Dancing The Great Turning

Workshop Overview

How do we meet this moment of ecological collapse and collective uncertainty with open hearts and steady presence? How do we stay awake and engaged without becoming overwhelmed or numb?

Rooted in Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects and the 5Rhythms® movement practice, this workshop offers an embodied map for navigating the terrain of our times. Through dance, ritual, and shared inquiry, we will deepen our capacity to meet this moment with presence, courage, and purpose.

Guided by the 5Rhythms of Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness, we’ll move through the Spiral of the Work That Reconnects—beginning by grounding in gratitude, and then honoring our heartache for the world. As we allow our hearts to open, we’ll invite new vision and possibility, and explore how each of us might move forward—resourced by our unique gifts and in connection with others.

Through movement, small-group connection, and embodied listening, we’ll attune to the Earth and to one another, and feel into the next right steps we’re called to take.

This is a space to cultivate the courage, imagination, and resilience this moment calls for—not in isolation, but in community. Together, we will explore moving from disconnection to belonging, from stuck to embodied presence, from overwhelm to purposeful action.

We’ll move in support of the Great Turning—a shift from a culture of separation to one of regeneration, interconnection, and care—by tending our inner resources. Come as you are. Leave with a thread to follow–rooted in your own rhythm, capacity and love for the world. 

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About 5Rhythms®

The 5Rhythms comprise a simple movement practice founded by Gabrielle Roth, designed to release the dancer that lives in every body, no matter what its shape, size, age, limitations and experience. The 5Rhythms dance practice was founded by Gabrielle Roth; an urban shaman. The practice itself is simple, there are no steps to follow. The teaching is deep. And it comes from the dancer's wisdom and embodied insight. In each dance, we explore each of the 5 rhythms, not for its mastery, but for its medicine. We will co-create a space to experience the rhythms of flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness (also known as a 5Rhythms Wave).

Learn more about the 5Rhythms practice here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cYYzcTzm6Y&t=60s

Learn more about Gabrielle Roth's 5Rhythms here: https://www.5rhythms.com/gabrielle-roths-5rhythms/what-are-the-5rhythms/

About The Work That Reconnects

The Work That Reconnects is meant for anyone who longs to serve the healing of our world in a more powerful and effective way. This interactive group process was developed by Joanna Macy, in cooperation with many colleagues, over several decades. The Work That Reconnects draws on foundational teachings, including Systems Thinking, Deep Ecology and Deep Time, Spiritual Traditions and Undoing Oppression.

The Work That Reconnects guides you on a Spiral journey through four stages:

• Coming from Gratitude

• Honoring Our Pain for the World

• Seeing with New/Ancient Eyes

• Going Forth

Learn more about Joanna Macy's here:https://www.joannamacy.net

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Welcome Statement

All are welcome—this workshop embraces people of every race, gender, sexuality, age, size, religion, ability, and class, honoring the richness of our diverse human experience.

Land Acknowledgment

The workshop is held on the land of the Native American settlement at what is now Northampton, and was called Norwottuck, or Nonotuck and inhabited by the Nipmuc, Pocumtuc, Nonotuc people.

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Please Bring

Comfortable cloths to move in

Water and a snack

A notebook or journal to write in

An object related to the theme of "gratitude" for the art installation or any sacred object you wish to add to the art installation

A back jack or seat you can be comfortable sitting in, IF you need back support

Snack Break

We will be taking a short snack break indoors or outdoors at the venue. Please plan to stay in the container of the workshop during the break. We will have some snacks and invite you to bring your own to accommodate your preferences and dietary needs.

Workshop Agreements: Please review prior to the workshop.

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About the Facilitators

Caitlin Elsaesser

Dr. Caitlin Elsaesser is a social worker, professor, dancer, meditation teacher, and facilitator with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals to heal, transform, and express their highest potential. She is the joyful creator and facilitator of an engaged mindfulness program for social workers based on Joanna Macy’s Work that Reconnects.  

Jilsarah Moscowitz

Jilsarah Moscowitz is a certified 5Rhythms® teacher. She’s been dancing 5Rhythms since 2002 and attended the last training led by the late Gabrielle Roth, the founder of the 5Rhythms practice. Formerly from the NYC area, Jilsarah has been leading classes in the Western MA area since 2023. Jilsarah works as a workplace mediator and coach.

Susan Ehlerman

The workshop is supported artistically by Susan Ehlerman, who has been dancing 5Rhythms, on and off the dance floor, since 2006. Susan is an autism specialist, SLP, speaker, mindfulness facilitator, gardener, and mother. She works in collaboration with neurodivergent folks to forward authentic and dynamic communication. Her art form and practice is altar building.