The First Day: June 20th– An introduction to the history of Labyrinths and learning to draw 3 and 7 circuit labyrinths from a seed pattern. Brandi Hebert introduced relaxation techniques and participants walked the labyrinth with a purpose and goal in mind. Homemade lemonade and cookies were shared while each participant chose a journal and started to document their journey for the week. A discussion about performance art and the symbolism used in imagery, sound and body movement in a site specific location was explored. Following images demonstrate early use of the meander or Greek Key, the Labrys artifacts, and the line drawings of the Nazcan culture in Peru.
The Second Day: June 21st- Participants were first shown Tai Chi relaxation and breathing exercises to prepare for the Journey Dance with Arielle Wortzel. The two hour dance experience on the labyrinth was exhilarating and the beautiful music that Arielle played connected us in new ways with the energy of our bodies and with each other. The sacred symbolism of the labyrinth also added significant meaning to our dances and suggested ways to move in the space. We all discussed the experience afterwards and wrote in our journals while having cookies and lemonade.
The Third Day: June 23rd- Participants were first given journals and a brief understanding of the history of labyrinths along with a video of contemporary sand labyrinths. Lance Herrington gave a thorough demonstration of his sound project in Santorini for a museum. We proceeded to walk the labyrinth and used the finger labyrinth while focused on the idea of our personal journey. Lance then gave a demonstration on sound and the resonating vibrations that sound produces with different frequencies. Testimonial journey recordings of three of the participants were made while other participants recorded the sounds of chimes and bells. All were asked to journal their experiences while sharing refreshments.
The Fourth Day: June 23rd- Participants had a discussion about their experiences from the first three days. Brandy demonstrated relaxation methods and then participants walked the labyrinth together with the introduction to the processional kite of Juanita Yoder. We then practiced drawing 3, 7 and 11 circuit labyrinths and then proceeded to make personal finger labyrinths.
The Fifth Day: June 24th– The recordings from the Wednesday program were played on 3 outdoor speakers as we walked the labyrinth together. The journey testimonials from three of the participants, the Greek Santorini sounds that Lance recorded, and the chimes/ bells recordings were orchestrated by Dave Herrington so that they played in powerful relationships to each other. We then gathered together and shared our journey experiences and how a performance art piece could be shared with the congregation. We experimented with ideas and materials, measured the site specific spaces where the performance will take place, and flew the processional kite outside. Plans for sharing our experiences from the week with the congregation was proposed. Several participants were available for July 10th and enthusiastically agreed to help make the outdoor labyrinth a reality with a special presentation.
