PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment's topics - tribe.net

Free Online Video: How to Play the Zills - Part I

2008-06-25T14:10:10Z

This is the first in a series of videos I'm putting online for my students:

http://www.revver.com/video/951901/how-to-play-the-zills-part-1/

I thought others might be interested.

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

Welcome to CoSM's Full Moon Celebration

2008-06-17T04:41:28Z

Each month, Alex and Allyson Grey celebrate the Full Moon with an evening of wisdom, music, poetry and prayer from all traditions in the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors. Dancing to the tribal sounds of NYC’s most dynamic drum circle follows in the adjacent CoSMosis studio.

We're calling out to
YOU!— Movers and makers
Shimmy-ers and shakers
Visionary creators
Polyrhythmic displayers
Drummers and Dancers
Creative take-chancers:
By Full Moon we converge
Divine love and light surge!

If you have participated in Full Moon before, on any level, we welcome you back. If you have never been to Full Moon, we invite you to join us.

The next Full Moon ceremony will be
Saturday, December 22.
7:30-9:30pm: Prayer/polytheistic variety program.
10pm-midnite: Drum & Dance
$10 donation
CoSM: 542 West 27th St. NYC
cosm.org

Free admission for those who are willing to help with set up and take down.

Namaste,

Soooz
http://tribes.tribe.net/cosmdrum

This is a family-friendly, drug and alcohol-free event.

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 7 replies

NH PURE facilitator needed!

2008-06-13T18:28:28Z

Hello Puristas!

I will be leaving New Hampshire in the Fall and moving to New York
City! I'm very excited about the upcoming move although I will miss
friends and the dance community we have all built here in the area
including PURE. So the reins for NH PURE will have to be picked up by
another. Any takers out there in the NH community to be the new NH
PURE facilitator? It's not that hard, you simply need to schedule
practices, work with the group to organize performance opportunities
and stay in contact with the other regional New England facilitators
for bigger regional events. There is potential studio space for
practices available although you will need to coordinate/negotiate
with the new studio owners. I have all the material you need to be
the facilitator and can pass this along to you.

Please let me know if anyone would be interested in facilitating NH
PURE and I'll get with you to transfer all info (email contact below).

Thanks to all the NH dancers for helping to build NH PURE and I hope
you all carry it forward in a spirit of community and joy! It has
been a pleasure dancing with you all!

Peace...

Pamela
pamela@lotusmoondance.com

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 2 replies

Kaeshis PURE WS CD 2007

2008-06-11T13:08:13Z

This was the workshop that she taught debke kind of stuff. Does anyone have this?

What is track 9? I know it's a famous song. I've heard so many people use it before.

I have it on another CDR but it's also not listed with an artist/song title

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

Hello

2008-06-08T21:58:06Z

Here in Kansas City, we're working toward becoming part of the PURE collective. Hello everyone.

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

My first time.

2008-05-21T04:35:18Z

I am so glad I stuck it out. The smiles and grins and the "auxiliary group" we ended up with last night made my week. (Pics on my profile shortly.) A shout-out to Darshan, Kaeshi et alia for making this possible!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 2 replies

PURE Chicago at Looptopia

2008-05-05T00:40:49Z

We took over the Washington St. side staircase of the Chicago Cultural Center for a PURE choreography honoring Chicago during Looptopia, a dusk to dawn celebration of Chicago artists on Friday, May 2. See our shout out in the Sun Times here: ttp://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/926206,WKP-News-Loop02.article
Pictures to follow!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

P.U.R.E. performing at Dance Parade

2008-05-04T22:42:13Z

Come party with us down 5th Ave!

The festivities begin on May 17th at 1PM with an afterparty at Tompkins Square Park from 4-8 PM.

Be on the lookout for our signature blue veils!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

Direct Link to Pure SF chat room for meeting

2008-04-24T03:35:39Z

http://www.mentorsfriendsandpartners.com/chat/flashchat_osdate.php
for those who do not care to register at mentors and friends, you can access the chat room directly for next weeks meeting on Tuesday evening at 9pm..
it will be hosted for questions regarding SF East Bay PURE and registration details...
thanks!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 2 replies

PURE East Bay Website is now up, visit us on the web

2008-04-16T06:43:38Z

www.sfpure.com
there is a contact page for more information.
Please pass this along to those in the SF bay area that may be interested!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

PURE SF East Bay is coming, click here..

2008-04-16T02:52:08Z

tribes.tribe.net/puresf
please visit that tribe today and pose your questions about participating this year.
Watch for updates on that tribe.
Aiesha will be the facilitating instructor and hostess for this event.
Thanks!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 2 replies

What's up with SF PURE?

2008-04-15T16:42:25Z

Doesn't appear on the PURE map...although there's a tribe for it here that I joined....? Does it really exist? I'd like to join. I just moved to SF at the end of this last summer and want to make new connections with dancers since I left my old tribe in the mountains. Any help?

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 4 replies

Ostara Blessings-2008 Vernal Equinox begins 3/20 at 05:57 UT

2008-03-19T22:07:22Z

lets- do it in the fields...
(12:57 am EST, where i'm at)

Wishing you all an safe, abundant season,
enjoy this Beautiful Ostara egg i saved for you...
Hearts, Gratitude and Blessings

www.youtube.com/watch

Siz'l

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

Pure OC

2008-02-10T20:11:52Z

Is PURE in the OC?

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 4 replies

GO PURE at Avalon in Orlando, Sat-15-Dec, noon

2007-12-14T15:33:49Z

Pics & vids on the way, of course. ;) Come see Greater Orlando PURE dance at the Avalon bookstore, near the corner of Mills and Colonial, as we help kick off its wintertime peace festival. Stay for an open drum circle later in the day! To find out more about us, visit http://www.go-puredance.com. Festival info at http://www.avalonbeyond.com.

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

I'm thankful for...

2007-11-23T19:13:23Z

...diagonal reflection.

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

Pure Richmond

2007-10-04T17:35:26Z

Hi there, PURE Richmond is dancing a walk for Alzheimer's on this Saturday October 6th. If anyone local to us would like to walk with us that would be fabulous. We also can take sponsors to our walk by going to our website www.purerichmond.com and click on the flower by the event on our home page.

We also welcome healing energy and blessings as we go and spread peace while we walk for those who suffer with this disease and the caregivers who help to care for them.

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

New Tokyo PURE Website

2007-08-01T23:58:05Z

The girls just launched it the other day.
I think it still has some glitches, but thought some of you might like to see it.

http://www.puretokyo.org/

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 5 replies

DFW PURE July 14, 2007

2007-07-21T01:19:21Z

Please see the DFW PURE tribe for a thread and pictures on our wonderful day. It was another amazing experience.

http://dfwpure.tribe.net/

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

PURE on the cover(s) of Jareeda!

2007-07-17T05:30:16Z

I am always excited to get my copy of Jareeda, but I was SO happy to see PURE on not just the front cover, but the BACK cover as well! Woo-Hoo!!!
Congrats to Erin Crouch for the article and pix!
-Merrie/Amira of PURE Traverse City in Michigan

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 2 replies

New tribe for PNW bellydancers

2007-06-27T11:18:14Z

If you're in Oregon or Washington state or you like to visit these areas and wanna know what's going on there/here, stop by and join this new tribe to connect with all things bellydance: http://tribes.tribe.net/orwabellydance.

Bright Blessings,
B

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

Mermaid Parade on 6/23

2007-06-20T14:31:52Z

You know you want to...

