18 April 2014

Working on That



The circle of life holds
all within its hoop,
the story danced in ritual telling,
hoop formations surround the body,
butterfly, eagle, coyote, snake,
all our relations danced with hoops
as wings and tails, moving, swinging,
dancing us as one.

Marian, over at Imaginary Gardens with Real Toads, introduced us to a wonderful singing group, Donna the Buffalo, who sang "Working on That" about working on peace. In the background were Native American Hoop Dancers and this poem focuses on them. Google 'hoop dancers' to see more of these amazing dancers and their dance stories. The photo is from wikipedia.

34 comments:

  1. it sounds so easy doesn't it?

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    1. The dancers make it look easy but it takes great skill.

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  2. The ritual dance is fascinating, isn't it ~ I like your perpective ~

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    1. It came from close observation of birds and animals and honoring them in costume and dance- a fabulous art form.

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  3. I love that you captured the circles and hoops and dancing. I thought about going there but the working on that part seemed to be more of what came out.

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    1. I loved the song as well with its message but I lived for a year on an Indian Reservation and was introduced to various forms of their beautiful dances.

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  4. I too lime how you focused on the hoops. I kept thinking of the Ghost Dance. Beautiful

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    1. There are many styles of dance in gatherings all over the country where they are performed. It's a gorgeous spectacle if you have the good fortune to attend one.

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  5. i like how you attached it to ritual dancing and to history...
    there is power in circles....and in dancing....

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  6. I couldn't even keep one hula hoop in order, so I am amazed by the hoop dancers. As I watched Marian's video, I found myself concentrating on the dancers rather than on the musicians. Both very powerful images, in vision and in song.
    K

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    1. You Tube has many examples of hoop dancers if you want to see an entire performance of amazing athleticism and skill.

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  7. The 'dancing' is most fascinating and most unusual. Thanks for sharing Mary!

    Hank

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    1. I love that it comes from watching the birds and animals and attempts to imitate them. It has become a fabulous form of dance.

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  8. I love the approach you took to the prompt. I wish that I had thought of it!

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    1. I had the singular great fortune to be introduced to Native American life and PowWows including their beautiful dances.

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  9. The circles are what gathered me in too, Mary!! I love what you've done here...timeless, ancient and wise...love the listed animals as well. Nicely done!

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    1. Thanks, Hannah. We're part of it all. We're one.

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  10. I too love the direction you went in! There is a sacred window in this dance~

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  11. it's like a web of interconnection....the force is palpable..in music and dance both...
    a powerful write up...

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  12. how cool... that sounds awesome - and i like how that all ties together beautifully in your poem... have to google them...

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    1. Do google hoop dancers. You'll be amazed as will your children.

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  13. I can't imagine the coordination and artistry involved. Beautiful. xo Jenny

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  14. about working on inner peace... it's certainly something, on which i work. yours is the 2nd post i have read this morning, on this theme.

    how wonderful! my synchrinocity is working again!!! thank you!

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    1. Isn't it synchronicity when God wishes to remain anonymous?

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  15. love this, Mary... the hoops are the metaphor for something so much bigger.

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    1. A powerful metaphor danced out for us to make it clear.

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  16. A lovely idea to snare peace as it were in a hooped circlet--here these are big! It brings up the long tradition of struggle and that it does come back on itself. Thanks, Mary. K.

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    1. So much gets danced in these dances that compels us to watch.

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  17. Dancing in the hoop! That says it all!

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