From Saturday, 8. May 2027
To Saturday, 15. May 2027
This unique dance and culture holiday, for women with dance experience, is now in its 28th year,We will offer a different format in 2027. You can join us for one week or two!
The first week (May 1-8) focuses on mainly Greek (as well as Balkan and Armenian) women's ritual dances. Details HERE.
The second week (May 8-15) offers a Master Class in Traditional Dances with Uneven Rhythms, plus an Introduction to Frame Drumming.
Traditional women's ritual dances are among the oldest known circle dances. Simple yet profound, they transmit encoded wisdom and teach essential life skills in all of their aspects, including tempo and rhythm.
Each specific dance meter, whether regular (2/4, 4/4) or irregular (3/4, 5/8, 7/8, 9/8, 11/8), offers physical and psychological holding in a different way. Many incorporate a 'slow-quick' rhythm, reflecting the 'heartbeat' of Mother Earth, or combine slow and quick beats in diverse combinations which give us energy to move forward, while reminding us that rest is essential.
Coming from cultures which have survived many periods of transition, these ancient dances can wisely and joyfully guide us through our own life changes. A better understanding of dance rhythms gives dancers and teachers alike valuable keys to unlock their hidden teachings and their healing potential.
In this week-long master class together, we will explore the following:
- Greek, Balkan, Armenian and Roma dances in 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/8, 7/8, 9/8 and 11/8 meters
- Complex rhythms made simple, when understood as combinations of 2 and 3
- Correspondences between women's dance rhythms and women's life rhythms
- The principle of 'rest in the rhythm' as a fundamental guideline for women's lives
- The healing potential of shared rhythm
- Dance rhythms and textile patterns
- Beginning frame drum technique and tools for further development.
The seminar is for women with dance experience. No frame drumming experience is necessary.
Please bring a frame drum if you have one.
You can join us for one week or two. As an alternative in the second week, instead of a seminar, you can enjoy a relaxing women-only holiday at Milelia, to appreciate the lush springtime at your own pace. This option is available in Week 2 only.
Traditional ritual dances are among the oldest circle dances. Simple yet profound, they celebrate the sacredness of the natural world, and help us reconnect with ourselves, each other and the cycles of life. Coming from cultures which have survived many periods of transition, these ancient dances can wisely and joyfully guide us through life changes, as well as the inner journey of the Easter mysteries. Course language is English. Milelia Inselgarten near Molivos is a beautiful retreat centre with a wonderful setting, excellent food, beautifully refurbished rooms, and welcoming staff (the delightful new owners have kept on all the team). It has an octagonal dance temple, ancient oak and olive trees, a spring-fed, oxygen-cleansed swimming pool, pure spring water in all the taps, a labyrinth, terraces, and a fabulous view of ancient Molivos. Just 20 minutes from the sea and the village, it's a perfect place for a dance retreat. See www.Milelia-Inselgarten.com
Contact Laura for details.