You will receive more detailed information once you register, but to give you an idea of what you can expect:

How long is the event?

Long Dance has new events which now extend over 4 days, but only Saturday & Sunday are required.  It is highly recommended that you take the following Monday off for integration and rest. 

What kind of people are going to be there?

We invite circles or solo practitioners from all traditions to join us in this rainbow celebration.  We honor the many traditions of the four directions.  We encourage everyone to delve deeply into their own tribal affiliations in the belief that we all possess a spiritual connection to the Earth Mother in an authentic, unique and indigenous way. We offer a safe space for ceremonial expression and healing and we hold respect for the power of the circle, and for shared prayers.  We invite those whom we believe will honor the sacredness of this ceremony and who walk in integrity.  Those who can not abide by these guidelines are encouraged not to attend.

Can I significantly lower my registration fee by being part of Home Lodge?

Yes, you can!  There are Chief positions and Dog Soldier positions available in a number of Lodges. 

Defining Chief: A leader who serves the people, not a ruler or governor. Power comes with responsibility and a Chief is accountable to the people. They do not determine who comes to ceremony; they serve the greater good.

Defining Dog Soldiers: The medicine of Dog is the medicine of loyalty – to oneself, to a group, to a ceremony, or a cause. The Dog soldier shows up with integrity, with everything that they are. They give from the heart, requiring nothing in return. The Dog Soldier role is a place of learning through doing. By becoming one who uses their energy and resources wisely, they are able to contribute freely to the whole without being drained or lessened. The Dog Soldier is not a position of glamor, of constant praise and recognition. It is a position of honor – where word is backed up by action, and where an individual can demonstrate their impeccability.

To be a part of Core Circle or Home Lodge, please complete the registration form. Register for Home Lodge at or before the Home Lodge Meeting in July. If you miss this date, it is not too late. Feel free to call or email Hua for what’s available or to commit to a lodge. She will be happy to explore with you what would best work for you.  Hua can be reached at (805) 481 0892 or via email: rosa2hua@aol.com

Lodge Openings: Kitchen, Moon, Mother, Grandmother, Welcome, Sentry (Brothers), Wellness. Rubbish Rebel, Chief assistants. 


What actually happens? 

All the important information about what actually happens at Long Dance - including orientation, trade circle, getting ready, ceremony, and some rules of conduct - are included in the Registration packet which you should download and print out.  Some of the information is excerpted below for your convenience, but be sure to read and print the Registration packet for your reference.


Excerpts from the 2011 Flyer:

This event is alcohol and drug-free, and that includes no marijuana.

This is a celebration of tribal sisterhood honoring women walking purely within themselves through prayer and unity with each other.  It is a sacred Ceremony of healing, allowing one’s self to look inward with honesty to see personal strengths and weaknesses with the support of the Sisterhood. 

You will receive a more detailed Second Packet of Information when you Register - complete with directions to the event, a liability waiver, your check list, Messages from the Lodges, Insight into this year's direction of the East, and so much more...! 

We look forward to seeing you in ceremony!

SCHEDULE of EVENTS

Thursday September 22nd, 2011

DANCERS and HOME LODGE VOLUNTEERS will begin to arrive and help prepare the site. 

We set up tipis, rake the paths, create beauty-way, prepare the sweat lodge, and create a collective experience finishing the sacred village for ceremony. 

BROTHERS SWEAT Brothers will have a evening sweat lodge

DRUM CIRCLE  Drumming, Circle Songs & Storytelling with the Sisters

ALL ARE WELCOME. 

POTLUCK follows!  Bring something yummy & nutritious to share with your community.

Friday September 23rd, 2011

During this day we will be finishing the Beauty Way of the Village and sharing ceremony & teachings: 

MORNING YOGA  (8-9 am)

TEACHING WITH LINDA SEELEY (9-11)  Linda is an advanced facilitator of The Work that Reconnects

SACRED PIPE CEREMONY and offering of prayers with our Elder Maheewa (noon - 2 pm) ALL ARE WELCOME

HOME LODGE SWEAT LODGE for the sisters will start right after the Pipe Ceremony, around 2 pm. (Should you decide to attend, make sure that you drink plenty of water during the day.)

TEACHING FORUMS (2:30 – 3:30)

"Connecting with the Divine Masculine" and

"Destiny & Daily Life: Hearing the Call While Doing the Dishes" with "Hawk Stands Strong"

DRUM WORKSHOP with Francesca Bolignini (4 – 5:30)

POTLUCK DINNER (6:30)

CONCERT with several Guest Artists (7:30 – 9:30).

                

Saturday September 24, 2011

REGISTRATION/CHECK IN Everyone will be on site by 9 a.m. to check in at registration (NB: even if you have already been there camping out, you still must check in at this morning time slot!)  Then we will go to Welcome Lodge, which includes grounding and making prayer ties to help clarify our intentions for the dance.

LONG DANCE ORIENTATION begins at 11 a.m. and lasts two hours.  Bring personal needs, e.g. water, snacks, and a lawn chair.  Each part of the Ceremony is explained and taught. 

TRADE CIRCLE starts after orientation and lasts until 4 p.m.  All are encouraged to offer their services, ceremonial items, gifts, etc. for trade. 

GETTING READY At 5 or 6 p.m. we will put on our dance skirts and warm clothing.  Be sure you take time for a rest and a big meal (you will need the fuel) before the ceremony starts.

DANCETIME Sundown, at the blowing of the conch, we will gather in the dance circle to receive Hua’s teaching for this year’s dance. For the night you will need warm ceremonial clothing, food, water and a chair. Keep these items at a minimum.

Each sister will tie a ribbon on a willow pole, which symbolizes her intention for the dance such as creating, healing, and understanding. We’ll be dancing our prayers in the circle, and all the lodges will welcome visits from us through the night. All night the prayers, drumming, dance and songs, will continue.

Sunday September 25, 2011

CLOSE of CEREMONY At the end of the ceremony, we will take our chairs and gear back to the shaded tree area to begin the final portion of the Long Dance program

HARVEST BREAKFAST  This bounty is offered by the Kitchen Crew. Brothers & Elders first, as always...

TALKING STICK & GIVEAWAY  One of the most treasured events, filled with love, laughter, tears & goodies!

TAKE DOWN  Please stay and help even if it is one hour.  This greatly eases the load on everyone else.  Brothers typically stay for the entire Take Down process, which, with a crew of 20, is approximately 6- 8 hours to the final unload at Hua's garage in Arroyo Grande.  Pizza is provided.

THANK YOU!!!


Registration page

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call Hua Anwa for questions at (805) 481 0892

see our main organization's site at www.circlesofempowerment.org