Sacred Circle Dance Troupe

The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life is proud to sponsor the Mount Holyoke College Sacred Circle Dance Troupe under the direction of Ellen Kennedy, Sacred Circle Dance Facilitator.

Starting in the spring of 2008, Ellen has offered Sacred Circle Dance classes each semester to a group of students who have now formed the MHC Sacred Circle Dance Troupe.

Sacred Circle Dance offers an integrative approach to healing, relaxation and for some, a deeply, moving spiritual experience. It differs from folk dance through the sacred intention that is held for each dance. In circles, lines and spirals we join hands to learn simple village dances to music from around the world.  Through our dancing energy is activated.  This “dancing energy” is offered as intercessory prayers to heal ourselves, one another, our planet earth and the people, places and situations throughout the world in need of healing grace. Each dance offers its individual blessing and we open to receive it. Ellen believes that the impulse to dance is encoded in our DNA. When we dance in Sacred Circles the encoded message is activated, we remember. 

Thoughts from Sacred Circle Dance Participants:
“...the amazing thing...is the simplicity of these dances...There is no one too clumsy to partake of their grace”.
“Community dancing is quite simply one of the most beautiful ways for people to be together in a spirit of joy and laughter”.
"Moving with rhythm in harmony is inspiring and cleansing to heart and mind”.
“When I circle dance, it is like something that had been locked inside me is released.”
“Dance brings people together, it heals, it includes, it unifies, it touches, it transcends...it can change the world.”

From Left to Right: Ellen Kennedy (founder and director), Squid Mattocks ('12), Tanya Bashaw ('12), Regina Ciszewski ('12), Cori Sterne ('10), Julie Salvatorillo ('11), Samantha Peel ('12) (not pictured), Roan Janet Scott (MHC Alum '55) (mentor and advisor).