For anyone who wants to join Eastwinds Tribal Drumming's pre-registered group "Beach Blanket Beledi" at the 25th Annual Mermaid Parade this Saturday , June 23rd in Coney Island, Brooklyn:

Here are some important details:

Cost: YES!!!! there is a $10 per person fee to march.. (There may be a discount if we get a large number...if that happens, it'll be a happy surprise! Plan on $10 just to be sure, ok?!) Our pre-registered group, which is called "BEACH BLANKET BELEDI," welcomes anybody and everybody OVER 18. Please note: Jeff & I are not making any money on this whatsoever-all fees go to the Mermaid Parade, to support the insanity that is Coney Island.

Time: Jeff & I will be there at 10 A.M. because I'm an anal retentive control freak...and... we want to make sure we get a good marching "spot" (not too close to anybody else's music, fer example.) We will be leading the ME percussion - we'd encourage the drummers to meet us no later than 1 pm... or not.. We would appreciate RIQ players...but any percussion is good. Remember...long parade, hot sun...plan ahead, my darlings!!!! Dancers can show up whenever the heck you like...it's all good! Just make sure you sign in and pay the nice Mermaid Parade folks. (BTW, zills...always a good parade idea!)

Finding us: I'll be l be dressed in Pirate/ Tribal garb, and wearing a small davul and a big smile. Jeff will be the big piratety-looking guy playing the AWESOME lead doumbek riffs. If anybody wants to make/carry a "Beach Blanket Beladi" sign, go for it! It's really crowded...you might want to arrive before 1pm...(Casey's left eye starts to twitch in anticipation of people showing up whenever they want..) Seriously, you REALLY might consider 1:15 at the very latest (noticible tremor starts in upper lip area.)

WARNING: Every year, some girls parade in pasties and other burlesque-style attire. There may be girls who will be scantily clad in our merry little band. Our group is strictly for OVER 18. Additionally, "Sheik of Araby" and "Gotta Go Back to Constantinople" way be spontaneously played on kazoo. Ok, you've been warned!

Questions??? Holla back on Tribe or to DrumNdancegrl@aol.com. See you on Saturday!

~ Casey

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

some spring caravan photos

2007-06-11T14:58:12Z

oops, angie posted this on NE pure for me already...
a bunch of photos! wish they had come out a bit more in focus...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/peregrinekt/sets/72157600189310248/

nice dancing with everyone from NYC/DC/Chicago! :)
cheers!
Katie B. from CT

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

Check out our website!

2007-05-26T03:43:07Z

GO PURE member Rita Howard completely redesigned our site. It's most beautimous! Thanks Rita - you are so talented! http://www.go-puredance.com

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 3 replies

GO PURE at LittlePalooza

2007-05-14T03:24:50Z

More in part two, once I master my new video edit suite!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ELP99e75YOg

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

PURE NYC: Great rehearsal minutes, 3/20/07

2007-05-13T21:31:13Z

Hey everyone ~ Happy Spring!
In an effort to increase the feeling of sharing and collaboration between the branches of PURE, we in NY have decided that whenever possible, we will document and share powerful moments from our rehearsal meetings. Because the goals of PURE are multifold, the focus of rehearsal shifts from one to the next, and even within one rehearsal. We cycle through focusing on exercises in group dynamic, creativity, success, intention, performance, and personal growth; on exercises in dance technique and fusion; on meditations and healing techniques; on playful time together; on planning and brainstorming about goals and events and issues; and of course on working on the various choreographies, etc. We hope that other branches will feel compelled to also share their accomplishments and ideas!

A few weeks ago we did an exercise that involved writing down everything that we would want to do if we were told that we had only 3 days left to live. One of the things on Kaeshi's list was to dye her hair purple! It's always good to use such exercises to ask oneself, what am I waiting for? Kaeshi announced that by next week we will see her in some new colors! Bravo!

Our group spent some time discussing logistics as well as issues that had come up regarding PURE performing at the Spring Caravan festival in May, and general precedents of PURE appearances at festivals. We made note of some requirements that will go into the next revised manual regarding this: PURE will not perform if there is a requirement that its performing members pay entrance or take workshops in order to perform; also, it is much more appropriate for PURE to participate if there will be an opportunity to have guest speakers or hand out flyers about a chosen issue or organization. The community and exposure aspects are attractive, but ideally to be PURE, participation should somehow be taken to the next level.

Exercise: Giving and Receiving
In a circle, the group counts off into 1's and 2's. 1's step in to make an inner circle. Inner circle: you are to remain as neutral as possible; simply observe your partner. Outer circle, your job is to GIVE to your partner through dance. A facilitator (volunteer) will start the music, and will periodically announce 'change,' at which point the outer circle will move one person to the left, clockwise, changing partners. At the end of the song, circles can change places and roles.
It is a powerful exercise that can help you become aware of the ease with which you give or receive, and any blockages to either. Many of us found that it was more difficult to receive than to give, and especially to remain neutral. Also, as the giving dancer, there were special challenges involved in continuing to give to a recipient who stayed completely neutral--parallels for a dancer who must occasionally deal with neutral or negative reactions.
I noticed when I was the recipient that with most of my givers, our session had one moment like a spark of connection, when they were truly aware that they were offering this to me and I was really receptive and not thinking about things, even the exercise itself or what they must be thinking...
Many other things too. We debriefed about the exercise for quite a while. Felt great! If you try it in your group, let us know what comes up!
Cheers
Darshan and PURE NYC

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

CM new demo video

2007-05-11T13:44:58Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPaLuzmhxTk&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fprofile%2Emyspace%2Ecom%2Findex%2Ecfm%3Ffuseaction%3Duser%2Eviewprofile%26friendid%3D114307646

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

New England PURE MA/RI sub chapter Earth Day guerilla Bellydance March

2007-04-24T21:02:46Z

New England PURE MA/RI chapter did a guerilla BD march on Attleboro MA's Capron Park. We had great weather, great dancers, and a great audience. check out the pics on I have pictures:
www.flickr.com/photos/per...0111022631
Thanks to KT for posting them!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 3 replies

Greetings from Orlando!

2007-04-22T23:32:09Z

Hey NYC, thanks for taking care of Liz while she was up there. She came back glowing and fully of happy stories - and not 'devoured' as promised. :)

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 3 replies

Kaeshi at Spring Caravan

2007-04-05T01:09:20Z

Kaeshi will be teaching at Spring Caravan in New Jersey on Thursday May 3 at 10am.

Kaeshi’s class will be three hours of amazing instruction in Belly Popping – dancing to electonica and belly dance mix music.

The future of belly dance is here, do not miss it!

To sign up please got to www.rakkasah.com and click on Spring Caravan.

And we are very happy to say that Belly Queen as well as Pure will be performing at the festival on Saturday!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

VERY cheap dread falls!

2007-03-28T18:14:19Z

Hey PUREistas...I'm selling dread falls (long yarn and big flowers on large barettes, you can see a pic here):

http://flickr.com/photos/65466052@N00/402499206/in/set-72157594400771543/

and I'm wearing some here:

http://flickr.com/photos/65466052@N00/401546110

for a mere $15 to PURE dancers. This is basically what it costs me to make them. The address is pershall@hotmail.com on paypal. If you want to throw another $5 toward shipping, that would rock, or if you're in NYC PURE I'll bring them to rehearsal. Let me know! :)

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

Workshop with Kaeshi Chai This Saturday (Tickets Still Available)

2007-03-27T14:06:42Z

Join PURE DC for a unique workshop opportunity with Kaeshi Chai, PURE Co-founder, Director/Co-founder of Bellyqueen, and Bellydance Superstar!

