This month, we reflect on all that we’re grateful for, while also looking towards the future of Earthdance.

Last weekend we hosted our annual Gratitude Jam which included a well attended and very yummy Thanksgiving Feast. Among family - both biological and chosen - the Earthdance community did what it does best; coming together in expressive movement, creativity, celebration and mutuality. As we approach the end of this sun cycle, it has been a good opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed and appreciate how far we’ve come since slowly re-opening last fall in the early post-pandemic days. In transitioning from a minimal skeletal staff to what is now once again a full and well-functioning ship, there has been a lot of learning and re-inventing of systems which needed to happen. Many faces, old and new, stepped up to keep Earthdance afloat, moved by the memories they’d shared in days gone by, or inspired by the potential for days to come. As a public charity which started as an intentional community almost forty years ago, the correct formula for paying the bills alongside housing a vibrant on-site community with staff, Work-Exchangers, renters and guests is ever elusive. Likewise, the balance of responsibility and leadership between the board of directors, the staff, and the wider community at large. It’s not always easy, and we don’t always get it right.

But we go on, out of the love for this place, this land, and the love we feel for each other; those we’ve met at Earthdance who have likewise been called to steward this ongoing, improvised mystery. If you’re reading this now, we invite you to take a moment and reflect on what Earthdance has meant in your life; on the people you’ve met here, the unique experiences you’ve had, and the things you’ve learned. Is there a special tree or rock you love to visit, a secret spot along the stream that holds a precious memory, or a particular dance or conversation which ended up being the seed of a significant relationship? As the quickening of the holidays fast approaches, we invite you to slow down and take a minute to enjoy these moments below which were captured from the Gratitude Jam, and to remember why this place is cherished by so many. We also invite you to join us for a very special evening of celebration and gratitude with our Annual Benefit Soirée on Saturday December 16th, where we’ll be dressing up, feasting, and toasting while raising funds for the future sustainability of Earthdance. Akil Apollo Davis, our resident magician and Balinese Mask expert will be our MC for the evening, while Faith is cooking up a sublime three course meal that will be served to you in the square barn by your very own Board members and staff. The evening’s inspired program promises to create yet more lasting memories. On behalf of all of us, thank-you for keeping this place going. May we use it wisely, and well!

Christos & Daniel

Walter Jonas’ Passing

We’re saddened to share the news that Walter Jonas, a longtime member of the Earthdance and Dance New England Communities, passed away on the morning of November 10th due to complications from his open heart surgery. Even as his health and mobility declined over the years, Walter would renew his love of dance and movement, returning regularly to Earthdance for seasonal jams. When not on the dance floor, he was often available to offer counsel, or share his passion for Biblical Greek. To view Walter’s obituary and/or sign the guestbook, click here. Thank-you Walter, for all the dances shared over the years, and blessings for all you brought to our community.

From the Accountability, Safety and Care Team:

As we progress through Autumn, the Summer Jam is like a sweet distant memory. We have been taking time to integrate some of the feedback we received from the Summer Jam. Specifically, we are exploring facets of our culture in relation to our children. We would greatly appreciate your taking a few minutes to complete this survey to help us get a sense of how our wider community is experiencing Earthdance's holding of the sensitive topics of nudity and sexuality at our summer jam. Your feedback will be used to help evaluate how we move forward as co-creators of the culture of Earthdance. Thank-you!

2024 SAVE THE DATE: Spring Jam – April 4-7th, Post Jam Lab – April 7-9th

2024 SAVE THE DATE: Summer Jam – June 28-July 5th

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Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts.

Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.