Circle dance, is the most common name for a style of dance usually done in a circle without partners to musical accompaniment. It became popular in the alternative, feminist and new age aspects of western culture in the 1980s and 1990s and continues today.

The circle is probably the oldest known dance formation. It is found in the dances of many cultures, including ancient Greece (chorea), African, Eastern European, Irish Celtic, South American and North American Indian. Circle dance mixes traditional folk dances, mainly from European or Near-Eastern sources, with recently choreographed ones to a variety of music both ancient and modern.

Dances can be slow and meditative, or lively and energetic.

Sacred Circle Dance

Some have a symbolism or spiritual content derived from various traditions, some are just fun to dance. In these cases it is known as Sacred Dance or Sacred Circle Dance. A small altar of flowers or other natural or venerated objects is usually placed at the centre of the circle.

Sacred circle dance originated in the Findhorn Foundation community in Scotland following visits there from 1976 onwards by Professor Bernhard Wosien , a German dancer. Known first as Sacred Dance, it has changed over time as enthusiasts have made contributions, and may now be called Circle Dance, Sacred Dance, or Sacred Circle Dance (SCD).

See also: Round dance

External links

• Uk’s Circle Dance Network http://circledancenetwork.org.uk/
• eJournal of Circle Dance in the U.S & Canada http://together.net/~seren/
• Martine Winnington, International circle dance teacher http://www.martinewinnington.com/