History
From 2003 to 2007, I offered weekly dances in Hawai'i , Washington, Colorado, New Mexico and Montana. See Gypsie Nation
Testimonials
Thank you for all the dances I've been to this fall and winter. They have been profoundly healing and transformative to me, at a time in my life when I very much needed centering and community. You have a powerful gift for the work that you do, and I have learned so much watching the way that you work, mothering the dance and moving energy in a way that creates a safe and inclusive place for all.
Polly Trout, Ph.D
Polly Trout, Ph.D
When I was in my twenties and going to college there was a time in the privacy and sanctuary of my little apartment when I'd turn up my favorite music, move the furniture out of the way, draw the curtains and dance wildly and beautifully to my heart's content. I was my own partner and it was a delight to connect with myself in this way. I'd also sing uninhibited, belting out the lines while letting the music and movement rush through my body bringing me into new states of joy, release, clarity and love. As much as I relished dancing with myself in this manner, somewhere along the way I stopped. So I was absolutely thrilled to discover Gypsie Nation where free-style dance is offered in a sacred setting. Now the room is bigger, the music better and there is a community of like-minded people who share this experience of freedom together. Gypsie Nation is one part Sufi dance, one part trance dance, and a thousand parts innovation. Thank you for making this possible!
Suzanne Sims, Author - "Healing Vacations in Hawaii"
I have to say it again, it was such a complete blessing to dance with you almost every week of my stay on the big island. I can say with no hesitation that the sacred space you created, allowed for the freest explorations and discoveries that changed me forever. You have been moved and inspired to create something that has been touching so many people, and changed them in endless ways. I wanted to thank you for that again, as well as the spirits that guide you. and wish you the most beautiful dances for all the days to come.
Nadine Kreisberger
Advisor to S. Oyun, Member of the State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia
Advisor to S. Oyun, Member of the State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia
The best therapy ever! I have experienced so much healing and release and joy in your space.
Sarah Kate, Artist
Sarah Kate, Artist
You have opened up a door that gives me a new way of looking at ritual and dance.
Karen Petterson
Karen Petterson
I just wanted to let you know how much beauty and connection this experience of dancing with Gypsie Nation has brought to me.
Collin Patterson, Yoga teacher and Chef, owner of Sutra in Seattle
Collin Patterson, Yoga teacher and Chef, owner of Sutra in Seattle
I feel gratitude for what I have received from you through the dances and I am sure that I am not alone. You have helped many souls with your work on the Big Island.
Daniela, MA Psychology
Daniela, MA Psychology
Many thanks to you for the dances of healing and sacred communion that you have brought into this community and beyond. We've greatly appreciated the dances and have felt the sincerity and integrity with which you tend them.
Teresa and Marshall, Community organizers and musicians
Teresa and Marshall, Community organizers and musicians
I am quite blown away by the ritual space, healing, energy and deep medicine that are being created in these dances. I have been doing shamanic journeying, healing and processes for a while now so am not new to rituals or dancing in sacred space, but this is definitely a magical and very special creation that is occurring. I can feel the energies in the dances gaining momentum weekly and I feel intrinsically woven into the process that is occurring as if some divine destiny is unfolding. This is serious times on the planet and I too often feel the weight of doing all that I can to help in the healing process and that time is of the essence. And it is important to embrace and share the joy of being alive in amazing bodies on such a beautiful planet as this, for why else are doing all this serious healing work.
Celestine, MA Family therapist
Celestine, MA Family therapist
Although I’ve never been either a dancer or a joiner, I find myself fully at home in the Gypsie Nation ritual, feeling centered and energized for days to come.
Irene
Irene
When I say that going to Sunday morning dances is my version of church, people usually look at me funny. But it is. When I step into that gymnasium and close my eyes and feel the energy from all the other moving bodies around me and just let myself go, it is a truly religious experience.
Emma, High School student
Last week, while visiting a friend in Taos, I was invited to go to a dance on Wednesday night. I was prepared with what to expect more or less, and off we went. I really had a wonderful time, met some real nice people and surprised myself in about forty different ways! This coming from a 50 year-old plumbing contractor from out of town who is a musician, but was always too self-conscious to let loose and dance. And I found in doing so, I let go of a lot of baggage I had been toting around. Then proceeded to talk about it for the next few days! All in all, a great experience. It’s an important opportunity for a lot of people on a lot of levels. Thanks for making it available!
TB
For me, the day, the discovery was/is a dream come true! To be able to dance like that, I've never dreamt that something so great could happen: to be able to dance so wild and crazy and with random movements to whatever groove would come through! - and to be in a place where in fact, such movements are encouraged, not looked on in judgement by the rest of the frozen audience! And with so much room to move - on a great floor! -I could be a music nut all I wanted.. and to be with such great company - three supremo babes! And I loved the altars, indeed the whole spirit of the function... I can't really say if I got myself into a meditative state while dancing, or not - probably too many distractions and interesting people to watch. But "pure joy" is a fine-enough state to be in! I am quite looking forward to next time! Thanks so much again!