Kaeshi will teach three new PURE choreographies--a candle-balancing routine, an Afro-Haitian combination, and a Karslima combination.

Date and Time:
Saturday, March 31, 2007
11:00 am - 4:00 pm (with a 1-hour break)

Registration (online or at the door):
$ 55 for PURE members
$ 75 for non-members

Location:
The Patricia M. Sitar Center for the Arts
1700 Kalorama Road, NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 797-2145

Free street parking is available. The Sitar Center is walking distance (approximately 20 minutes) from the Dupont and Woodly Park Metros.

To pre-register, go to PURE DC's website: www.puredc.org

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

Master Classes in Turkish Rom & Persian dance

2007-03-22T18:51:28Z

We are offering the following "specialty" workshops with Reyhan Tuzsuz &
Rena Milgrom while they are here for a limited time teaching in the United States at Herdeljezi Festival:

1) Turkish Romani Dance with Reyhan Tuzsuz
Sunday, April 22
10:30am-12:30pm - $40
Takoma Park, MD
(email me for exact (metro accessible) location)
*Learn authentic Turkish Romani dance from the Master. She is the real deal &
has taught at Folktours, Eva Cernik & Hadia's Dance Camps in Turkey. She will also be
teaching 2 classes at Herdeljezi Festival in Rockville, April 21.

2) Persian/Uzbek Dance with Rena Milgrom
Wednesday, April 25
7:30pm-9:30pm - $40
Studio Artemis, Silver Spring, MD
This class is geared toward intermediate/advanced level dancers, but beginners
are welcome if they feel they can keep up and want to learn some Persian/Uzbek dance
technique. This is an excellent workshop for anyone wanting to learn what to do
to 6/8 rhythms as well!

*If you are interested in registering for any of these
workshops, please email me at kostanadancer@....
You can prepay with check made out to Cheryl Sidwell and send
to: P.O. Box 50054. Arlington, VA 22205, or
pay in cash the day of, but I MUST KNOW IN ADVANCE if you are
coming!

I set up these workshops so we could take advantage of the amazing talents of
these women, but also to help Reyhan make more money while here (she is a Turkish
Roma woman living in Istanbul, who may be losing her home this Spring).
Rena Milgrom is a dance artist in Prague who has dedicated her time and energy
to help the Roma people.

Here are their bios:
REYHAN TUZSUZ:
Reyhan was born and raised in the same neighborhood
where she lives now, GaziOsman Pasa, Istanbul, Turkey.
From a young age, Reyhan had a gift for interpreting
and stylizing to Roman (Turkish Gypsy) music. She has
learned to dance the natural Roman way; through
watching at weddings and events, and listening to the
music. She is totally improvisational; a natural
technician and artist of the dance. ?Reyhan has a core
of dedicated students who travel from afar to learn
from this master. She works with some of the world's
best known Middle Eastern and Central Asian dance
enthusiasts. She is the "teacher's teacher". She is
also regarded in Roman musicians' circles as the woman
responsible for a unique cult following of foreign
women who have become excellent Roman dancers. Reyhan
herself does not perform in Turkey, and as this is her
first time traveling outside of Turkey, it will be an
honor to see her dance.

RENA MILGROM:
Her dance education started in early age with
classical and modern dance, later Flamenco, African
and Indian dance. Rena's dance career includes
performances in Japan, Belgium, Austria, Slovenia,
Slovakia, Czech Republic as well as teaching workshops
in different countries. Regular work with Rromany
peoples of Slovakia, Czech Republic and India brought
her specialization in teaching Romany (gypsy)
dances. Collaboration with renowned master
percussionist, Hearn Gadbois, inspired her to further
studies of Persian dance and music as well as dances
of middle Asia. As a duet with H. Gadbois they have
developed unique drum/dance performances as well as
master classes of dance and drumming.
Teaching specialization: Persian classical
dance Bandari (Iranian folk dance) Afghani
dance, Uzbek Raks, Tunesian Raks, Shaabi, American
Tribal Style, Rromani dances: Zambra Mora
(Spain), Kalbelyia (Sapera) - (India -
Rajasthan), Karsilama & Roman (Turkey), Cocek
(Balkan), Csardasz (Hungary)

yours in dance,
Kostana
www.wmfolklifecenter.org

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

Ostara Is Upon Us

2007-03-20T21:27:34Z

Ostara Is Upon Us
Vernal Equinox: Tuesday March 20th 2007@ 8:07 pm est

The vernal equinox, the world is poised on the brink, suspended between the cold months and the new warmth of the growing season. The world is coming alive with green shoots and animals seeking mates. Ostara is one of the Lesser Sabbats, usually celebrated anywhere from March 19th to 21st. Some celebrated on the fixed date of March 25 (Lady Day), while others celebrate on the next full moon (a time of increased births). While the equinox is a solar holiday, Eostre is a lunar goddess. This may be viewed as symbolic of the goddess (the moon) and the god (the sun) coming together in completion. Other names by which this Sabbat may be known are Oestara, Esther, Eostre's Day, the Rite of Eostre or Rites of Spring, Alban Eilir, Festival of the Trees, and the Bacchanalia. The Christian holiday of Easter is determined as the first Sunday after the first Full Moon after the Vernal Equinox.

According to the Venerable Bede (673-735), the Anglo-Saxons called the fourth month "Esturmonath" for the goddess Eostra. Her festival became the celebration of Christ's resurrection when Anglo-Saxon and German peoples were converted to Christianity. While English and German Christians still attach the name of Eostra to their most sacred holiday (Easter or Ostern), other European languages base the name on the Hebrew word "pasah," to pass over, reflecting the Christian holiday's Biblical connection with the Jewish Passover.

All cultures living in temperate climates celebrate the coming of spring with rituals and festivals. This was one of the most important of spring festivals among pre-Christian Germanic tribes, dedicated to the goddess Ostara, a goddess associated with the "east" and thus "dawn" and "morning light." Ostara is a time to celebrate the renewal and rebirth of Nature herself, and the coming Summer. Light and darkness are in balance, as are masculine and feminine energy, yin and yang. Ostara is a fertility festival celebrating the rebirth of the God and the awakening of life from the Earth. Some Wiccan traditions worship the Green Goddess and the Lord of the Greenwood.

The Spring-cleaning tradition derived from the old witches who engaged in a cleansing each spring followed by setting up a hedge of protection. All motions involving scrubbing of stains or hand rubbing the floors should be done "clockwise." This custom aids in filling the home with good energy for growth. Another Spring tradition for ancient pagans and magicians was to dig a small trench around the outer perimeter of their home. At each quarter they would bury an egg. A modern practitioner might also add iron, old rusty nails, metal keys, old razor blades, pins and needles or witch bottles filled with the above items to diffuse magical attacks and spiritual negativity. (If you are unable to dig a perimeter, you can improvise by placing iron keys above your door, and pentacles and sigils drawn on pewter or parchment paper under your carpet or floorboards.

As a time of cleansing and renewal, Ostara is an excellent time to begin some new project. It is an excellent month for prosperity rituals or rituals that have anything to do with growth. Spells for improving communications, fertility, and abundance are especially strong at this time. Some Pagan customs include ringing bells and lighting new fires at dawn for cures, renewed life, and protection of the crops. A common belief in nineteenth century Germany touted the curative properties of water drawn early on Easter morning. One nearly universal craft is decorating hard-boiled eggs.

