What is Circle Dancing? 

People have been dancing in circles for thousands of years. The circle and the spiral can be seen everywhere in nature, from the atom to the galaxies. Perhaps, originally, people danced to empower themselves before a hunting expedition, and later, as a way to honour births, coming-of-age ceremonies, marriages, and deaths. Dance has also long been a way to celebrate and give thanks for the seasons, the harvest, the sun, and the rain.

Even today, we can see circle dances performed in places like Brittany, Spain, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia, keeping traditions alive and fostering community. Many of these village dances have simple yet powerful patterns rooted in natural forms. When danced together, they create an almost mandala effect—not only giving dancers a sense of well-being but also serving as a way of offering to the earth.

In 1976, Bernard Wosien, a classical dancer, choreographer, teacher, graphic artist, and painter from Poland, travelled to the Balkan countries to learn traditional dances, while also creating new ones. He later brought these dances to the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland, a place where he could sow the seeds of his vision. He believed that dance should be deeply rooted in the community, serving people in their everyday lives. He said:

“What I have realised after a lifetime with dance is that dance is meditation in movement, a walking into silence where every movement becomes prayer.”

Each year, he returned to Findhorn, bringing both choreographed and traditional dances that reflected his profound understanding of the connection between spirit and movement. Some dances were lively, expressing pure joy and community celebration, while others were deeply meditative, set to classical music. Bernard Wosien passed away in 1986, but the seeds he planted had taken root. Those who danced with him carried his vision beyond Findhorn, and from there, a worldwide network flourished.

In a world where community is often lacking, circle dance brings people together. It creates a powerful sense of connection—not only to each other but also to ourselves and to the world. Through the diversity of music, ranging from Bob Marley to Bach, and from Eastern Europe to Africa, we embrace a rich cultural heritage through movement.

For some, the dance also connects us to our higher self or spirit, bringing peace, wisdom, creativity, and personal transformation. We feel our feet on the ground while allowing ourselves to open up on many levels.

Today, people are creating new dances to all kinds of music, bringing circle dance into many settings, including cancer support centres, schools, learning disability groups, care homes, and places of worship. Locally, circle dancing occasionally takes place in York Minster and Liverpool Cathedral.

Are you new to Circle Dance? Please read on…

WELCOME FROM SOPHIA

Here are a few words that might answer some of your questions:

PRACTICAL TIPS

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing—layers are a good idea so you can adjust as needed.
• Wear soft, flat shoes (or dance barefoot). If you have joint problems, you can buy special insoles for extra support. Trainers are okay but can feel bulky and restrictive.
• Listen to your body—if you have any concerns due to a health condition, it’s always best to check with your doctor first.

You can modify the dances to suit your needs. For example, if you find turns difficult, simply do the steps in place. You can also take a break and watch if a dance is putting strain on you. If you sit out, please keep chatting to the break time.

If you have any injuries or conditions that need extra awareness (e.g., a sore shoulder or arm), let your fellow dancers know—"Please be gentle with my arm!"

I believe that everyone is a dancer. If you feel like you have two left feet, take heart! Most people feel that way when they start. But with regular practice, the dances and steps become easier, and eventually, they flow naturally. At first, you may find yourself doing different steps—this is absolutely fine! It’s all part of the learning process—you are simply doing a variation for now.

A FEW TIPS FOR LEARNING

• Stand next to experienced dancers—there’s an osmosis effect!
• If you’re opposite me, remember that you’ll be mirroring my movements—look to your neighbours for guidance.
• Let me know if you’d like me to demonstrate a step again or stand in front of you for better visibility.

After some dances, we may pause, holding hands in stillness for a moment. This allows us to appreciate the dance’s qualities, absorb its energy, and return to our own still centre. Please respect these moments of stillness.

Some people ask about the meaning of the flowers, candles, or other objects placed in the centre of the circle. These serve both a practical purpose—helping us stay centred in the space—and a symbolic one, creating a mood of stillness, beauty, and focus that enhances the experience.

Is Circle Dance linked to a spiritual organisation?
No! While Sacred Circle Dance originated at the Findhorn Foundation—a spiritual community in Scotland—circle dancing has existed for thousands of years, perhaps even since the Stone Age. There is no religious affiliation, and everyone is welcome.

Personally, circle dance gives me a deep sense of connection—to myself, to others, and to something greater than myself. It uplifts me and makes me feel whole.

No matter how you feel when you arrive, if you open yourself to the dance, you open yourself to the potential for transformation.

“Dancing is a primary way of singing to the earth. It makes a song that resonates through the body down into the earth, just as the earth sends its generous healing resonances up through our feet. Dancing helps keep the earth in alignment and balance in the same way it keeps us in alignment.”

—From The Ceremonial Circle by Sedonia Cahill & Joshua Halpern

SOPHIA HATCH
📧 sophiafreedancer@talktalk.net
Updated: October 2023