Gary
The nondenominational spiritual aspects of the experience as well as the structure put it in a class all of its own. What makes it so pure is the facilitators energy and how well they contain and hold the space, set the stage with the utmost attention , the pure love that pours out of them to everyone present no matter who or what they are. It shows in every corner with the most minute of detail in decor and such. That is rare anywhere, even in Boulder. How can you relay that? I tell my clients and friends about it all the time so I am rehearsed on this. I am so grateful to you all.
Velina
I have totally relished the dance. I dance all the time, but Rachel has never danced so freely since she was a teenager (if then). I have never seen her move with such freedom in the 14 years we've been together, and I've seen the difference it has made in her day-to-day life. WOW. And the boys had a wonderful time too.
Morgan Scherer
I twice had inner spirits visit me during the dance to reassure me that my marriage and love affair with my wife was going to survive and continue. It was that moment and a special psychic visit of my late mother also blessing me and my marriage that made me realize how special sacred dance can be.
Mike Whitty, Ph.D
I was there last week at the Gypsie Nation dance and liked it a lot. This is the time for the world to start dancing and doing sacred ceremonies. I like this concept very much. Keep on with the good work! I visited your website and see this is becoming a nationwide practice. Thank you very much, in the name of all of us that have hope in our future and follow the ancient ways! Blessings of Love and Life,
AumRack
AumRack
Arrive on time
The 30 minute warm-up serves at least three purposes:
1) It allows everyone to be present during the opening circle at 7:30. We co-create the medicine so your presence is appreciated.
2) It allows you to prepare your body for the dance. As stated on this website, medicine dance can be demanding on the body, emotions and senses. In order to create safe conditions for your body, the warm-up phase gives you support for stretching and...warming up your muscles, joints and tendons.
3) It allows for a gradual separation from the outside world, and a time to reflect on your intentions for the dance.
A ritual is often described as having a beginning (invocation) and an end (dedication).
Being fully present at both these moments of the ritual is paramount to engaging in a ritual space.
Did I say arrive on time?
Should I eat before the dance?
Is there a particular way to dance in the ritual?
What offering should I bring?
1) It allows everyone to be present during the opening circle at 7:30. We co-create the medicine so your presence is appreciated.
2) It allows you to prepare your body for the dance. As stated on this website, medicine dance can be demanding on the body, emotions and senses. In order to create safe conditions for your body, the warm-up phase gives you support for stretching and...warming up your muscles, joints and tendons.
3) It allows for a gradual separation from the outside world, and a time to reflect on your intentions for the dance.
A ritual is often described as having a beginning (invocation) and an end (dedication).
Being fully present at both these moments of the ritual is paramount to engaging in a ritual space.
Did I say arrive on time?
Should I eat before the dance?
Is there a particular way to dance in the ritual?
What offering should I bring?
What Offering Should I bring?
As you will see, a small altar is created at each dance.
This is our community altar.
This is where offerings to the Spirits are placed, to be blessed by our dance, and shared in community at the end of the dance.
Objects appear on the altar as brought by the participants. The carving of an owl, a photo of a beloved ancestor, a rag doll from one's youth, a rock from a sacred place or the grinding stone of one's aunt.
When you feel inspired, bring something to place on the altar that reminds you of why you are dancing. You can take that object back after the ritual of course!
You will also notice food offerings on the altar. This is an element common to all indigenous rituals-an offering of delicacies to the spirits.
Once in a while, bring a little something to the feast; your favorite chocolate, a delicious plate of fruits or cookies, carrots or radishes from your garden, and even M&M's if you wish.
The Spirits always appreciate gestures of gratitude and remembrance!
Arrive on time
Should I eat before the dance?
Is there a particular way to dance in the ritual?
This is our community altar.
This is where offerings to the Spirits are placed, to be blessed by our dance, and shared in community at the end of the dance.
Objects appear on the altar as brought by the participants. The carving of an owl, a photo of a beloved ancestor, a rag doll from one's youth, a rock from a sacred place or the grinding stone of one's aunt.
When you feel inspired, bring something to place on the altar that reminds you of why you are dancing. You can take that object back after the ritual of course!
You will also notice food offerings on the altar. This is an element common to all indigenous rituals-an offering of delicacies to the spirits.
Once in a while, bring a little something to the feast; your favorite chocolate, a delicious plate of fruits or cookies, carrots or radishes from your garden, and even M&M's if you wish.
The Spirits always appreciate gestures of gratitude and remembrance!
Arrive on time
Should I eat before the dance?
Is there a particular way to dance in the ritual?
Is there a Particular Way to Dance in the Ritual?
Yes! Your own unique, authentic and free way to MOVE as inspired by the music.
If the music doesn't move you, you are in no obligation to move...
This is not about being pretty or together here. It's not about knowing how to dance or not.
If what you experience is pretty, great!
But who says healing is always pretty?
Grieving for example, one of the most difficult energies to ride, can be messy, terrifying and chaotic.
Briefly encountering the Divine can be intoxicating and erotic (is sticking one's tongue out considered pretty or acceptable?)
Feeling like a child, or an elder, can be very vulnerable.
And so forth.
I have seen people go through tremendous healing by laying on the floor, simply absorbing the healing energy emanated during a ritual.
