Special Events

Annual Vashon Island Dance Retreat

In Seattle next weekend: celebrate the Aramaic Lord’s prayer, December 21, 2024, 1- 3 PM, at Emmaus Table, 7400 Woodlawn Ave N. The Aramaic Lord’s prayer is a cycle of dance and devotional chant that immerses us in the wisdom and strength and compassion of Jesus (or “Yeshua” as he was known in his own […]

On Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 3:00 pm, the Whirling Dervishes of the Mevlevi Order of America will present the Sema Ceremony honoring the great Sufi Mystical Poet, Hz. Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi, at Ballard Odd Fellows Temple, in Seattle. The event features the prayerful movements of the Whirling Dervishes, a ceremony presented as it has been […]

Sunday, July 27 Let Your Heart be Filled!  One-day event in Eugene with Sheikha Amara Karuna, 4:30-6:00pm Sufi songs, practices & dances;  6-7:30pm potluck and conversation (bring a dish to share with serving utensil, and your own plate and utensils); 7:30-9pm   Dances of Universal Peace.   Breath and Walking Meditations, Seated Silent Meditation,  Rest […]

September 7-12 -- Five days of music, dance, and fellowship on beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho with special guest dance leaders Grace Marie from Colorado and Yarrow Nelson from California. “Forget yourself, get into the spirit of song, rise and fall on the waves of ecstasy, and express pure being. Then you escape all […]

September 12-14, weekend retreat near Bonney Lake, Washington.   Learn to lead the Dances of Universal Peace, or to play music for the Dances, or just come to enjoy and support others learning!  With Amara Karuna and Elizabeth Dequine. See website for details and registration:  http://danceandsufiretreats.org  

Caribbean Spirit Dance Retreat,  Oct 27- Nov 2, 2025 Dia de Muertos in Cozumel, Mexico with Gayan Gregory Long and Timory McDonald Join us for Adventure, Day of the Dead, Joyful Song and Dance In the Mayan Riviera! https://danceandsufiretreats.com/caribbean-spirit-dance Join us on the gorgeous island of Cozumel (Mexico), surrounded by the world famous turquoise blue Caribbean Sea, […]

"Hands Open - Hearts Open" gathering in beloved community, Dancers from Washington, Oregon, B.C. and beyond dance the weekend away at beautiful Camp Burton on Vashon Island.  Many dance leaders from around the region will present a varied program of dances inspired by world spiritual traditions.  Fill your cup to the brim and overflowing! Registration […]

Featuring Senior Mentor Leader Darvesha MacDonald with Elizabeth Dequine, Luis Vizcaino and Ishtar Cynthia Valenzuela In Troncones, Guerrero, Mexico, January 26 - February 1. (Scroll down for site info) The fifth multicultural/ bilingual dance retreat in Troncones will include a dance leader training component led by Darvesha and other mentors. We invite dancers, leaders and […]

Led by Sky Roshay, Shivadam Adam Burke, Jen Friedman and friends. In Troncones, Guerrero, Mexico, February 4 - 8, 2026 (scroll down for site info) Description: This retreat’s spaciousness - with Dances, kirtan, speaking circles, singing circles, art projects and whatever else emerges from the hearts and creativity of participants - will offer time to […]

Led by Leilah Be, Bodhi Be, Gayan Long, and Amara Karuna. In Pahoa, Big Island, Hawaii,  February 6 - 11, 2026 (scroll down for site info) Hear the call of the open heart!  Join us in co-creating nurturing, inspiring sangha with a concentration on the beauty of the volcanic land. See videos of other Dancing […]