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Dancing in a circle is an ancient tradition common to many cultures.
Dancing in a circle is an ancient tradition common to many cultures.
Modern circle dancing draws on the rich and diverse traditional dances of many countries and includes a growing repertoire of new dances to classical and contemporary music.
The dances range from very simple to the more intricate. Some are energetic and lively while others feel reflective and flow like a moving meditation. As it is performed in a circle there is a conscious focus on group awareness which creates a wonderful sense of communication and community. A sense of respect and care is cultivated which is very supportive.
You can approach circle dancing as simply enjoyable physical exercise or as something deeper. Either way it brings a sense of peace, togetherness and well being.
Guidelines for Circle Dance sessions
Guidelines for Circle Dance sessions
All activities have certain protocols or guidelines so that they can function successfully, and all participants benefit equally. The following information is provided to help facilitate a happy and enjoyable circle dancing session.
1. Include a “Welcome” and/or “Opening words” at the start of every session.
2. For new people: explain the hand hold and other postural awareness (soft shoulders, relaxed arms) and advise them to watch the dancers in front of them (depending on the direction of the dance).
3. Every dance is taught before it is danced to music.
4. Dances with a Notation on the website should be taught according to that Notation. This is out of respect to the author of the Notation, who has put a lot of work into writing the dance steps and other information for everyone else to use.
5. Include some background information and origin of each dance before teaching it. It can also be useful to play a short burst of the music before doing a dance, as a reminder of which dance it is, or as a guide to the pace of the dance.
6. Where appropriate, suggest modified steps for dancers who have difficulty doing turns or other moves.
7. At the end of each dance, encourage people to maintain the hand hold and a short period of silence to honour and absorb the energy of the dance and experience the connection and peace that comes from dancing together.
8. Include a short ‘drink’ break during the session.
9. Include a “Closing” and/or “Thank you’s” at the conclusion of every session.
10. Consider limiting ‘other messages and information’ that people want to relay, to messages that relate specifically to Circle Dancing. People can discuss / share other news amongst themselves before or after the dancing session.
Additional information for Dance list creators and teachers
Additional information for Dance list creators and teachers
1. Plan the dance list to include dances that are a mixture of: new, old, easy, challenging, calm & meditative as well as vigorous & joyous dances.
2. It is helpful to repeat a new dance the following week to consolidate learning.
3. Encourage other dancers to lead a dance.
4. Complicated dances could be taught in stages e.g. part (A) and (B) in week one, then add parts (C) and (D) in week two.
5. Consider:
• Dancing to a theme e.g. all ‘Moon’ related dances, or all Israeli or Celtic dances
• Having special events on another day e.g. Mossvale Park, World Circle Dance Day
• Having 2 circles when there are a lot of people
• Having experienced dancers in the inner circle
Enjoy the energy we create dancing together in a circle.
Enjoy the energy we create dancing together in a circle.
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