Eggs have long been a symbol of rebirth. They have been found among the grave goods of Anglo-Saxons, within the tombs of the Egyptians, and were placed on the fresh graves of the deceased Greeks. In ancient time, eggs were gathered for use in the creation of talismans and ritually eaten. The gathering of different colored eggs from the nests of a variety of birds has given rise to two traditions still observed today, the Easter egg hunt and coloring eggs in imitation of the various pastel colors of wild birds. Some believed that humankind was inspired by watching birds weave nests to begin weaving the first baskets. This is perhaps the origin of the association between colored Easter eggs and Easter baskets.

The custom of coloring eggs seems to be limited to the Germanic countries, Slavic countries, and America. In Scotland and Ireland, the custom is virtually unknown. Each spring in Germany, bakery windows are filled with elaborately painted eggs. Eggs are also hung from flowering branches to make "egg trees." Easter is celebrated in Germany more enthusiastically than it is anywhere else in the world with decorations up a good month before the festival. There are parties, egg hunts, and other celebrations weeks in advance of Easter itself.

In many places, it is traditional to keep Easter eggs or shells all year to ward the family and cattle against harm. They are also used specifically as a charm against hail and lightning. For this reason, great care and thought goes into the creation of egg decorations, egg-trees, boiled and decorated eggs for eating, and hare cakes.

Eostre is a goddess of the moon, an ancient measurer of time. The lunar month of 28 days gives us thirteen periods in 364 days, equivalent to the solar year. The hare, though viewed as a symbol of fertility, is also a symbol of the moon. Ixchel, the Mayan Goddess of the moon, midwifery and weaving, has a rabbit totem. Mexican panels of 600-900 AD show her giving birth to and suckling a rabbit, and another shows the rabbit representing phases of the moon.

The Egyptians called the hare Un, which means open, to open, and the opener. The month of April, the first month of the spring season, comes from the Latin “to open.” Un also means period of time. The hare as "opener" symbolizes the New Year at Easter, and fertility and the beginning of new life within the young. Since the hare can sleep with its eyes open, the Romans equated it with vigilance and believed that rabbits watched over everything. According to one story, Buddha placed the rabbit in the moon after it voluntarily gave itself as food for one of Buddha's hungry friends. In another, a rabbit jumped into a fire to feed a hungry Indra and out of gratitude, Indra placed the rabbit in the moon. Rabbits were significant totem animals however and eating them was prohibited in Britain and Egypt. A Scottish superstition suggested that eating rabbit was equivalent to eating one's grandmother.

In Asian myth, rabbits and the moon are virtually identical. The Rabbit in the Moon sweeps its surface clean with bound horsetails according to Japanese stories. The rabbit pounds rice into flour, making mochi which means both rice flour and full moon. The Sanskrit word, cacadharas also means both moon, and "that which carries the hare."

Rabbits also represent immortality and vitality. Pliny the Elder stated that rabbit meat enhanced one's beauty and radiance for a week afterwards, and Chinese myth believed rabbit meat was essential for vitality. According to Chinese myth, the rabbit is a symbol of longevity. Its fur turns white at age 100 and blue at 500. In Eastern Asian myth, rabbits created an elixir of immortality. The Algonquin trickster rabbit, Manabozho, is thought to embody all life-giving energy.

In Greece, live rabbits were popular love gifts, indicating sexual intentions. European wedded couples in the Middle Ages exchanged rabbit-shaped rings. Rabbit's popularity as a sex charm or fertility totem is related to its' natural cycle. A rabbit's gestation period is approximately one month, and it tends to be the first animal to give birth in the springtime, continuing to have litters of kits during the year. In Asian folklore, a rabbit may become pregnant simply by staring at a full moon, licking a male rabbit's fur under a full moon, or running across a moon-lit water's surface.

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

Baltimore Washington Herdeljezi Festival 2007 - April 21

2007-03-19T21:37:02Z

I'm new to this list, but I know you guys do some Romany stuff and tought you might be interested in the following:

1) JUST ANNOUNCED! – We have added a TURKISH ROMANI teacher to the schedule.
Reyhan Tuzsuz will be coming from Turkey to teach traditional Turkish Rom
dances. She teaches at most of the major dance camps in Turkey including Folktours, Eva
Cernik's camp and Hadia's Turkey tour. She is the real thing, and this is her first time
ever leaving Turkey to teach! She does not speak English, and one of her students, Jennet
will be traveling with her to assist. Here is a great youtube clip of Jennet (blonde in
black skirt) dancing with Turkish band….
www.youtube.com/watch

2) For those of you who don't already know Seido and Ismail (Smajko) Lumanovski,
both of whom are teaching and performing at the festival here are two youtube clips:
Smajko (with Seido, Yuri & Husnu): www.youtube.com/watch
Seido's drum solo: www.youtube.com/watch

If you want to see a truly amazing band, don't miss Romski Boji! They will be
playing both Turkish & Macedonian Romani music. You will recognize the Turkish songs for
bellydance as well as folkdance.
Also, the Balkanics will be playing and they do everything from Layco Tayfa to Bulgarian wedding music!
Here's a youtube clip of them doing an Armenian tune:
www.youtube.com/watch

3) The following Vendors are confirmed for Herdeljezi Festival 2007: Touch the
Earth, Father Dunn's Jewelery (ethnographic jewellwery, textiles & garments),
Marrakesh, & Sharifwear, plus traditional Rom music & instruments for sale! Henna by Dark
Moon Arts!

4) We have added a Group Discount for groups of 5 or more people who sign up
together for a FULL DAY PASS! You must preregister to receive this discount. Please see
details at: www.wmfolklifecenter.org
or www.raks-n-rhythms.com/festival

5) We also decided to extend the Early Bird Discount to March 31! See website
for details.

6) We now have a yahoo group:
launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/...center/
and tribe: tribes.tribe.net/wmfolklifecenter
These are primarily for out of town folks coming to our events who want to
exchange rideshare information, but anyone can join! Also please pass on to your out of
town
friends!

Thanks & Happy Dancing,
Kostana

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

PURE DC Workshop with Kaeshi Chai

2007-03-18T21:27:37Z

Join PURE DC for a unique workshop opportunity with Kaeshi Chai, PURE Co-founder, Director/Co-founder of Bellyqueen, and Bellydance Superstar!

Kaeshi will teach three new PURE choreographies--a candle-balancing routine, an Afro-Haitian combination, and a Karslima combination.

Date and Time
Saturday, March 31, 2007
11:00 am - 4:00 pm (with a 1-hour break)

Pre-Registration (by March 17)
$ 40 for PURE members
$ 60 for non-members

Registration (after March 17/at the door)
$ 55 for PURE members
$ 75 for non-members

Location
The Patricia M. Sitar Center
Center for the Arts
1700 Kalorama Road, NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 797-2145

Free street parking is available. The Sitar Center is walking distance (approximately 20 minutes) from the Dupont and Woodly Park Metros.

To register, go to PURE DC's website: www.puredc.org. If you need to pay by check, please send me a message with you email address and I will send the form to do so.

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

veils on sale

2007-03-15T14:41:15Z

i was at www.silk-veils.com (where i believe is the official place where our veils come from) and i see that the skywater blue veils are on sale for $20.
goto:
http://silk-veils.com/Silkveilscatalogue.html and click on the skywater blue icon

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

How does one become a PURE branch facillitator?

