DANCES OF
UNIVERSAL PEACE

DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE

The Dances of Universal Peace were the vision of a Sufi master named Samuel Lewis and began as a Sufi practice. Over the years they have come to embrace all the major spiritual traditions of the world. By chanting sacred phrases to the accompaniment of simple movement, participants literally embody the sacred phrase, moving beyond the level of ego and personality to see the Divine essence that resides within each of us.

No dance experience is necessary; all movements are taught. Using our voices in praise of the sacred will provide a perfect balance to the Noble Silence that will be maintained outside of the Dance circle. There will be sessions of sitting meditation and chanting, as well as free time to hike, practice yoga, and enjoy the glory of the mountains and the beauty of Southern Dharma.

Akal Dev Sharonne has been leading Dances since 1989. Having been introduced to the Dances by Elizabeth Lesser, co-founder of the Omega Institute, she brought the Dances to Southern Dharma following her first summer at Omega. Since then, she has led Dances in the Triangle area of NC, in Charlotte, at the Abode of the Message, at the Omega Institute, and at several college campuses. She initiated a monthly Dance circle in Boone, NC, in 1998, where she currently lives.

Mark Smith has had forty years experience with the music and healing qualities of chants and songs from many traditional and contemporary sources. He leads singing at churches, retreats, and social action gatherings, works as a civil/environmental engineer, and is learning to lead Dances of Universal Peace.