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Last Updated
August 29, 2010

BARE ATTENTION • AWAKENED MIND • RELAXED BODY • ENGAGED LIFE

Through a twofold action of attention, energies are released, collected, and blended in accordance with fundamental laws. An accumulation of simple yet profound actions brings to life the dance. Reciprocally, when the dance (an ideal outside of time) becomes actual (real in the doer), new energies are present for the work to proceed. Each seminar carries this re-search further along in our ongoing work with the action of attention.

THE Intention of GURDJIEFF DANCE

Used and preserved today within a living tradition, Gurdjieff Dance and the active attention exercises — exercises that Gurdjieff transmitted, which Bennett further developed, the so-called morning-exercises — make available, to today's seeker, unique opportunities for creative work. In an ongoing search for imperishable being — necessary for continuous human development — this is the right and obligation of those who begin to understand the necessity of work-on-oneself. In the work of our seminars we invite others to participate in this necessity.

Historical Background

A “teacher of dance,” GI Gurdjieff introduced a large body of dances to his students. Some are from the regions of North Africa through Central Asia (and possibly as far as Tibet); many are of his own creation.

Gurdjieff died in 1949 having influenced the lives of many people. After his death, some went their own way while others organized themselves formally. All continued to work with what they received from him and to pass on their understanding. Today few of Gurdjieff’s personal students are alive, while the numbers of their students and their students’ students continue to increase. Among the “grandchildren” of Gurdjieff is a new generation born of his influence, grown, and taking responsibility for what they received. Our work is a meeting of this responsibility. Our work is ongoing. It is work-in-progress.

GURDJIEFF / DE HARTMANN Music

Working with Russian composer Thomas de Hartmann and inspired by ancient music he heard and learned during his travels, Gurdjieff created a body of musical work designed to harmonize the human psyche and make possible a higher emotional experience. Normally our thinking, feeling and moving "brains" are disharmonic — the Gurdjieff / De Hartmann Music assists in their re-harmonization.

This work with music is an integral part of our work and is present in the seminars.

ALL Seminars, classes and Workshops WILL OFFER

• introductory and advanced practice of inner exercises that release, transform and blend energies inside the body.
• daily intensive practice of Gurdjieff Dance.
• psychological interventions, practices, and themes.
• complimentary practices for mind-body development introduced by guest teachers.
• group interactive discussion in an atmosphere of mindful awareness and active listening.
• all seminars are in English with Italian, German or Spanish translation when needed.

residential seminars and workshops will also offer:

• early morning introductory and advanced group sittings
• practical work and meal preparation — to compliment the inner work and to meet the communal needs of the seminar.
• silence in nature and in the society of others — to deepen and assimilate our practice.
• evening practices — from Buddhist and Sufi traditions.   
• evening concerts of the Gurdjieff / de Hartmann music.