The Earth Protector Dance:

Nando Raynolds  nando@mind.net   541-821-6623

This dance is designed to be done in gatherings of all kinds.  Contact me to find out about the next scheduled performance and join in!  Do the dance at the level of physicality that feels good to you with a natural feel, a pattern of movement that feels personally congruent, and that is an expression of your personal feelings of each statement.  It is designed as both an energizing action and a display of personal and group unity and resolve.

These movements draw primarily from the martial arts and qigong traditions. “Display” type dances of this kind have been performed by many traditional cultures.  We offer this dance with respect and humility as a starting point for the development of dances of this type.

The dance will produce predictable results for participants and observers.

As a participant it will energize you physically and emotionally, connect you with your values, strengthen your resolve and build the cohesion of your group.

Observers will be moved by the unity, passion and power of the display.

This dance is powerful and should be used with care.  Participants will be energized, and it is best if that energy is then directed following a prearranged and deliberate plan.

Observers will also be energized.  It is best if there is also a plan for immediate action available for sympathetic observers.

Observers who are not sympathetic to the group will likely not know what to do with the emotional arousal created by the dance.  Anticipate this, be compassionate and do not antagonize these observers!  As the culture becomes more accustomed to groups doing the Earth Protector Dance, law enforcement personnel will be be trained to hold space for this kind of non-violent display.  Until that time, they are unlikely to know how and if to respond, so give them a lot of space!

Here is an instructional video followed by the written description.

The Earth Protector Dance

The dance has a leader (or leaders) with drum, megaphone or voice to set tempo, call the chant and maintain the dance structure.

Stand in 2 lines with arms extended to sides to get space.  Then Wonder Woman

                  SINGERS                                                     DANCERS

My legs are the legs of the earth! (4x)                   alternate sumo leg raises

My arms are the arms of the Earth! (4x)               hand slap forearm and upper arm

My breath is the Earth’s winds! (4x)                inhale open, exhale double slaps to chest

My heart pumps Her waters! (4x)                     alternate single hand slap the heart

I am a child of the Earth and Sky (4x)                bend forward, open up into mountain

I have been small, but together we are strong! (4x)       bend forward, open up into Mtn

I protect the Earth, air, water and life! (4x)         diagonal lawn mower pull into sideways   *                                                                                  hero switching sides

I stand for love, inclusion and respect!  (4x)      diagonal lawn mower pull into sideways      *                                                                                   hero switching sides

I am a child of the Earth and Sky (4x)                bend forward, open up into mountain

I have been small, but together we are strong! (4x)       bend forward, open up into Mtn

Mess with the Earth and you mess with me!  (4x)    diagonal lawn mower pull into sideways   *                                                                                         hero, switching sides

Mess with the Earth and you mess with us! (4x)     diagonal lawn mower pull into sideways *                                                                                          hero, switching sides

Join us, join us in our work! (4x)   arms extend, crossing, open, bring in to Wonder Woman