Earthdance, the largest global dance event in the world, began as a vision within the pyramid of Giza when Chris Decker (of Medicine Drum, the tribal trance band) sat in the kings chamber in meditation. He saw dancefloors around the world uniting for peace.

It began to unfold in 1996 with a goal of raising funds for peace in Tibet. Soon afterwards the Dalai Lama humbly suggested that there are many causes which may benefit from the funds other than Tibet. The main categories considered include children, indigenous peoples & the environment.

For more info on the global Earthdance visit www.earthdance.org.

earthdance history in BC ::

In 1998 Whirled BEES staged the first Earthdance in Vancouver at the Aboriginal Friendship Center with a live internet broadcast. Whirled BEES, who formed in response to the war in Iraq, did free outdoor events around the city in public spaces. That day a double rainbow was seen in the sky near the Aboriginal Center.

In 1999 Earthdance was held at the Malcolm Bowl in Stanley Park. It was put on by the same people who organized it the year before.

In 2000 Earthdance was held at the Armories, an ironic but fitting place to bring the peace vibration. This was also linked to the internet broadcasts. Members from the house music community, Public Dreams Society, and the tribal underground formed the largest organizing effort most had faced until that time. The choice to try to go bigger or stay more family-sized was put up for debate.

In 2001 Earthdance was held mainly on the Sunshine Coast where some of the original organizers had moved to pre-Y2K. An attempt was made to do it at Grandview Park in East Van but was shut down promptly by police. The Roberts Creek Hall would grow to hold more events resonating with the intention and frequency of Earthdance such as Fairies & Fools and the Solstice gatherings.

In 2002 Earthdance Vancouver reformed to bring the spirit of the event back into the city where it was felt to be especially needed. It took place at Church of Pointless Hysteria across from the Woodwards squats who were the recipients of the funds raised. The intentions set that year were to create a seldomly occurring alliance of dance music artists, promoters & harm reductionists under the Earthdance Vancouver umbrella to represent our region globally for peace on Earth. This was achieved with participation from Tribal Harmonix, Green Samurai Clan, Rob Rizk, the Higher Knowledge Network, Kathara Vancouver, Soldiers of the Underground, Royal Platoon, Lotus Lounge & the Ambient Consortium.

In 2003 Earthdance was held at Ceperly Park, 2nd Beach in Stanley Park, with the Vancouver Parks and Recreation Board realizing and supporting the vision. Rather than being hid away this site allowed Earthdance a place that could bring the dance culture to a more prominent view and invite the passer-by. The Prayer for Peace was magnificent, doubling the size of the gathering as people joined from the walkways. This culminated in a traditional spiral dance, infused with the spirit of friendship. Over on the Sunshine Coast a parallel gathering was held at Roberts Creek Hall, continuing the bridge the magic with the masses..

In the years including 2000 & 2002 the First Nations were invited to do the opening circle at the events. Members of the the Native Youth Movement lead the circles. Recognizing the cultural history of the land is an important part of Earthdance and the consciousness it seeks to raise.

pictures: st.even