From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Circle dance, is the most common name for a style of traditional dance usually done in a circle without partners to musical accompaniment.

Contents 1 Description 2 Sacred Circle Dance 3 References 4 See also 5 External links 5.1 Networks and journals 5.2 Notable teachers

Dancing in a circle is an ancient tradition common to many cultures for marking special occasions, strengthening community and encouraging togetherness. The circle is probably the oldest known dance formation. It is found even today in the community dances of many cultures, including ancient Greece (chorea), African, Eastern European, Irish Celtic, Catalan (sardana), South American and North American Indian. It is also used, in its more meditative form, in worship within various religious traditions, including, for example, the Church of England.

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 they draw on a rich and diverse dance tradition. There is also a growing repertoire of new dances to classical music and contemporary songs.

Circle dances can be energetic and lively or gentle and reflective. The style and mood reflects the group and the interests of the teacher. The aim always is to experience the joy of dancing with others and to create a sense of well-being and community. Circle dance groups grew up first in the UK and then across Europe, the US and elsewhere as a result of the work done by Bernhard Wosien.

Sacred Circle Dance is a modern form which originated in the Findhorn Foundation community in Scotland following visits there from 1976 onwards by Professor Bernhard Wosien, a German dancer. Known first as Sacred Dance, it has changed over time as enthusiasts have made contributions, and may now be called Circle Dance, Sacred Dance, or Sacred Circle Dance (SCD). A small altar of flowers or other natural or venerated objects is usually placed at the centre of the circle. It has connections with New age and Neopagan belief.

• Circle Dancing - Celebrating the Sacred in Dance by June Watts, Green Magic Publishing (2006) ISBN 0-9547230-8-2

• Round dance
• Tarantella

• UK’s Circle Dance Network
• eJournal of Circle Dance in the U.S & Canada

• Mandy de Winter, International (UK based) circle dance teacher, musician and choreographer
• Judy King, International (UK based) circle dance teacher and musician
• June Watts, International circle dance teacher
• Martine Winnington, International circle dance teacher
• Catalan Dancing in Barcelona, Circle Dance
• LivingCircle with Brian Steere. (UK) Circle dancing with live music.
• Stefan and Bethan Freedman International (UK based) teachers and facilitators of circle dance. Dance and music as a tool for peace and reconcilliation.
• Lynn Frances, International circle dance teacher
• Marina and John Bear, and the Bay Area Circle Dancers. Marina is a choreographer known for such dances as Circle Chant (or Peace Chant), Nightwalking, and Hora Starina.
• Paul Boizot (Yorkshire, UK based) circle dance teacher, musician and choreographer
• Laura Shannon, International circle dance teacher
• Andy Bettis, UK circle dance teacher