Dances of Universal Peace Retreat: Shared Practice and Community Building
May 3-4, 2026
Facilitated by Robin Schnitzler and Michael Hopwood
This retreat offers time to enter the practice together and to experience the depth that can grow through returning to the circle over more than one session. The gathering will conclude with an afternoon meeting and conversation about establishing and participating in a Dances of Universal Peace community at the Christine Center. It is an invitation not only to experience the dances, but also to help imagine what it would mean to nurture an ongoing circle of shared spiritual practice here.
Dances of Universal Peace Retreat: Shared Practice and Community Building
May 3-4, 2026
Facilitated by Robin Schnitzler and Michael Hopwood
Join us for a gentle retreat of Dances of Universal Peace, with an evening and morning of shared practice in song and movement. Rooted in sacred phrases and teachings from the world’s wisdom traditions, the dances invite us to settle into presence, open the heart, and experience connection with ourselves and one another.
No previous experience is needed.
Program highlights:
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- Evening and morning sessions of Dances of Universal Peace
- A retreat atmosphere of shared practice, reflection, and presence
- Live music, simple movements, and sacred phrases from the world’s wisdom traditions
- Open to both newcomers and those familiar with the dances
- Afternoon conversation about establishing and being part of a DUP community at the Christine Center
This retreat offers time to enter the practice together and to experience the depth that can grow through returning to the circle over more than one session. The gathering will conclude with an afternoon meeting and conversation about establishing and participating in a Dances of Universal Peace community at the Christine Center. It is an invitation not only to experience the dances, but also to help imagine what it would mean to nurture an ongoing circle of shared spiritual practice here.
Entering Into This Living Tradition
For nearly 40 years, Sr. Johanna has cultivated the tradition and practice of Dances of Universal Peace at the Christine Center, helping to make it a meaningful part of the community’s spiritual life. This retreat is an invitation to enter that tradition more fully and to take our place within it alongside Johanna.
Through shared practice and afternoon conversation, participants are invited to consider how this circle may continue to grow and how each of us might help carry this living legacy forward at the Christine Center.
Robin Schnitzler and Michael Hopwood
Robin Schnitzler and Michael Hopwood are a Dances of Universal Peace (DUP) leader/musician duo from Madison, Wisconsin. Robin is a certified DUP leader and is in her 31st year of dancing in the circle. Robin loves the way the Dances invite all other parts of life to drop away and allow us to sink into our hearts and souls. Michael’s artistry on the guitar anchors the music of the dances. He is inspired by the power of the beautiful harmonies and unified movements. Together, Robin and Michael lead dances in community circles, events, and dance camps across the country and in Mexico. Learn more on their website: DUPwithRobin.com
The Dances of Universal Peace (DUP) began in 1968 in California and has grown dance circles in over 30 countries. Information on the international organization can be found here.
Robin Schnitzler and Michael Hopwood
Robin Schnitzler and Michael Hopwood are a Dances of Universal Peace (DUP) leader/musician duo from Madison, Wisconsin. Robin is a certified DUP leader and is in her 31st year of dancing in the circle. Robin loves the way the Dances invite all other parts of life to drop away and allow us to sink into our hearts and souls. Michael’s artistry on the guitar anchors the music of the dances. He is inspired by the power of the beautiful harmonies and unified movements. Together, Robin and Michael lead dances in community circles, events, and dance camps across the country and in Mexico. Learn more on their website: DUPwithRobin.com
The Dances of Universal Peace (DUP) began in 1968 in California and has grown dance circles in over 30 countries. Information on the international organization can be found here.