The origin of these dances began in the 1960's when Sufi mystic Sam Lewis developed Universal Peace Dance then called Sufi Dancing, using sacred words and phrases from many religious and spiritual traditions and combining them with simple movement. In the 1970's, Rupa learned these dances and has been adding to them and teaching them off and on ever since. Her musical partner Lerna (pictured above) composes some of the most beloved songs and dances used. All are taught by Rupa accompanied with live music.

These dances have been offered for over a decade at Course in Miracles and Attitudinal Healing Conferences in the North East, The Associated Psychotherapists of Vermont and at the Annual Rubenfeld Synergy Conference. Rupa brought these dances to Peace Camps in Bosnia and Macedonia, and to Istanbul Turkey. Adding just one dance as a part of a Rubenfeld Synergy workshop, Rupa enjoyed a very positive response at Bay State Prison with a group of incarcerated men.

On most second Friday nights Rupa & Lerna will sing with you at Take A Moment For Peace, Centre Church, Brattleboro, Vermont. This interfaith event happens at 5:30-6:00 pm on the evenings of the Brattleboro Gallery Walk.