Dances of Universal Peace

My interest in Dances of Universal Peace started in the 1980's while attending Unity Truth Center in Indianapolis. They had several workshops titled "Sufi Dancing", and since I was I the queen of boogie with , interested in every conceivable form of dance, I had to try it. I found the form of meditative movement to be an enlightening, and moving experience. Later, through my dear friend and mentor Stephen Sachs, I discovered there was a local group that met regularly.

I was to discover that the Dances of Universal Peace were was founded by Samuel L. Lewis. He was influenced by two great very powerful mystic mentors: Ruth St. Dennis the mother of modern dance, and Hazrat Inayat Khan sometimes called the father of the American Sufi Movement. Well, every way I look at it, Ruth St. Dennis has impacted my life. First with dance, then with Spiritually. As documented by Ball State Professor Rachel Kraus, it is often difficult to separate the two. Maybe more so, when dancing to Rumi poems...can you seperate the artist from their creation?

Samuel Lewis was a Sufi Murshid, and Zen Master who studied Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity. From his study of World Religions and Spiritual practices he concluded that ritual mystic dance was something missing in Western Society and that those who were doing drugs we really seeking a mystical experience. So, the first dances were formed in the late 60's and early 70's In the San Fransisco Bay area. Sam was convinced that the need for spiritual ritual was part of the recovery process. I personally believe he had some powerful insights.

He developed a dynamic method to promote "Peace through the Arts". He combined music, song and dance with familiar chants from the world religions to create a mystical format. His original body of work consisted of about 50 dances, to celebrate Universalism that is encompassed in the Sufi Order. His dances included chants from Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the Aramaic, Native American, Middle Eastern, Celtic, African, and Goddess traditions. I personally had the opportunity to celebrate Easter with Farrunnissa one of the world experts in Aramaic. She taught us the the Lord's Prayer in the original Aramaic and found it to be one of the most powerful experiences in my life.

The dances are choreographed and designed for those with all physical levels. Those who have limited movement are often invited to be seated in the middle of the circle so they may experience the healing energy. The Healing Power leads the resurgence in the popularity of the Dances, which has spread throughout the world, touching more than almost a million people. The are accompanied by live music and often the practitioners learn to play an instrument to enhance their spiritual practice.

The Dances are practiced in North and South America, Europe, the former Soviet Union, Japan, India, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand. New grassroots Dance circles are continually springing up around the globe, with anywhere from 40 to 60 meeting weekly or monthly in the United States alone. There are retreats and workshops offered regularly all over the world. In local groups it is not unusual to have all religious groups represented and see the miracle of of peace and universality happen before your eyes as Christian, Muslims and Jews celebrate God's Presence together.

The Dances evolved and expanded in practical application to meet the deep felt needs today for rediscovering reverence, creativity, and a body-based connection to the natural world. Teachers share the Dances in schools, therapy groups, prisons, hospice houses, drug rehabilitation centers, homes for the developmentally disabled, retirement villages, holistic health centers, and ecumenical worship celebrations. I have the opportunity to lead the Dances at Indiana Women's Prison for both offenders and staff, Indiana Counselors Association on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, American Association of Correctional Chaplains, Indiana Juvenile Correctional Facility, Indianapolis Navel Academy, Pagan Pride Day events, and Special Needs groups.

Samuel Lewis envisioned the Dance as a way to make life-energy and the peace that passes understanding a reality for all who come in contact with them. There is a feeling of the mystical in connectedness. The metaphysical is often experience when people slip out of there routine and join together in spirit. The dances are usually done a a circle format and the emphasis is on participation. After an hour of dance, chant and song it is easy to feel exhilarated.

In Indianapolis the Dances are led by Paula Saffire, head of the Classics Department at Butler University. Paula has spent her life dedicated to Spiritual expression and she teaches a course at Butler University called Hands on Spirituality. She encourages her students to explore and develop their own practices and connection to their ancestors.

The Indianapolis Dances of Universal Peace meet the first Saturday of the month at 7pm. The are often comprised of regular dancers and students from Paula's Classics or Spirituality classes at Butler. A couple of times a year Butler University helps sponsor larger events on Campus. The events are in conjunction with Spirit and Place events and usually include a Zikr dance.

For those who have danced before the is group call JUST US. this is a rather intimate group for those who regularly follow the practice, though everyone is usually welcome. There will be a JUST US dance Friday Jan 18 at 7:00 at 6506 Ralston, Indianapolis. JUST US is unstructured -- no planning ahead. We
dance what people want to dance on the spur of the moment. It's a good time to try out dance leading if you feel ready for it.

The Indianapolis Dance groups is planning a retreat: MUNIR RETREAT, LAST WEEK END IN MARCH. Munir who is has often been described as integrating s somatic awareness, cosmology and spirituality with the arts. Munir has dedicated his life to the Oneness Project and has lead retreats for over 14 years. They have 12 places taken already for the Munir retreat. We'll close at 30. If you are interested in information you can contact Paula at 317-257-0537. To secure your place bring or mail a check for $75 made out to Dances of Universal Peace.

There is also a Guatemala opportunity sent by Bernie Heidemann: The winter retreat this year led by Bernie Heideman and Adrianna Heideman is Feb 14-21 in
Guatemala on Lake Atilan near Panajachel. Eric Narayan Waldman will join us as a leader of the camp. After 7 years of our Mexico retreat, we are taking a break from Mexico. Contact: us at 970-872-2172 or ww.bernieheideman.com, https://bumail.butler.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx.

Shalom, Salaam, Namaste, and Peace, Malika Helena Zahara