For more than 20 years, Seattle Dances of Universal Peace has honored spiritual traditions from around the world.
On an average night, 30 to 40 people generally participate in the dances at Keystone Congregational Church.
Throughout the evening, a leader teaches participants the words, melody and movements for each dance. Participants then join hands to form a circle, with the dance leader and musicians in the center.
The lyrics usually consist of a simple sacred phrase, and the movements and songs are drawn from more than 500 dances.
A welcoming 'force'
Dance leader and guitarist Phil Notermann, who has a master's degree in comparative religion and a musical background, was initially drawn to the dances because they do not require a specific religious belief.
Notermann and his wife, Helen Gabel, who live in Wedgwood, first learned about the dances in 1988 through a mutual friend and have been attending ever since.
"It was quite moving and satisfying to us both, and we really connected strongly to them," Notermann added.
No musical or dance experience of any kind is required, and participants of all ages are invited to join in. People are welcome to dance any part of the evening as they like.
A typical evening usually consists of five to seven different dances. Every week varies, with different leaders, musicians, songs and dances.
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended, and spectators are allowed.
"Each dance is taught as if nobody in the circle has danced it before," Gabel said.
Honoring commonality
The Dances of Universal Peace was originally brought together in the late 1960s in San Francisco by Samuel L. Lewis, a Sufi Murshid (teacher) and Rinzai Zen master who also studied in the traditions of Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity.
The dances celebrate Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Aramaic, Native American, Native Middle Eastern, Celtic, Native African and Goddess traditions.
During the last 25 years, the dances have spread to North and South America, Europe, the former Soviet Union, Japan, India, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand.
"It's honoring the unity behind all the world spiritual decisions, recognizing that they're all aspects of the one that underlies our being," Gabel said.
Event information
Seattle Dances of Universal Peace takes place on Wednesdays and the second Saturday of each month, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Keystone Congregational Church, 5019 Keystone Ave. N. A $5 suggested donation goes toward the room rental. For more information, call 781-1225, or visit www.dancesofuniversal peace.org.
Jessica Davis can be reached via e-mail at needitor@nwlink.com.
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