2007-01-16T18:16:45Z

Just curious...for next year and all...what a fabulous idea!!!!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 7 replies

Oops-Tribal Fusion Classes wit Geneva

2007-01-03T06:28:27Z

I meant-Fridays 4.30-6, Starting Jan. 12th
Sundays 6.30-8

Come check out this chick from Montana!- Who knew they could dance out there?

Djoniba Drum & Dance Center
18th betw Broadway & Park
djoniba.com- Bio up soon.

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

Tribal Fusion Classes wit Geneva

2007-01-03T06:20:59Z

Thursdays 4.30-6
Sundays 6.30-8

Come check out this chick from Montana!- Who knew they could dance out there?

Djoniba Drum & Dance Center
18th betw Broadway & Park
djoniba.com- Bio up soon.

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

PURE DC at 5 Seasons

2006-11-12T03:30:52Z

Wow! That was beautiful! DC is a bit of a drive, but I think I have to make it every Sunday, if you'll have me! I was the dancer right before you in orange, so you probably missed me i the dressing room, but that was such a peaceful and healing dance, and beautiful! And hipnotic! I want to play,
Nina Amaya

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 3 replies

PURE in Cincinnati- Pink Ribbon Hafla

2006-11-11T17:28:41Z

PURE Cincinnati performed at the Pink Ribbon Hafla in October, a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. This is a clip of us doing the candle tray dance:

Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU02FACLNLE

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03kUzwMcsyg&mode=related&search=

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

A moment with Shakespeare in 2006

2006-10-23T04:24:28Z

I was looking back over the pics from PURE NY's Central Park Tour of July 06, and one of my favorite moments was certainly the contemplative scene at Shakespeare. Here are the excerpts that we chose to recite from his work, while the rest of us looked on thoughtfully:

Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears!
There are more things in Heaven and in Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Though this be madness, yet there is method in't...
Tell me where is fancy bred, in the heart or in the head?
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely, and more temperate...
How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees?
Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie, which we do ascribe to heaven.
We that are true lovers oft run into strange capers.
When you do dance, I wish you a wave o' the sea, That you might ever do nothing but that...
A man that hath no music in himself, nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils!
(All): If music be the food of love, play on!

And the drumming recommenced...

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 2 replies

Houston PURE: october TRF?

2006-10-06T23:27:37Z

hey there everyone, this is Scott, one of the drummers from corpus christi.

when we get to the Ren Fest, is there somewhere we'll meet early for set-up or practice?, or is there a separate entrance for the performers, since we get in free, right?

Please, gimme something soon, because we're getting on the road for the Woodlands tonight.

love Skot

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 3 replies

Seattle PURE chapter?

2006-09-25T23:58:40Z

Has there been any talk of starting a chapter in Seattle? There are SO many belly dancers here, I know it would be great!

Thanks,

Carolyn

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 5 replies

Houston... TX

2006-09-18T23:25:35Z

PURE Houston is taking part in a few events this Coming Sat, Sept 16th:

Y'all Stock..
www.messermedia.com/YallBands.html

and then later in the day..

Earth Dance...
www.earthdance.org/smartfly...flyer.php

Any of you Lousiana or DFW folks want to come down for the day and dance? Or just hang out and help w/ flyers.. that would be great.

Just letting folks know we are taking to the streets in Houston!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 3 replies

1st NE PURE March Rocked!

2006-09-18T03:51:38Z

September 10th a group from all over New England got together in Hartford, CT and marched through the streets of the city. On the way we stopped and did the choreography twice, finally ending at the Hope Out Loud festival at Bushnell Park. People were so excited to see belly dancers walking the streets! We got waves and honks and cheers. People sat through green lights to watch us process. We were warmly welcomed at the festival and there will be a write up on us soon in the local paper!!

Here's a short video of us dancing and walking:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JncMi82Fsl8

Horray for PURE!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 2 replies

Mailbox Full?

2006-09-06T03:36:56Z

Hello:

I've tried to send a message to the pure@puredance.org address, but the message got returned as mailbox full. Is there another email address to contact Pure about starting a group in NJ? Thanks!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

SF chapter

2006-07-18T23:25:23Z

I just got word about a San Francisco chapter...I'm going to try and make it to the July 17th event...any way i can get more info on getting involved?

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 2 replies

What's everyone doing for PURE's Anniversary? July 15

2006-07-16T16:38:50Z

What are y'all doing to celebrate? Here's what GO (Greater Orlando) PURE is doing:
GO PURE’s anniversary event will be at: Dandelion Communitea at 618 N Thornton Avenue Orlando, FL 32803.
> There are great directions on their website at http://
> www.dandelioncommunitea.com. Dandelion upholds many
> beliefs that PURE values: sustainable business practices,
> organic food & drink for the health-conscious, and locally
> grown produce. They also feature an Eco-Shop with hand-
> crafted & environmentally friendly products. They are happy
> to have GO PURE do their anniversary event in their location!
>
> GO PURE will do a procession & Foundation Choreography
> with some Follow the Leader & little solos at 6:30 pm followed by
> a Drum Circle until 8:30 pm. All events will be held outside,
> weather permitting; inside, in case of bad weather.
> Suggested donation of $5 to Women For Women
> International. Please come out and support this event
> for a worthy cause!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 13 replies

Headed out in a few hours...

2006-07-15T14:07:41Z

Take it to the streets ladies and gents....

We will share our stories soon!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

How do the PURE Tees/Tanks run - IYO?

2006-06-14T06:19:58Z

So we're placing an order for PURE tees and everyone keeps asking me how they run, do they shrink, etc.

Kaeshi/Darshan - What is your opinion on this?

Anyone else who has bought shirts - What is your opinion on this?

Thanks so much!
Shannon

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 5 replies

Scheduling PURE workshops with Cammi Vance?

2006-06-08T22:24:13Z

Hi!

I know the peeps over in New Orleans are getting Cammi the weekend of July 1&2 and she is going to be in Orlando June 24 too!

Lucky lucky people!! I totally wish we could come (I live in Tallahassee FL) but it is just too far and my group has too much other stuff going on right now to do a weekend long workshop on such short notice. However, we do have a small group of dancers that are VERY interested in getting a PURE workshop here in our town. I have found the information about how to start a chapter, but I think we want to start with a workshop first!

So, does anyone have information for me on how to get a workshop? What does it take for me to get Cammi (or another PURE workshop leader) to come to the Capital City of Florida??

++ btw I cross posted part of this on the n.o.madic tribal and florida belly dance tribe ++

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

PURE with Darshan in Houston

2006-06-05T20:40:58Z

What a fabulous workshop-
the energy was incredible- we learned ( okay , we experienced. still working on really learning it ) a new zill choreography and had a wonderful time.
thanks to everyone who came and participated and thanks especially to Darshan
peace
p

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 6 replies

LA Chapter

2006-06-05T19:53:04Z

So, does anyone know whats going on with the LA Chapter...Aubre?? Kashmir?? Its summertime and I'm all energized about dancing with some awesome ladies!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

Belly Dance in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

2006-05-28T22:39:28Z

I am on asignment for six months in Hermosillo, Mexico. I would like to continue my study of Middle Eastern dance while I am there, but I don't know where to look for a class or a teacher. Does anyone know of any belly dance lessons in or around Hermosillo?

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

New England PURE chapter workshop!

