In Scripture, wherever there is a frame drum, there is dancing. Jephthah's daughter and all the women greeted returning soldiers by playing their drums and dancing; Miriam and all the women drummed and danced after crossing the Reed Sea, for example. This, of course, is well before both Sacred Dance and the Biblical drum were silenced by religious institutions.
This week in Ottawa, Ontario, Drum and Dance were reunited for the first 'official' time along the Ottawa River. As the dancers performed the Water Dance, the drummers joined with the instrumentalists to provide the Pulse and rhythm. We invite you to take a look at some of the beautiful photos! A big and sincere thank-you to Deborah Bethell and Michelle Shortall for sharing these photos with us all. Further details on Sacred Dance may be found on the Sacred Dance Guild website.
The idea of joining Sacred Dance and the Biblical drums emerged at our June retreat this year where we worked with Wendy Morrell on a dance with our drums while the story of Miriam and baby Moses being found in the reed by the Egyptian royal family was being read from Scripture. Our hope is to polish that piece and complete the full story of Miriam and share the Miriam cycle with interested synagogues and congregations!
Musicians and drummers lead the procession forward at the Remic Rock.
Judith Wouk, Sue Andrews (next to Judith!) and Diane Finkle Perazzo, with Diane Dean hiding behind her.
Diane Dean and the musicians play as dancers shift into the next part of the Water Dance.
Dancers praying.
Thanks for sharing these photos with us all, Diane! And it didn't rain after al!!!