CLEARLAKE, Calif. – On Earth Day, Sunday April 22, the Planetary Dance will come to Lake County at 11 a.m. in Austin Park, Clearlake.

Originated by Anna Halprin on Mt.Tamalpais in Marin in 1981, the Planetary Dance is a participatory peace dance for the healing and renewal of the local community.

The Planetary Dance has taken place in 46 countries around the world on six continents.

Each year, the Planetary Dances in Marin and worldwide create themes to support personal, community and world concerns. In this way, the Planetary Dance reflects and addresses the concerns of each community where it is held.

For example, the theme of the Planetary Dance in its home location in Marin in 2017 was “Connect and Protect,” which, among other humanitarian concerns, included the displacement, vulnerability and plight of immigrants and refugees struggling locally and worldwide.

The theme for the first Lake County Planetary Dance is “Acknowledge and Heal.” This theme was chosen for its potential to address any number of dedications that participants may wish to bring to the dance, as well as to encompass the healing of historic and ongoing trauma, such as the inhumane treatment of the original inhabitants of this land, and the recent devastation of the cycle of fires that have ravaged the community.

Following a gathering and procession, participants are invited to stand and strongly proclaim their dedications in a large circle, then run, walk or simply stand in a series of three concentric circles, creating a living mandala.

“As we all move to the steady heartbeat of the drums, we become one collective body. Each step upon the Earth becomes a prayer for healing,” explained Halprin.

Marie Larsen and Marguerite Etemad, who are longtime members of Halprin’s Planetary Dance committee, will teach the form and purpose of the dance at the event.

They will lead the dance, and along with a local team of planners and volunteers, have been preparing for the first Planetary Dance in Lake County.

The event will include offerings by local poets Dallas Gouldberg, Georgina Marie, Elaine Watt and Mia Zee, and an offering of music by percussionist Victor Hall.

This is a free community event. Donations will be accepted to offset costs of the event.

The Planetary Dance is accessible to all. Accommodations will be provided for anyone with mobility concerns. Participants are encouraged to wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable to move in.

Children have a special role in the Planetary Dance, and there will be a celebratory “children’s run” at this event.

Participants are invited to enjoy lunch and community immediately following this event. Food will be offered for sale by Cactus Grill, or participants may bring a sack lunch.

The Planetary Dance for Lake County is sponsored by Citizens Caring for Clearlake, North Coast Opportunities, and Unitarian Universalist Community of Lake County.

To see a 12 minute documentary and to learn more about the Planetary Dance, visit www.planetarydance.org.

The Planetary Dance committee members have generously collaborated in the writing and the sharing of source materials for this article.

For more information, contact local planner Casey Carney at 510-689-3243.