The Dances of Universal Peace (abbreviated DUP) are a form of spiritual meditative dance conducted in the company of a number of other dancers in a circle. The dances are facilitated by a dance leader who usually plays guitar or drum accompaniment. Each dance has a chant which is sung as the dance is performed. The chants are often sacred phrases put to traditional or contemporary melodies, and include a wide range of languages including Arabic, Aramaic, English, Hawaiian, Hebrew, Persian, and Sanskrit. The promoters of the dances offer that these forms embody the understanding that the truth at the heart of all religions is the same truth, and that peace can be promoted through an experience of this unity.
The emphasis is on participation regardless of ability, and dances are almost never performed before an audience. Dancers of all levels of ability dance together, and each dance is usually taught afresh at each gathering. The practice of the dance is intended to develop the participants’ spiritual awareness, awareness of their own body, and awareness of the presence of others. Dances are choreographed with movements, steps, and gestures that encourage the dancer to explore the deeper mystical meaning of the chant. Dances were originally performed at camps and meetings with a distinctly new age and alternative feel but have increasingly come to be offered in diverse places of worship, schools, colleges, prisons, hospices, residential homes for those with special needs, and holistic health centers.

About The Dances

Heart calls to heart and soul to soul. ~  Samuel L. Lewis

From the beginning of time, sacred movement, song and story have brought people together - at times of seasonal ceremony and celebration, as part of everyday life and life passages, in daily renewal and meditation. The Dances of Universal Peace are part of this timeless tradition of sacred movement, song and story.

The Dances of Universal Peace are simple, meditative, joyous, multi-cultural circle dances that use sacred phrases, chants, music and movements from the many spiritual traditions of the earth to touch the spiritual essence within ourselves and recognize it in others. Building on the work begun by Samuel L. Lewis in the 1960s, they promote peace and integration within individuals and understanding and connection within groups worldwide. There are neither performers nor audience: new arrivals and old hands form the circle as everyone sings and dances together.

No musical or dance experience is required and everyone is welcomed to join in. Special attire is not necessary, although comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is best.
In Eureka Springs on the third Friday of the month
At the Eureka Unitarian Univeralists Fellowship
17 Elk Street, Eureka Springs

Dances from 7 PM till 8:30 PM – no charge, donation for facility appreciated

Please arrive a few minutes early for a walking meditation

All these religions, all this singing, is one song. - Jellahudin Rumi