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Our program was an hour in length with all nine members remaining in the Witnessed Arena the entire time. The dancers, wearing pale, flowing clothing, sometimes moved in a specific practice and sometimes watched in witness practice. The goal was to stay relaxed and connected to breath during the sequence of practices and transitions while being observed — simple, but difficult.

The tone and stability was set by a long Opening Sequence. The Walking Meditation was particularly arresting in the pale silks, some dancers dragging veils or holding them bunched but quiet. It had a sense of women across many times and generations. The variety of ages and body types contributed to the sculptural beauty and was refreshing in meaning. The final line of dancers standing along the front of the space shimmying for a period of time gazing straight at the audience, then standing still  facing the audience, eyes closed in a minute of silent meditation was exquisite. There was no coercion, only a pure intimacy. Viewers eyes had time to breathe and see. To rest their eyes on each quiet face.

The responses were many and touching. One woman said she felt she was dreaming, and after only had to go to bed to sleep. Several people said after they couldn’t speak they were so moved and in a deep personal space; later they talked at length. Those of us who stayed for the remainder of the week were stopped in hallways with reflections from those who attended. As a life-long performer, I’ve never had such a warm and thoughtful response from an audience, which speaks to both the content of the Alembic’s work and the nature of the audience Kripalu attracts — a perfect location for this marriage of Art and Mysticism.

As choreographer for the evening, I have been wondering if observation of the practices arranged and carefully designed so the dancers could stay inside their focus would actually work within a theatrical context. To see that it does is thrilling for me. It inspires me to once again delve deeply into Art, a realm that had become dry, empty, ego-based, which I found uninteresting.  The Alembic evening was healing and beautiful. The dancers were very human, very spacious, and very sincere. Their beauty came from this and gave these qualities back to the audience.

The ensemble for this evening was:  Dunya McPherson with Elizabeth Abbene, Carleen Bevans, Anastasia Blaisdelle, Nisaa Christie, Ann Galkowski, Annabelle Keil, Gayla Reilly, Kate Russel, and Kate Temple-West.

The Dunyati Alembic is the performance wing of the Dervish Society of America, under the direction of Dunya Dianne McPherson. The performers share Dancemeditation™ as a dominant influence in their self-understanding. Performative presentations are a framing of group and personal practices, with a vision of absorption into Beauty and Mystery.

Its next evening is February 22, 2010, 7pm at the Metropolitan Building in NYC, a continuing working series made possible by Eleanor Ambos’ generous gift of space.

Video by Benno Klandt   Alembic.mov

photo Paul B.Goode

“I’d like to acknowledge Surya who attracted 45 students to Dunya’s Sensual Motion workshop in Fort Lauderdale. Surya got a big space with big sound system and had a big percentage pre-registered for a smooth and quick registration process. Many of the participants were Surya‘s students, friends and teachers which speaks to her successful yoga practice. Students also came from yoga studios and Belly dance meetups. She sold out of Dunya’s book and one of the DVD’s and people were wanting more. Congratulations to Surya on an inspiring and successful event.”

I hear back from Jane that people had a wonderful time.
And here’s one review from newbie, Lesa:
Dunya’s class was awesome, very thought provoking and interesting, and I’m sore! I also have a better understanding of Sufism. So cool!

What really touched me was Surya’s motivation for sponsoring me in FL. She wanted her students to meet me as the source of this practice and as a major influence on her teaching. (I had assumed it was in order to get the ball rolling for her classes; which it may do as well, but that was not her primary intention.) It is very very touching to be so honored.

Susan Schmickle sent this:
Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for the workshop you offered in Ft. Lauderdale.  It still unfolds insight, longing and many gifts. When I got home, I found myself reading–no, devouring–your book. Beautiful, inspiring.  Thank you also for that. So my body and my heart, my mind and my spirit bow to you and send you love & blessings.