Summer Long Dance

We have developed the Summer Long Dance over the past two decades as a way to join in deep community to dance, sing and pray together for all our relations.

The ceremony provides a profoundly healing, catalytic and magical space where each individual is encouraged to find their own unique way of expressing their dreams and love for life through the dance. The Movement Medicine teachings are all represented in the Movement Medicine mandala and the ceremony is grounded in these teachings.

It’s an opportunity to spend some time remembering that our own personal wellbeing is connected to the wellbeing of the planet, and to dedicate our dance to all our relations, past, present and future.

In order to participate in the Long Dance, you must have either worked with Ya’Acov and Susannah before or be recommended by someone who is known to them. Participation is by application only (except for Movement Medicine Apprentices).

You must also commit to the following:

- To raise a minimum of £400 in the name of Movement Medicine Summer Long Dance Ceremony for the Pachamama Alliance or for any project or projects that you wish to dance for.

It is a common and well known part of British culture to fundraise by asking friends and family for sponsorship money in return for making a big commitment and effort for an event like the Long Dance. We understand that this is not so in other cultures, and know that it takes courage to do this. We have a letter of support available for those who want some ideas about how to they might approach this task.

- To abide by the simple alchemy of the ceremony which will be explained to you and to respect all other dancers.

- To prepare yourself fully for the ceremony and to take full responsibility for your own wellbeing throughout and after the ceremony.

- To be an active participant in the ceremony, taking care of yourself, others, and the space.

The deeper we dance, the more we directly experience the reality of the interconnected nature of all life. This recognition is not just a blissful experience. It’s a remembering of our responsibility to honour and protect the sanctity of life, each in our own way. This is a give-away ceremony and therefore, it is a not-for-profit event and all costs to you are simply to cover the cost of putting the Long Dance on. There is no tuition fee and any monies left over at the end of the event will go entirely towards supporting charitable projects.

The Summer Long Dance includes Fasting:

Please note that during the 3 days and nights of the actual Ceremony there will not be meals. However, a small amount of nuts and fruit is provided twice a day for those who need them. If you believe you will need more food than this then you will need to bring your own supplies and keep them in your tent. This relative fast is an important aspect of the ceremony. If you wish to fast throughout the ceremony with liquids only, as many dancers do, you are welcome to do so. Please prepare your body for this and take medical advice to ensure that this is OK, especially if you haven’t fasted before.

Children

Please note this is a ceremonial and demanding event, and though children are welcome, there needs to be a non-dancing adult taking care of them at all times.

It is important that we know about any medical issues in advance.

Practical information

LOCATION: South Devon. Nearest Main Line Station is Totnes.

A word from the owners of the land, Doug and Claire King-Smith.

“What I want to get across is how happy Claire and I are to invite the Summer Long Dance and Movement Medicine family to come and celebrate, weep and pray in this magical valley which we call the Hillyfield. This is the third year of our partnership.

We trust and hope that everyone will have a deeply nourishing and connecting experience alongside the crystals & clear waters of this very special place on Dartmoor which we are so lucky to look after.

Hillyfield is a 46-acre award-winning working woodland farm on Dartmoor managed for environmental and community benefit.”

DATES: 20 – 26 July 2024 (6 nights)

SCHEDULE:

Arrive between 15:00 and 18:00. Pitch your tent. Make yourself at home and hang out with other participants.

Dinner between 18.00 - 20.00

Opening ceremony starts at 20.30. It is important that you arrive on time and before the ceremony.

ATTENDANCE: All participants must agree to be there at the start of the Long Dance, attend all sessions and not leave before the end.

26 - 28 July: Long Dance Extended Stay: We are offering an extended weekend stay at Hillyfield after the ceremony to enjoy, relax with friends and slowly integrate back to normal life. If you want to stay for the weekend, food will be provided and there is no set programme. It’s a decompression time. You will need to book at the same time as buying your ticket for the main event.

What Happens Now?

Once you have successfully completed your application, we will be in touch with the payment link and your journey will begin! When you have paid you will receive detailed information including arrival times, what to expect during the ceremony and information to help you plan your time at Hillyfield.

Please complete the following questions as accurately as possible. Any problems contact hello@schoolofmm.com.

Thank you!

The Movement Medicine Team