Facilitators are the guardians of the sacred circle. They introduce the dance, its guidelines and watch over the safe unfolding of the collective journey. Their ability to invite participants into a medicine dance requires experience, wisdom and sensitivity. Their skills at making new comers feel welcome and free, is as important as their ability to keep inspiring the most experienced of dancers. Being a facilitator requires one to have experienced powerful personal journeys through dance rituals and therefore have a deep understanding of the healing and transformation that such rituals offer.
It is important that facilitators have the respect of their community. Their skills at bringing people into an intentional and safe space are what makes the ritual truly effective. Dance rituals can trigger deep healings, and facilitators must be mature and trusted individuals.
Facilitators are chosen for their heart qualities. They undergo a rigorous training, studying all the aspects of the dance. The training takes place both in the classroom and in the field. They receive training in basic shamanic principles, music sensitivity, public speaking, conflict resolution, crowd management, and group facilitation.
Gypsie Nation is gathering traditionally initiated medicine people, healers, and therapists to assist in the education of its facilitators.
Our dances are unique in that facilitators also enter the ritual as participants. Their willingness to be vulnerable in both their dance expression, and in their sharing at the end of the dance can greatly inspire others in the ritual. While the ritual unfolds, they also tend to the details that ensure the comfort and safety of participants.
One of the most important functions of the facilitators is managing the end sharing and creating a safe and focused container for people’s expressions. A well facilitated sharing helps develop trust and intimacy between participants, and strongly fosters community building.
Gypsie Nation dances are often facilitated in pairs to prevent the building of personality cults that can happen when there is a central figure.
Each facilitator brings a unique gift to the dances and to our collective. Together they grow and learn through a process of self-evaluation, group feedback and dance debrief sessions.
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