Dances of Universal Peace Retreat:
Sacred Song and Movement
November 8-9, 2026
Facilitated by Robin Schnitzler and Michael Hopwood
Join us for an uplifting Dances of Universal Peace gathering, 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 our hearts, and experience the joy of moving and singing together.
This overnight retreat offers the chance to “return again” to the practice after a night of rest. With contemplation periods interspersed with the Dances, you are invited to reflect on your personal in-the-moment meaning of the Dances. Above all, you are welcomed as one who belongs in the circle, as we join in this heartfelt, communal meditative practice.
The Dances consist of simple, repeated movements set to live music—most often guitar, drum, or flute. Sacred phrases from traditions including Sufi, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Indigenous lineages are sung in languages such as Arabic, Hebrew, Sanskrit, and Aramaic.
Gathering in a circle around the musicians, participants are taught each dance anew, in the moment; there is no performance and no audience. The intention is not technical skill but presence, opening the way for joy and connection.
No experience needed.*
*Those who don’t consider themselves singers or dancers are strongly encouraged to attend and will be wholeheartedly supported.
Program Highlights
-
-
- Evening and morning sessions of Dances of Universal Peace
- Live music, simple movements, and sacred phrases drawn from the world’s mystical traditions
- A warm retreat atmosphere of shared practice, reflection, and presence
- Open to both newcomers and those familiar with the dances
-
Entering Into This Living Tradition
For nearly 40 years, Sr. Johanna has nurtured the practice of the Dances of Universal Peace at the Christine Center, weaving them into the spiritual life of this place and community. During this retreat, we join a lineage of seekers who have gathered here before us, adding our voices, footsteps, and presence to a living tradition that continues to unfold.
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 32nd year of dancing in the circle. Robin creates a gentle and welcoming space for all who gather to settle into their hearts and souls. Michael’s attunement and artistry on the guitar anchors the music of the dances. Together, Robin and Michael lead dances in community circles, events, and dance camps across the country and in Mexico. Learn more here: DUPwithRobin.com
About the Dances of Universal Peace
The Dances of Universal Peace (DUP) were birthed in San Francisco in March 1968 by Samuel L. Lewis – a Sufi teacher also trained in Zen – who drew on his relationships with modern dance pioneer Ruth St. Denis and Sufi master Hazrat Inayat Khan. From that beginning, the practice has grown into a global movement, with circles now active in more than thirty countries. More information on the international DUP organization can be found here.
