Maria-Gabriele Wosien, widely celebrated teacher of Sacred Circle Dance, choreographer and author, is generally known as Gabriele. She holds a BA in Russian Language and Literature and a PhD in Russian folktales (University of London).
Based on her studies of Eastern and Western sacred traditions, Gabriele has, in numerous choreographies, developed her own approach and thematic cycles with a special focus on the religious and ritual origins of European folk dances. The emphasis of her work is on the conscious experience of mythological images and symbols, so as to experience their healing potential. She bases her choreographies on |
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traditional movement archetypes, for which she uses sacred, classical and folk music. Gabriele has gained an international reputation through teacher training courses, talks and seminars, as well as through her publications in several languages.
In collaboration with her father, the ballet dancer and choreographer Bernhard Wosien (1908 -1986), she developed what came to be called ‘Circle Dance’ or ‘Sacred Dance’. “Sacred Dance is the expression of prayer through the language of the body. By experiencing the inner dimension of movement, isolation is overcome and body, mind and soul are reconnected. In Sacred Dance we turn to, and encircle a common centre, as the spatial projection of the creative source within. Content and form, a chosen theme and its portrayal in the movements of traditional dances, together facilitate a conscious participation in the creative process of life.”
In collaboration with her father, the ballet dancer and choreographer Bernhard Wosien (1908 -1986), she developed what came to be called ‘Circle Dance’ or ‘Sacred Dance’. “Sacred Dance is the expression of prayer through the language of the body. By experiencing the inner dimension of movement, isolation is overcome and body, mind and soul are reconnected. In Sacred Dance we turn to, and encircle a common centre, as the spatial projection of the creative source within. Content and form, a chosen theme and its portrayal in the movements of traditional dances, together facilitate a conscious participation in the creative process of life.”
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In 1976 Bernhard Wosien had introduced to Findhorn, the spiritual community in Scotland, his ‘Dance Meditation’ as well as traditional European folk dances. Like the people who live there he felt committed to the ideals of ‘One Earth’ and ‘One Humanity’. In the following years, in English speaking countries, their work came to be known as Sacred Dance, taken from the title of Gabriele's book by the same name: ‘Sacred Dance. Encounter with the Gods’, published in 1974 in London and New York.
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Gabriele has produced a range of beautiful, highly original and deeply affecting works, including books and dance DVDs. See below for a selection. Further information and more DVDs are listed on her website: http://www.sacreddance-wosien.net
Maria-Gabriele Wosien:
Still Point and Moving World Sarsen Press, May 2018, ISBN 978-0-9575220-5-3 Distribution: Judy King, judy@judyking.co.uk |
Maria-Gabriele Wosien:
ARIADNE, Transformations in Dance DVD with Booklet in English and German and separate Audiotracks, Distribution: Metanoia Verlag, April 2017 ISBN 978-3-905827-92-7 |
Maria-Gabriele Wosien:
The Dreamsong of Olaf Åsteson Dance Journey of the Soul (DVD and CD with Booklet. Choice of Languages: English and German) Distribution: Metanoia Verlag, April 2012 ISBN 978-3-905827-96-5 |
Maria-Gabriele Wosien:
Prayer and Celebration Dances - Symbols in Movement (DVD and CD with Booklet. Choice of Languages: English and German) Distribution: Metanoia Verlag, 2011 ISBN 978-3-905827-97-2 |
Maria-Gabriele Wosien:
St. Francis of Assisi - The Canticle of Creatures. A danced Vision of Creation (DVD and CD with Booklet. Choice of Languages: English and German) Distribution: Metanoia Verlag, 2010 ISBN 978-3-905827-98-9 |
Maria-Gabriele Wosien:
The Hymn of Christ - Song of the Soul A danced mystery play (DVD and CD with Booklet. Choice of Languages: English and German) Distribution: Metanoia Verlag, June 2009 ISBN: 978-3-905827-99-6 |
Maria-Gabriele Wosien:
Archetypes of Transformation Archaic Structures in Dance Metanoia Verlag, 2006 ISBN 978-3-905827-05-7 Distribution: www.metanoia-verlag.ch |
Bernhard Wosien: Tanzimpressionen (Dance impressions) 15 postcards Dieter Balsies Verlag, Kiel (Germany) Balsies@t-online.de Distribution: www.metanoia-verlag.ch |
Maria-Gabriele Wosien:
Sacred Dance Encounter with the Gods Thames and Hudson, London 1974/ Avon Books, New York 1974 Remainders available through: www.metanoia-verlag.ch |