Scattering Stars

“We come spinning out of nothingness, scattering stars like dust.” ““ Rumi

Dancer Carolina Fonseca is a master of gypsy duende dance from around the world, including Sufi, flamenco, and Rajasthani. In this workshop, she teaches the basic philosophical and physical elements of the meditative spinning dance practiced as a devotional ritual by Sufi whirling dervishes, or semazen.

The movements traditionally comprise a worship ceremony wherein the purpose is to release the ego by spinning in accordance with the planets in the cosmos. The poet Rumi, whose work will influence this workshop, was known to commonly recite his own poems while whirling.

The workshop will be preceded by a free, short performance by Fonseca in the Museum’s entrance hall at the base of the spiral staircase at 6:40 pm.

All levels, from novices to expert dancers, are welcome, as are all adults and children ages eight and older.

“Dance, when you’re broken open. Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you’re perfectly free.” ““ Rumi

About the Instructor

Carolina Fonseca‘s movement roots began as a Chinese acrobat and competitive rhythmic gymnast. Her studies took her around the world and eventually to Rajasthan, India, where she learned gypsy dance.

She developed her work by traveling and learning from families and virtuous gypsies in many different countries such as Transylvania, Egypt, Belgium, and others. She studied Japanese Noh theater with Masato Matsura in Paris and Indian classical Kathakali dance theatre in Kerala, India.

She has taught and performed in festivals, theaters, and sacred performances around the world, including solo presentations in the New York Gypsy Festival.