The ThunderBlogs

EarthDance Day 2010 united hundreds of peace supporters on a recent Saturday afternoon in Stanley Park—literally.

At 4pm, hundreds of hands joined to form a human circle that spread across the field of the Prospect Point Picnic Area. It took only minutes for a huge crowd to gather, fostering a phenomenal energy that stopped several uninformed park wanderers walking by.

The group of passionate and eccentric participants danced blissfully in a circle that eventually coiled into a real live human spiral while tribal drums sounded in the background.

The concentration of this day, according to a press release, is embracing all traditions, recognizing and honoring the diversity of all faiths and cultures. It provides an opportunity for individuals of varying ages and ethnicities to come together and celebrate the demise of prejudices, address sustainability issues and help others in need.

The participants successfully transformed Stanley Park into a creative environment where everyone was welcome. Certainly, tie-dyed apparel and bare feet were the outfit of choice but at closer glance a visible cultural hybrid rendered visible.

Crowds of hippies opened up the circle to embrace a few chicly dressed but curious looking yuppies. Children somersaulted near an elderly woman swaying in the middle. As a group combined, everyone truly brought forth their unique personality creating an atmosphere built on sincere acceptance and understanding.

Yasmina Ramz stood eagerly with her fellow belly dancers waiting to perform on the far side of the circle. Dressed in traditional Middle Eastern belly dance costuming, the four girls appeared excited.

“It is a community building event,” said Ramz, “I have never done anything like it before.”

Across was volunteer Amir Tahmasebi whom represented the Greenpack Canada station.

“We are promoting eco-friendly, entirely biodegradable products,” he said. “The reason is to reach our target of being the greenest city [Vancouver] by 2020.”

It was just one stall among many promoting various causes and activities. Alongside the spiral dance, there was much to do and learn and activities were widely ranged.

While small children colored with their brightly decorated markers adults meditated and hummed at the stall immediately next to them. Meanwhile, expanding from the multi-cultural potluck smells of curry and spices filled the air.

Thankfully for those who appeared as if they could continue to dance without end, the festivities did not finish in Stanley Park. The EarthDance day continued into the night as part two of an all day celebration for peace at W2 Storyeum in Gastown.