2006-05-22T21:49:10Z

PURE – Public Urban Ritual Experience
Bellydance and World Movement Workshop
Saturday May 20, 2006
www.puredance.org
www.worldofneylan.com

What will this workshop cover?
The workshop will introduce you to the collaboration and
choreography of PURE. We'll start by exploring exercises that focus
on movement meditation, breathing, and improvisation. Then we'll
learn a segment of the original PURE choreography, applying it in
different group formations so we can dance together. PURE uses
movements that are inspired by ancient Sacred Circle dances, Tribal
and Cabaret bellydance, Flamenco, Indian dance, Folk dance, Yoga and
Qi Gong Meditation.

Special Drummers workshop by Carmine T. Guida will cover the rhythms
used with the PURE choreography.

Requirements:
PURE is open to all dancers and drummers who are willing to try
something different and work as a team. It was first designed for
bellydancers who already have a foundation in basic technique, but
dancers with training from other disciplines are welcomed and
encouraged. There are no limits on age, size, shape, ethnicity,
gender, socioeconomic class or sexual orientation except for a
desire to offer your dance for the healing and growth to the
community. Drummers of all levels are welcome, a basic
introduction to doumbek is helpful.

Date:
Saturday May 20, 2006

Location:
For Dancers
Alicia's Dance Studio, 224 Winthrop Rd ( hwy 44 and hwy 118)
Rehoboth, MA
For Drummers
26 Summer St Attleboro MA
Time:
Dancers
1:30-2:00pm: Sign-in
2:00pm-7:00pm: PURE Workshop (includes a 30 minute break)

Drummers:
3:30 Sign-in
4:pm to 5:30 pm workshop
6 pm to 7pm dancers to join with drummers

(we're hoping weather pending 6-7pm will take place at 26 Summer St)

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 14 replies

New England PURE Tribe

2006-05-22T04:27:23Z

Hello again everyone. I started up a NE PURE tribe. I figure there are going to be so many subchapters it might be nice to have one Tribe for the area so we don't flood the regular PURE tribe with just New England stuff. Feel free to join and post all PURE related material :)
tribes.tribe.net/nepure

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

PURE clip and thank yous

2006-05-21T18:19:52Z

Firstly I want to say thank you so much to Darshan, Sarah, and Carmine for trecking all the way over to RI to start the New England PURE chapter yesterday!! Everyone had such a wonderful time and we learned a lot! I can't wait to start taking this dance to the community :D

Secondly, I just found this clip on YouTube (not of the NE chapter btw) and wanted to share:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIfziHb2yMA

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 3 replies

www.puredc.org

2006-05-19T21:16:52Z

Lookin' good, if I do say so myself!

;-)

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 6 replies

New to PURE - got some questions

2006-05-19T19:41:37Z

Hi Darshan, Kaeshi and all,

I am going to PURE in Houston next weekend and we are starting a PURE charter in New Orleans in July. So we were wondering...how does this all work?

Do you learn the choreography and then just descend upon the city or do you learn the choreo and then organizine outings? Or both? If you learn and then descend then we need to bring costuming to the workshop, right?

Also for musicians...there is specific music to learn? Do you usually have a musician's workshop along with the dance choreo workshop?

AND...the costuming is black skirt, black top and skywater veil, right? What do the musicians wear for the outings?

Thanks, Shannon

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 9 replies

PURE Workshops in Texas - May 2006

2006-05-01T14:45:38Z

Darshan (aka Cammi Vance) of PURE NYC tours Texas!

WORKSHOP OPTIONS
~~~~ Saturday, May 13, 2006 from 11:00am - 3:00pm in HOUSTON, TEXAS
3.5 hours of instruction including PURE fundamentals and a new PURE NYC zill choreography Workshop will be held at Bayou Park Fitness Center 4400 Memorial Drive (at Shepherd) Houston, TX 77007 ~~~ HOUSTON WORKSHOP $50

~~~~ Sunday, May 14, 2006 from 1:00 P.M.-6 P.M. in HURST, TEXAS
3.5 hours of instruction taught by Darshan to include PURE fundamentals and a new PURE NYC zill choreography. And a 1 hour veil choreography taught by Zymirrah of PURE Houston. Workshop will be held at the Hurst Recreation Center, 700 Mary Drive, Hurst, Texas 76053. ~~~ HURST WORKSHOP $60

Darshan is co-founder of PURE. Learn more about Darshan at www.darshandances.com

Darshan has been nominated for the 2006 Golden Belly Award for Favorite Instructor !
Darshan will also teach a Friday night Master class in Houston click www.zymirrah.com/darshan.pdf to register.

The registration form for the PURE workshops is in the photo gallery of this tribe. Click it, view full size and right click to print!

Become a part of PURE...
We look forward to meeting you...!

Peace,
Zymirrah and Brandy
Facilitators-PURE Houston and PURE DFW

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

For those of you in the area of NYC... Henna/Mehndi workshop ...

2006-04-15T15:40:53Z

Hello all!,
I, along with friends of mine host a craft circle on the last Sunday of the month. This is usually a low key laid back afternoon of knitting, crochet, embroidery, needlepoint etc.
However for April's craft circle, Sunday April 30th, I am hosting something special and different. a workshop on Henna and the art of Mehndi! What makes this a little different is the persons I invited to facilliate this do this for a living and need to be compensated for their time. Therefore I need to ask a small fee of $10.00 per person.
IF you are interested in attending please email me off list at elsbeth27@hotmail.com

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

Blue PURE veil needed....

2006-04-15T15:39:34Z

Does anyone have a blue PURE veil they want to sell me?
~ Barbara
(NYC PURE)

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 2 replies

4.12 Gathering of the Tribal Moon - Hartford

2006-04-08T19:18:40Z

Gathering of the Tribal Moon
Charter Oak Cultural Center
Wednesday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m.
FREE

What do you feel when the moon is full? Extra hairy? A desire to swell with the rising tide? Illuminated with the urge to dance and make music and dance some more? Let the lunar rhythms guide the music and the motion making you move on this magnificent night.

Drummers, Dancers, Musicians and Others will gather every full moon to participate in a truly tribal experience. We will focus on basic Middle-Eastern rhythms to get the dancers moving and see where we go from there. Please bring instruments, the desire to dance or the enthusiasm to share in a tribal experience. Extra drums and other percussion will be available as well.

Charter Oak Cultural Center
21 Charter Oak Avenue
Hartford
860.249.1207
www.charteroakcenter.org

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

$1 Doumbek Class this Friday (Tomorrow) April 7th 8pm

2006-04-06T22:31:10Z

Hey All!

I know some of you were there for my doumbek workshop with PURE a couple months ago... I'm doing another low dough workshop tomorrow....

This Friday (tomorrow!) from 8pm to 9pm I am having a $1 doumbek class.

This is geared towards the very much beginner. If you've never touched a drum, own a drum but are using it as a plant stand, whatever it is... this class will be for you.

You will learn the proper hand/finger techniques to produce clean beautiful sounds from your doumbek. You will also learn how to play several traditional Middle Eastern rhythms. This is great if you play the zills, as it may help bring some things together...

This is B.Y.O.D. (bring your own drum)... I do have some extras and will bring some... If you have an extra one, please bring it in case someone needs it.

Definately invite a friend! Definately bring an extra drum!

