Traditional ritual dances have been passed down through countless generations, and embody an ancient worldview of community and reverence for the earth. Laura's teaching illuminates the hidden wisdom encoded in movements which are simple yet profound. The gentle yet powerful steps kindle our energy in a tangible way, to help us align with the awakening life force of spring. Kostantis will accompany our dance with exquisite and sensitive microtonal music played on the Byzantine long-necked lute, the saz, which since ancient times has been a way to generate healing frequencies.

Laura Shannon has dedicated her life to researching and teaching dance and music of the Balkans and Near East, particularly women’s ritual dances, and is considered one of the 'grandmothers' of the worldwide Sacred/Circle Dance movement. She has published many articles and book chapters on dance and is currently researching her PhD.

Kostantis Kourmadias plays the Byzantine saz (long-necked lute) with virtuosity and deep emotion, specializing in the oldest forms of traditional music, particularly island music and the Greek music of Asia Minor, where his grandparents were born. He is also an accomplished singer and master of the violin.