Sacred Freedom Retreat
Embodied through the Dances of Universal Peace
July 3-5, 2026
Facilitated by Robin Schnitzler and Michael Hopwood
Gathering over the 4th of July weekend, this retreat invites a deeper experience of freedom – not simply as personal independence, but as sacred interdependence. Through the Dances of Universal Peace, we enter a living field of connection where breath, movement, music, and voice awaken our belonging to ourselves, one another, the earth, and the greater whole.
Rooted in sacred phrases and teachings from the world’s wisdom traditions, these simple circle dances invite us to embody freedom through presence, connection, and community.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Christine Center, we will dance, sing, reflect, rest, and listen deeply. Journaling and contemplative inquiry woven throughout the weekend offer opportunities to deepen the experience and explore questions such as: What is the relationship between freedom and peace?
As we move and breathe together, we remember that peace is not only something we seek, but something we embody – within ourselves, with one another, and within the living web of life.
Program Highlights
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- Four Dances of Universal Peace dance sessions
- Live music, simple movements, and sacred phrases from the world’s traditions
- Time for rest and reflection in the beauty of the Christine Center
- Journaling and contemplative reflection woven throughout the weekend
- Open to both newcomers and experienced dancers
- Friday evening community fire gathering
- Saturday evening healing sound bath
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 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.