The class will be held in Morocco's BEAUTIFUL LARGE dance studio
You can see pictures here:
http://www.casbahdance.org/STUDIO.htm

6 West 20th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenue)
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10011
212/727-8326

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ Upcoming Events ~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday Apr 5th, 2006 8:00PM
EVERY Wednesday My Moon Show
184 North 10th Street Brooklyn NY 11211
More Info: http://www.carmine.com/events/showevent.asp?EventID=31

Friday Apr 7th, 2006 8:00PM
One Dollar Doumbek Class!
More Info: http://www.carmine.com/events/showevent.asp?EventID=32

Saturday May 13rd, 2006 12:00PM
All Day Drum Workshop/Retreat!
More Info: http://www.carmine.com/events/showevent.asp?EventID=24

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

PURE in Cincinnati- Wonderful workshop!

2006-04-04T18:27:00Z

The PURE workshop in Cincinnati was a tremendous success. Kaeshi was an inspiring teacher and everyone had a very positive experience. We are now working on trying to start a PURE chapter in Cincinnati. Thank you Kaeshi for everything!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

something pure from the Rumi tribe

2006-03-30T19:36:08Z

..Become the Beloved...!

come inside the fire
leave your trickery behind
go insane
go mad
burn like a candle-moth

first make yourself a stranger
to yourself and
tear down your house
then move with us
dwell in the abode of love

wash your chest
seven times over
cleansing from hatred
then mold yourself into the chalice
holding the pure wine of love

to understand the intoxicated
you must become intoxicated
to join the eternal soul
you must become a soul

you heard my story and
your spirit grew wings
now you must be annihilated in love
to become a fable of your own

your imagination my friend flies away
then pulls you as a follower
surpass the imagination and
like fate
arrive ahead of yourself

passion and desire
has locked your heart
you must become the key
the teeth of the key
to open all locks

King Solomon gives you a message
listen to the birds
they are talking to you
calling you a trap
frightening them away

to capture us they say
you must make a nest
you must make a nest

your sweetheart's face
is appearing now
change yourself to a mirror
and fill yourself to the brim

so many gifts
you purchased for your love
quit buying gifts
give yourself over

you were a part of the
mineral kingdom in the beginning
then you change to animal life for awhile
then you found the soul of a human for awhile
now the time has arrived
to become
the soul of souls

-- Translation by Nader Khalili
"Rumi, Fountain of Fire"
Burning Gate Press, Los Angeles, 1994

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 2 replies

PURE Action ideas

2006-03-23T16:55:16Z

There's a quiet, as before the storm... We're all starting to prepare for the July 15th Celebration. In NY, we're working on a complex new piece, and everyone seems really engaged. New branches are brewing and popping up. I want to check in on the action side of things with y'all, to me the most difficult part of the project. What kinds of things do you envision effecting in the world? What do you want to change? To help?
Here's a few of mine, and people are encouraged to chime in and suggest new ways of approaching these issues or brag about things you have already done.

I feel connected to the issue of poverty lately and the fact that it leads to forced child prostitution.
I would like to help people in the world become more aware of our situation of overpopulation, and offer birth control options and empowerment to women.
I see hunger in the city and would like to help in a way that I feel is effective. I was not that impressed with City Harvest unfortunately, only because I asked them to tell me how hungry people can find them and benefit from my donations and they kind of blew me off.
I would like to facilitate a shift in the economy such that artists have more alternatives for successful living. The economy should be designed for people, not for money itself.
I want to protect the wild places.

These are some of the fancy dreams. And I stand back and ask myself, how can I improve or accomplish this? I have a powerful and willing community. I have a gift to offer that is a strong form of communication: dance. I want to make the connection. So far, baby steps. But everything you do with intention, matters. We can stick together and move things.

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 3 replies

Moroccan travel ~ some info

2006-03-15T21:44:20Z

http://wikitravel.org/en/Morocco#Regions

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 6 replies

possible contacts and references for Fes

2006-03-15T18:36:39Z

I put a message on the festival's website forum asking about our possible involvement, and also one about renting an entire apartment or finding a campsite. I also emailed our friend Shamina from the UN event that we participated in some time ago, to ask if she might know anyone we might talk to or might at least be able to write us a letter of reference. Seems to me that event was most kin to this one that we've done as far as the forum focus is concerned. Putting soul back into globalization. Hmmm. What else? thinking...

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

PURE in the Uk?

2006-03-14T20:48:23Z

Hi, I have been looking at your web site and the whole conept of what you are doing is absolutely fantastic. I am a tribal teacher and performer here in the UK and would love to do something along the lines of PURE. Do you plan to visit us and teach over here at any point in the future?
We have International Dance Day coming up in April and I would love to take to the streets with my sisters in dance over here!
B.B. Angela

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 5 replies

Nice site for Guedra notions

2006-03-13T14:36:04Z

This site has a cool overview of guedra. Check it out!

http://www.kawakib.com/guedra.html

Thanks Anthea!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 2 replies

community/environmental forum and sacred music at the Fes Festival

2006-03-06T03:55:56Z

I just found a link for this festival in June in Morocco. I did not realize that it had such a progressive attitude, with forums and talks and whatnot for adapting to new millennium living! Verrrry interesting...

www.fesfestival.com

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

Dance for Your Health

2006-02-27T15:02:02Z

http://www.ghchealth.com/dec-01.html

Dance for Your Health

By Laurel Kallenbach

Maybe you're mad about mambo or you've got disco fever. Does a samba really send you? Ever been wild for a waltz? Or jazzed from a jitterbug? Take away the inhibitions that hold us back, and everybody loves to dance - to move their limbs to music with abandon. There's no doubt about it - dance lifts your mood and gets your heart pumping. Just a few minutes of swinging around the ballroom will make you realize that dance is a great way to stay in shape.

"Dance gets you into your body," says Nancy Cassman, a dance/movement therapist and founder of Express Your Self, a dance and movement center in Boulder, Colo. "In our society, people sit at desks and on couches all the time, and we've become very brain-oriented," she points out. "Dance bridges the gap between the brain and the body so that you tap into your physical, emotional, spiritual and mental being."

Cassman believes wholeheartedly that when you start moving your body, you'll start moving the energy in your life too. One reason is that dance releases endorphins, so it functions as a mood enhancer. Part of her work as a movement therapist is exploring how and where people experience emotion in the body. In dance movement therapy, movement - especially the sensual, rhythmic response aroused by dance and music - is used as a way of bypassing the conscious mind and making contact with the inner emotional world. Through dance, hidden emotions can be expressed in a nonverbal way and accepted by the conscious self.

Move Your Body

"When you get into your body and use your senses, you naturally feel more grounded and more present," says Cassman. "And, you'll feel better - it's that simple." Dance's physical benefits include:

a.. Increase in range of motion and flexibility.
b.. Lubricates connective tissue and joints to help you maintain better health.
c.. Stretches and strengthens muscles. You move in a variety of ways when you dance, so, many different muscle groups get worked.
d.. Improves circulation throughout the body and brain.
e.. Works the heart and lungs, thereby improving cardiovascular health.
f.. Burns calories, making it a fun way to manage weight.
The Soul of Dancing - Freedom of Expression

"I think dance is a spiritual experience - it's a manifestation of joy!" Cassman says. "When you dance, you're using your body; you feel alive, you're happy. I think our purpose in life is to figure out how to use our bodies as instruments of joy. When you align your spirit with your body, you become a fluid, expressive, in-the-moment creature."

Though dance has many of the same physical benefits as other forms of exercise, it goes one step farther. By adding rhythm and music into the mix, you add the element of inspiration. Plus, dance frees your creativity as you try out different ways of moving.

Most popular forms of dance let you open up your creativity and express yourself. For instance, Latin and African classes, while being highly aerobic, also allow time for you to ad-lib your movements with the lively music.

