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.
it sounds so easy doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteThe dancers make it look easy but it takes great skill.
DeleteThe ritual dance is fascinating, isn't it ~ I like your perpective ~
ReplyDeleteIt came from close observation of birds and animals and honoring them in costume and dance- a fabulous art form.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteI too lime how you focused on the hoops. I kept thinking of the Ghost Dance. Beautiful
ReplyDeleteThere 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.
Deletei like how you attached it to ritual dancing and to history...
ReplyDeletethere is power in circles....and in dancing....
Great power in both, yes.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteK
You Tube has many examples of hoop dancers if you want to see an entire performance of amazing athleticism and skill.
DeleteThe 'dancing' is most fascinating and most unusual. Thanks for sharing Mary!
ReplyDeleteHank
I love that it comes from watching the birds and animals and attempts to imitate them. It has become a fabulous form of dance.
DeleteI love the approach you took to the prompt. I wish that I had thought of it!
ReplyDeleteI had the singular great fortune to be introduced to Native American life and PowWows including their beautiful dances.
DeleteThe 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!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hannah. We're part of it all. We're one.
DeleteI too love the direction you went in! There is a sacred window in this dance~
ReplyDeleteI agree, Ella.
Deleteit's like a web of interconnection....the force is palpable..in music and dance both...
ReplyDeletea powerful write up...
Truly, a web of interconnection.
Deletehow cool... that sounds awesome - and i like how that all ties together beautifully in your poem... have to google them...
ReplyDeleteDo google hoop dancers. You'll be amazed as will your children.
DeleteI can't imagine the coordination and artistry involved. Beautiful. xo Jenny
ReplyDeleteGorgeous artistry.
Deleteabout 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.
ReplyDeletehow wonderful! my synchrinocity is working again!!! thank you!
Isn't it synchronicity when God wishes to remain anonymous?
Deletelove this, Mary... the hoops are the metaphor for something so much bigger.
ReplyDeleteA powerful metaphor danced out for us to make it clear.
DeleteA 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.
ReplyDeleteSo much gets danced in these dances that compels us to watch.
DeleteDancing in the hoop! That says it all!
ReplyDeleteIt's such an amazing art form.
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