The International Network for the Dances of Universal Peace is a registered charity in the USA. The network connects dance circles and we’re lucky enough to have a chapter in Orlando! Here’s a description from the International Website:

From the beginning of time, sacred movement, song and story have brought people together – at times of seasonal ceremony and celebration, as part of everyday life and life passages, in daily renewal and meditation, etc… The Dances of Universal Peace are part of this timeless tradition of Sacred Dance.

As in these timeless mystic traditions the Dances use simple music, lyrics, and movements to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and others. No musical or dance experience of any kind is required and everyone is welcomed to join in. Participation, not presentation, is the focus.

No special attire is required, although comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is best. Participants join hands forming a circle with the Dance leader and other musicians in the center. Throughout the evening, the leader teaches the group the words, melody, and movements for the next Dance and often provides some background history about that particular Dance. The teaching is always done from a compassionate heart in a comfortable, quiet, and often sacred setting.

I’ve also been lucky enough to attend “Dances of Universal Peace” at First Unitarian. I found it wonderfully refreshing and something akin to “moving meditation.” Of course, the potluck afterward is fun too.

Unfortunately I don’t get to go to this groovy retreat, but you can! Check it out:

Dances of Universal Peace Event

July 5 and 6, 2008

“Showering Blessings”

Dancing Peacock Paradise

20622 NE Hwy 315, Ft. McCoy, Florida

You are invited to our sacred space: the warm lake waters of paradise for swimming & boating, walking the labyrinth, picnicking in the woods, & dancing. You may attend any or all parts.

“The lover of nature is the true worshiper of God” Hazrat Inayat Khan

COST

• $10 donation, plus potluck picnic dish

LEADER:

• Diana Anahita Kanoy, Certified Dance Leader & Mentor

SCHEDULE (Subject to change)

Saturday, July 5

1:00 – 2:30 PM Arrival, socializing, enojying nature, swimming & boating

3:00 PM Dances of Universal Peace (Please be here by 3 so we can begin together)

5:00 PM Enjoying Nature & companionship

6:00 PM Potluck Picnic Dinner: cottage porch & lakefront

7:00 PM Sunset & Crystal Bowls with Cindy in the Treehouse

7:45 PM Deeper Dancing & Zikr

8:45 PM Desserts

Sunday, July 6

Practices & Services as desired. Let us know if you will be here Sunday and what you’d like offered. Possibilities Include:

8:00 AM Morning practices on the dock

9:00 AM Breakfast

10:00 AM Universal Worship in the Gazebo with dances

ACCOMODATIONS AND SUPPLIES

You are invited to spend Saturday night (or more) for $25 per person per night (space is limited, $35 for the treehouse, or in your own tent for $15 per person per night.) Reservations must be made in advance for overnight. Breakfast will be included, but you need to bring your own food and some to share for the other meals.

Or just come for Saturday with your cool picnic potluck dish. Bring a cooler for your non-alcoholic drinks and food, or put the potluck dishes in the cottage refrigerator. Non-smoking premises. You may park at the cottage or at the house. (Dinner will be at the cottage; Desserts at the house.) The house has fresh warm breezes & paddle fans!

Bring your swimsuit for swimming, sunning, boating, and floating.

Wear cool comfortable clothing & shoes that are easily removed for dancing.

This will be a summer play day, so bring a big smile!

Please RSVP if you would like to spend the night at (352) 546-1345 or Kanoy8@alltel.net

WORDS TO SONGS WE MAY SING

Be ye songs of glory,
be ye songs of glory,
that the light of Allah may shine upon the world.

E malama i ka heiau
E malama i ka heiau
E malama pono i ka heiau
Your love for all makes luminous the now
Ishq Allah Mahbood Lillah

Blessed always,
blessed always
For the love of God surrounds us
Let our joy be so triumphant
That we rest in God and say Amen

May the road rise with you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
May the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again

Goddess hold you
In the hollow of her hands

Lead us from the false to the real
Lead us from the false to the real
I’m not who I think I am
I am that I am

La illaha il Allah
La illaha il Allah
La illaha il Allah

Mohammedar Rassoul lilla

DIRECTIONS TO “DANCING PEACOCK PARADISE”

20622 NE Highway 315, Ft. McCoy

(352) 546-1345

Dancing Peacock Paradise is 5 miles N of Ft. McCoy, 4 miles S of Orange Springs, and 11 miles west of Citra

Tips

• Please drive slowly on the driveway tracks and watch for gopher tortoises and other wildlife.
• Please do not drive on the grassy sides or center of the driveway.
• In case of rain, stay in the tracks: you can drive through puddles (if any) because they are shallow and the sand is hard packed underneath, unlike the soft sides and middle.

From Orlando

• Go west on 436 out of Atlamonte or Orlando to Eustis. Turn right (north) on 19. Go past Umatilla & Altoona. At the blinking light, turn left on 40. Past Juniper Springs, turn Right on 88 (231st) (You have to be looking for it – a fire tower is across the street)
• Continue on 88 straight through a stop sign. At a second stop sign, turn Left on 316.
• Go over a high bridge. At the blinking light in Ft. McCoy, turn right on 315
• Go about 5+ miles north on 315, about 1/4 mile past 199 St. Rd.
• Landmark: Bay Lake Blueberry Farm is just before our driveway
• Turn Left into our driveway with the yellow gate and wind streamers. Go 1/2 mile to end, bearing left all the way down. Allow 2 hours.

If you need directions from somewhere else please request.