MUSIC AND DANCE CIRCLE is the new name for the meetup group formerly called OPEN MUSIC CIRCLE (MANHATTAN), a gathering place for acoustic improv musicians, vocalists and dancers and others, and an opportunity for all to create together.

The Open Music Circle has met regularly since 2004, joining Meetup in 2010 under the name of Open Music Circle (Manhattan). Musicians, singers and dancers of all backgrounds and traditions and others are invited to explore new territory, expand their skills, and deepen their performance abilities. The Circle meets in two New York City locations.

MUSIC AND DANCE CIRCLE: We meet now on the first Saturday of each month from 6:30 -8:30 PM at the New York Insight Meditation Center, 28 West 27th Street, 10th Floor, buzzer  #27. It is important to be on time as we meet in the lobby and go upstairs together. Please remove your shoes and coats in the entryway upstairs and enter the main space in silence. The Manhattan Circle is facilitated by Philip Foster.

BROOKLYN CIRCLE: We meet from time to time at Circle Space on Ocean Avenue in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Circles are announced only through Facebook and by email and not on  Meetup. To receive notifications of times and locations for upcoming Brooklyn Circles and to be added to the Brooklyn Circle email list, please join the OPEN MUSIC CIRCLE Facebook group or email brooklynmusiccircle@gmail.com with your request. The Brooklyn Circle is facilitated by Cori Barger.

MUSIC AND DANCE CIRCLE FORMAT:

All acoustic musicians, vocalists, and dancers are welcome. We have no musical or other agenda and no director.

Each gathering is an exploration and an adventure. We start in silence, someone begins, then paying attention to each other, we each play, vocalize or move as we each feel appropriate, and finally we end with silence. Dancers and musicians interact with and respond freely to each other. The structure is simple, but its takes us to a deep place. It is somewhat similiar to Authentic Movement. Now and then we may try exercises to improve our skills.

Some participants have discovered useful things about themselves or their playing, singing, or dancing at MUSIC AND DANCE whereas others have found their experience to be similar to those had in a therapeutic or a spiritual practice. It's always a great opportunity to give your right brain free reign. Most anything can happen. We usually have fun, and occasionally something miraculous occurs.

Please be on time as we may not be able to hear the buzzer if you arrive late. A $15 contribution is required when you RSVP for each meetup. The monies collected help to pay for Meetup fees, rent, replace old or add new instruments, and pay for advertising.