Just relax. Let go of expectations, concepts and your preoccupations in the ordinary world.
Be curious and open to the simple moments of ritual magic that can happen during a community healing ritual.
Arrive on time
Should I eat before the dance?
What offering should I bring?
If the music doesn't move you, you are in no obligation to move...
This is not about being pretty or together here. It's not about knowing how to dance or not.
If what you experience is pretty, great!
But who says healing is always pretty?
Grieving for example, one of the most difficult energies to ride, can be messy, terrifying and chaotic.
Briefly encountering the Divine can be intoxicating and erotic (is sticking one's tongue out considered pretty or acceptable?)
Feeling like a child, or an elder, can be very vulnerable.
And so forth.
I have seen people go through tremendous healing by laying on the floor, simply absorbing the healing energy emanated during a ritual.
Just relax. Let go of expectations, concepts and your preoccupations in the ordinary world.
Be curious and open to the simple moments of ritual magic that can happen during a community healing ritual.
Arrive on time
Should I eat before the dance?
What offering should I bring?
Should I eat before dance?
Spirit Dance, the way it is intended, created and offered, is a ritual for healing the heart, the body and the Spirit(s).
Know that eating too close to a rigorous effort like a spirit (medicine) dance, can be counter-productive, as most of your physiology will be engaged in digestion.
There is no mistake in the fact that every indigenous ritual I have ever participated in, prescribes a fast prior to the ritual.
As of recently, in a Hopi Kiva ceremony, the clan fasted and sweated for one day, in preparation for the dance, while we also practiced the songs and the dances, as well as totally redress the Kiva for that particular Equinox dance.
I was just one of the singers in the ritual. A mere beginner in that lodge and clan I have recently been invited in.
The energy that it took me, to just concentrate on all the nuances of the many songs, and sing with all my heart to carry the vigorous, long and in full-regalia dance of the Kachinas, Mud Heads, Cocopelli and Manna (Guadalupe), was enormous.
I was drenched and exhausted, and in that state, my heart opened to my brothers in the circle. A deep bonding was forged by the medicine. Much healing took place in the kiva were sixty-some people had gathered.
The Medicine of a ritual, we co-create by our willingness to give ourselves fully for the healing of all.
To penetrate (navigate) the multitude of layers accessible in a successful ritual, one must be able to sustain the physical and emotional demands of even the shortest of trance state.
Because when trance happens, Spirit(s) can dance you. The benevolent Spirits you call forth to be with you and support you in the ritual, wish you to sustain any trance, because they know that in that state, the potential to heal (oneself, the collective gathered and the broader Planetary community) is vast.
Whatever you do, just know that in creating extraordinary conditions by all of the ways we prepare for a ritual, we greatly increase our chances to experience extraordinary healing phenomena.
May I suggest that you eat in a ritual fashion if you eat? To already prepare for a healing ritual?
Maybe eat with a toast to your healing, and if eating with others, state to your dinner circle what you truly wish to heal.
Please eat light and refrain from alcohol.
Drink water before, during and after the ritual, as the heat often generated during a ritual can draw a lot of water out of your body.
Arrive on time
Is there a particular way to dance in the ritual?
What offering should I bring?
Know that eating too close to a rigorous effort like a spirit (medicine) dance, can be counter-productive, as most of your physiology will be engaged in digestion.
There is no mistake in the fact that every indigenous ritual I have ever participated in, prescribes a fast prior to the ritual.
As of recently, in a Hopi Kiva ceremony, the clan fasted and sweated for one day, in preparation for the dance, while we also practiced the songs and the dances, as well as totally redress the Kiva for that particular Equinox dance.
I was just one of the singers in the ritual. A mere beginner in that lodge and clan I have recently been invited in.
The energy that it took me, to just concentrate on all the nuances of the many songs, and sing with all my heart to carry the vigorous, long and in full-regalia dance of the Kachinas, Mud Heads, Cocopelli and Manna (Guadalupe), was enormous.
I was drenched and exhausted, and in that state, my heart opened to my brothers in the circle. A deep bonding was forged by the medicine. Much healing took place in the kiva were sixty-some people had gathered.
The Medicine of a ritual, we co-create by our willingness to give ourselves fully for the healing of all.
To penetrate (navigate) the multitude of layers accessible in a successful ritual, one must be able to sustain the physical and emotional demands of even the shortest of trance state.
Because when trance happens, Spirit(s) can dance you. The benevolent Spirits you call forth to be with you and support you in the ritual, wish you to sustain any trance, because they know that in that state, the potential to heal (oneself, the collective gathered and the broader Planetary community) is vast.
Whatever you do, just know that in creating extraordinary conditions by all of the ways we prepare for a ritual, we greatly increase our chances to experience extraordinary healing phenomena.
May I suggest that you eat in a ritual fashion if you eat? To already prepare for a healing ritual?
Maybe eat with a toast to your healing, and if eating with others, state to your dinner circle what you truly wish to heal.
Please eat light and refrain from alcohol.
Drink water before, during and after the ritual, as the heat often generated during a ritual can draw a lot of water out of your body.
Arrive on time
Is there a particular way to dance in the ritual?
What offering should I bring?
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