapids

Aramaic Dances of Universal Peace

With Will Hale

Aramaic was the common spoken language throughout the Middle East at the time of Jesus and the tongue in which he expressed his teachings. The Aramaic Lord's Prayer presents a whole cycle of renewal. Each line could have several translations into English, each of them a meditation and contemplation in itself. This will be an opportunity to personally rediscover the mystical roots of the words of Jesus.

When: Wednesday March 28, 2018, 7:00 PM* 
Where:  Unity North Church, http://www.unitynorthmn.org/
11499 Martin Street NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Admission:  Free Will Donation

*Please arrive 5 minutes early – we want to start on time and be able to hold a sacred place for our prayers

The Dances of Universal Peace are an inter faith gathering, blending sacred phrases, chant, music and movement into a living experience of Unity and sacred community. No experience necessary.

For more information you may contact Will Hale 651-307-3849 will@willhale.com.

Sufi Dancing  

Sunday March 4th
7:00 - 9:15 P.M.

at Holistic Gateway

Suggested Donation: $10

Come and weave a circle of sacred presence with experienced seekers and curious newbies alike. We honor all the traditions of the world by singing sacred songs and dancing simple steps in a circle of universal prayer. No former experience is necessary. You'll learn the words, songs and steps we'll be using in a comfortable setting. There are no performers and no audience members. This is a circle of healing presence. Words can't do justice to the beauty that unfolds here. Come and find out more for yourself.

All are welcome

The host of this circle is Saleem Adam Wolter, a "Certified Dance Leader" who's been participating in the dances since 2010, and has been on a program of intensive study with mentors since April 2014.

He can be reached by phone: (612)237-6690 or email: AstrologerSaleem@gmail.com

For more info on the dances: 

Dances of Universal Peace North America

And the universal Sufi order they come from:

Sufi Ruhaniat International 

Apr 20-22: Dancing Our Life Purpose Retreat

Dancers, Save the Date!


 

What:  Dancing Our Life Purpose: A Dances of Universal Peace Retreat

Over the course of this weekend, we will immerse ourselves in the Dances of Universal Peace and the Elements of Earth, Fire, Water, and Air to clarify and energize our individual sense of Life Purpose.Sessions will be curated by Morgan Rivers, Conie Borchardt, Heather Hayat Godsey, and Saleem Adam Wolter with assistance from dance leaders and musicians in the region. The Sunday morning Universal Worship service will be coordinated by Heather Hayat Godsey with support from cherags in the region.
 

When:  Friday evening, April 20-Sunday afternoon, April 22, 2018

The Dance Retreat begins on Friday evening with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and continues through lunch at Sunday noon. There will be dance sessions Friday evening, Saturday morning, afternoon, and evening. Sunday morning, the retreat will conclude with Universal Worship.

Where:  Newton Christian Conference Center,
5064 Lincoln Street, Newton, Iowa

The retreat location is the lovely Newton Christian Conference Center just outside of Newton, Iowa. A variety of onsite lodging is available between $29-82 per night and meal packages are available.

Early Bird Registration ($100) for the Full weekend is available until March 1, 2018, midnight. After this date, the Full Weekend is $125. Individual Day Registration is also available.

More Details and Online Registration at https://2018dsm-retreat.eventbrite.com

 

Contact Morgan@healingpartners.biz or kochmaryann2014@gmail.com with questions.

Please invite fellow dancers, leaders, and musicians! 

• Print and post this flier
• Share this facebook event
• Share on Meetup.com.

 

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For Dance Leaders and Musicians

Come and offer your dances and your musical support for the Dances! Let us create these circles together!

We will gather a day earlier to find our attunements and then gather for an hour on Sunday afternoon to reflect on our shared experience. Your service in leading and playing music for the retreat is your registration fee. Room and board is your only financial commitment.

Dance Leaders and Musicians, please contact Conie@PointsOfLightMusic.net with questions. 

Jan 27: Dances in Rochester

When:  Saturday January 27, 2018 7-9 p.m.
Where:  Rochester's Assisi Heights - TEK Room, lower level

Come and weave a circle of sacred presence with experienced seekers and curious newbies alike. We honor spiritual traditions of the world by singing sacred songs and dancing simple steps in a circle of universal prayer. No former experience is necessary. You'll learn the words, songs and steps we'll be
using in a comfortable setting. There are no performers and no audience members. This is a circle of healing presence. Come and find out more for yourself.

All are welcome.

The leader will be Francis Gurtz, a "Certified Dance Leader" who's been participating in these Dances of Universal Peace for over 25 years.

Jan 7: Sufi Dancing in NE Mpls

Sufi Dancing

Sunday January 7th

7:00 - 9:15 P.M.

at Holistic Gateway

Suggested Donation: $10

Come and weave a circle of sacred presence with experienced seekers and curious newbies alike. We honor all the traditions of the world by singing sacred songs and dancing simple steps in a circle of universal prayer. No former experience is necessary. You'll learn the words, songs and steps we'll be using in a comfortable setting. There are no performers and no audience members. This is a circle of healing presence. Words can't do justice to the beauty that unfolds here. Come and find out more for yourself.

All are welcome

The host of this circle is Saleem Adam Wolter, a Certified Dance Leader who's been participating in the dances since 2010, and has been on a program of intensive study with mentors since April 2014.

He can be reached (text works) at (612)237-6690

For more info on the dances:

Dances of Universal Peace

And the universalist Sufi order they came from:

Sufi Ruhaniat International

Dec 17: Annual Rumi Celebration

What:  Rumi Celebration - 19th Annual evening of music, chanting, poetry, and sacred dance in honor of Sufism's Greatest Poet

When:  Sunday, December 17, 2017, 7-9p

Where:  Tula Yoga & Wellness, 99 Snelling Ave. N, St. Paul, MN (see map below)

Who:  with the Wild Moon Bhaktas, Hakim Bushnell of Light Upon Light Sufi Center, Rev. Ted Tollefson of the Mythos Institute, and you ... Bring a poem to share!

Suggested donation:  $10-15

 

Dancing December Updates

Where to Dance in December 2017: 

Francis Gurtz

Saturday, December 16, 2017, 7-9 p.m. @ Rochester's Assisi Heights with Francis Gurtz leading

 

 

Saturday, December 16, 2017 - NO Dances at St. Mary's Episcopal, St. Paul (for more details about these changes go to Points Of Light Music's page). 

Hakim Bushnell

Sunday, December 17, 2017, 7-9 p.m. - 19th Annual Rumi Celebration @ Tula Yoga, St. Paul with Hakim Bushnell of Light Upon Light Sufi Center leading dances, along with Wild Moon Bhaktas, and Ted Tollefson from the Mythos Institute.



Saleem Adam Wolter

Monday, December 18, 2017, 7-9 p.m. @ Holistic Gateway, NE Mpls - NEW Dances on the 3rd Monday of the month!

Sunday, December 24 - NO Dances with Light Upon Light Sufi Center (due to the Holiday)

Sunday, January 7, 2018, 7-9 p.m. @ Holistic Gateway, NE Mpls

Oct 27 in Morris, West Central MN

What:  Dances of Universal Peace

Where:  A Place to Move, 714 Columbia Ave, Morris, MN
When:  Thursday, October 27, 2017, 7-8:30 p.m.

Facebook event link to share with others!  Ask Conie for more details.