One of the hottest movement trends now is NIA (it stands for "neuromuscular integrative action") - a type of dance that integrates mind, body and spirit. NIA classes blend movements from ballet and jazz dance, the martial arts, yoga and tai chi so students can achieve cardiovascular benefit; improve strength, balance and flexibility; and learn about breathing and consciously moving energy through the body. The results can be very freeing, since much of NIA is self-expressive.

Women also flock to belly-dancing, a sensual and ancient art. Belly-dancing encourages you to freely move the abdomen, an area that most women tend to hold rigid. Instead of sucking your stomach in, you thrust it out during belly-dancing, so you get to shed some inhibitions and move in ways that society tends to frown on.

Self-Esteem Booster

Another advantage of dance is that it can help you feel more self-assured. When you're dancing for enjoyment, you shed inhibitions and gain self-confidence in your body. "Dance helps tremendously in self-esteem issues," Cassman emphasizes. "In my studio, I work with many shy and withdrawn children who literally come out of their shells after just two or three weeks of dancing," she says. "As they free up their self-expression, they develop a much better sense of themselves. For instance, my daughter has a wonderful presence when she's dancing, but she doesn't feel so confident at school. So, we focus on how self-assured she is while she's dancing, then transfer that feeling to school."

The key to developing self-confidence through dance is to choose a class that's fun and is suited to your skill level. Finding the right teacher is important too - you want someone who's supportive and encouraging. "What ruins dance for most people is an environment where they feel slow or inadequate," says Cassman, who adds that the right dance class will keep you motivated and help you gain self-confidence.

The Clothes Make the Dancer

When you're choosing clothing to move in, keep in mind that you want to feel unfettered. Whether you choose tights, tanks or tees; a svelte unitard; or a loose, flowy dress, your dance clothes will be as much an expression of yourself as how you move. Here are a couple of things to remember:

Choose clothing that won't bind or restrict your movement. You should be able to bend low or reach high and your clothing should provide both adequate coverage and maximum move-ability.

Be sure the fabric you wear is breathable. Organic cotton is always nice, although many stretchy fabrics will also feel natural on your skin. Also, be sure that an expandable, comfortable waistband allows you to breathe easily.

Whether you dance in a class, with a friend at a club, or alone in your living room, you're having fun and being healthy. And, while you're moving your arms and feet, you're also moving your soul - because it's hard to be sad when you're dancing.

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

Some People Born to Dance - Article from Discovery.com

2006-02-27T14:42:58Z

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/briefs/20060220/dancer_hum.html

Study: Some People Born to Dance
By Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News

Feb. 21, 2006 - Professional dancers are born with at least two special genes that give them a leg up on the rest of us, according to a new study.
Recent research also has suggested that intelligence, athletic ability and musical talent are linked to our genes and brain hard-wiring.

With dancing added to the list, the evidence indicates that certain individuals are born with a predisposition to specific behaviors and talents, and that at least some of these qualities may represent evolved attributes.

"I think that dancing is an evolved trait," said Richard Ebstein, who led the recent study, published in a recent Public Library of Science Genetics journal. "Animals have courtship dances and I think that human dancing represents the further development of a very ancient animal trait."

Ebstein, a psychology professor at Hebrew University's Scheinfeld Center for Genetic Studies, said, "Also the fact that dancing is universal and existed in all human societies, even those communities of man separated geographically by tens of thousands of years (native Australians, native Americans, Africans, Eurasians) attests to the very early origin of dance in our evolution as a species."

Ebstein, doctoral student Rachel Bachner-Melman and their colleagues examined the DNA of 85 currently performing dancers and their parents. They then did the same thing for 91 competitive athletes and 872 people who neither regularly dance nor often participate in sports.

The scientists discovered that dancers tend to possess variants of two genes that are involved in the transmission of information between nerve cells.

One of the identified genes is a transporter of serotonin, a brain transmitter that contributes to spiritual experience. The second is a receptor of the hormone vasopressin, which many studies suggest modulates social communication and human bonding.

"People are born to dance," Ebstein told Discovery News. "They have (other) genes that partially contribute to musical talent, such as coordination, sense of rhythm. However, the genes we studied are more related to the emotional side of dancing - the need and ability to communicate with other people and a spiritual side to their natures that not only enable them to feel the music, but to communicate that feeling to others via dance."

Ebstein believes some adults may possess the special gene variants, but they perhaps never nurtured the related skills or recognized their hidden talent.

He said, "Many of us surely have the ability, but for a hundred reasons never exploited that particular talent."

Ebstein explained that the identified genes seem to be linked to every form of dancing, from tap to hula, since all usually involve social communication and connecting to music or rhythms.

Irving Gottesman, a senior fellow in psychology at the University of Minnesota and an emeritus professor from the University of Virginia, is one of the world's leading experts on genes as they relate to human behavior and psychology.

Through prior research papers sent to Discovery News, Gottesman emphasized that genes are only one part of "complex causality" systems that make us who we are. For example, Gottesman confirmed that intelligence can be in our genes, but that socioeconomic considerations, such as a quality education, can have a greater influence on a person's intellect.

Ebstein agreed that genes were not the whole story. He said those of us without a twinkle-toed predisposition can still become good dancers, since "it's not only a question of having the right genes, but also training and motivation, that make professional dancers."

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

Drummers needed!!

2006-02-22T21:25:01Z

Hey Everyone!
Due to the success of our last swap meet, Mooshkila is hosting another! It will be in Columbia, MD on April 1st. This time we are also going to have an evening show at 7:30 featuring Mooshkila and our teachers. We do want to have open dancing either in the beginning or the end of the show. We need drummers! What's dancing with out drummers? Would anyone be available to help us out? It is going to be a very low key show, no professional lighting or sound. But it will be a lot of fun! We are expecting lots of people! Admission is free, so we would not be able to pay you, (again, very low key show). You can see pictures of our last swap meet at www.mooshkila.com/gallery It will be indoors this year! Yeah!

Please drop me a line if you can help!

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 2 replies

PURE is officially international

2006-02-12T03:09:52Z

Hello everyone.

I am very excited to see Mishaal's photos of the PURE Tokyo dancers out in the Tokyo subway as well as a park. Yay! PURE is officially international.

Looks like we will have to adjust the map on the PURE web site to include Japan!

Happy new year everyone! May 2006 bring you lots of peace and joy.

Love and light, Kaeshi

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 11 replies

PURE Music tribe is up!

2006-02-06T01:00:39Z

Hey fellow PURE Musicians... head on over!!!

http://tribes.tribe.net/puremusic

woooo!

-Carmine

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies

NYC PURE workshop with Darshan

2006-01-30T22:36:36Z

Dear Darshan (and all of NYC PURE)!

I just wanted to say thank you for leading the PURE NYC workshop this past weekend! As a newbie, I was so excited to *finally* learn the PURE foundation! The workshop was wonderful and I am looking forward to dancing with you all.

Irina

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 1 reply

PURE Musicians Tribe?

2006-01-30T03:59:41Z

Hey... Maybe Brad could start a PURE Musicians tribe?

So we can exchange thoughts/ideas with the other PURE Musicians around the universe...

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 4 replies

NYC PURE performs this Saturday at Jam4Peace

2006-01-18T13:43:46Z

Hello all,
For details on this weekend's Jam4Peace event please check out this webpage http://www.nycnvc.org/peacejam.htm
xo
Mimi

posted in PURE ~ Public Urban Ritual Experiment - 0 replies