A Circle of Your Very Own

Our community of drummers and dancers grows rich in diversity and beauty. More people are realizing the power of rhythm play every day. Each of us find our own relationship with its magic, drawing upon and feeding our unique motivations, art, and lives.

For me, it's about connecting people, discovering naturally how to work and play well with others. It's simple, yet so profound. The fundamental concepts of music can be effectively applied to any aspect of our lives. I recognize these aspects when drawing, doing business, considering politics, making love, relationships, cooking, even negotiating traffic! Drum circles offer a universally accessible way to explore these phenomenon on their most primitive level.

I've devoted nearly a decade to community development work, both professionally and personally. Although I was always kinda shy and introspective, I found I was actually quite effective in this. In fact, I suspect this is true because I listen so adamantly, speak so gently, and remain ever unjudgemental.

I specialize in a particular technique called neutral facilitation. I listen carefully to each individual contribution, reflect and validate these to the group, and present them in a way that everyone can act on. Ultimately, the group leads itself with my assistance but no direction from me. It requires a little grounding up front but can be incredibly effective as some have seen in the drum circles I facilitate.

Here's some of the things I can bring:

• My lovable self, enthusiasm, energy, and that red hair of mine! *g*
• A van full of drums for folks to borrow or even adopt as their own
• Beginner's introduction to drums, rhythm, and how to play well with others
• Simple ways to play interactively and responsively with each other
• Awareness of how these same principals connect to other aspects of the circle and lives
• Familiarity with various drumming traditions, their differences and underlying commonality
• Specific Middle Eastern styles including unusual meters like 9/8, 7/8, 12/8, etc.
• Spinning /dancing with poi, staff, glow toys, and fire (within a safe space)
• Secular, universal presentation of the energetic interaction applies well to any spiritual path
• How we can all stay connected and explore this even further

I am truly blessed... not so much with money or what I've been given through the years, but rather the incredibly diverse friends that bless my life. I am honored to have so many talented and wonderful people in my life! I often get to play with them and their unique gifts within drum circles. Whatever you'd like brought to your circle, I probably know just the right person whom would be happy to join us. We have their support as well and I'd love to invite them to join us.

• Ethnic fusion musicians (e.g., electric sitar and violin, synth drums)
• Exotic belly dancers
• More fire dancers
• Aerial fabric dance
• Spiritual and ceremonial artists and dancers
• African style lead drummers
• Drumming facilitators offering different styles (e.g., Arthurian, games)
• Guided mediation and healing
• Songs and chanting from various cultures
• Theatrical improv games
• Mask-making, body painting, and costume creativity

We do this because we love it. Your sponsorship make it possible for us to come, bring drums, and whatever else we need. Together we'll explore what we all hope to make of the experience. Then, I help empower the group, sharing whatever we can, teaching and facilitating as needed, and ultimately supporting its ongoing development. Each person contributes whatever they feel it's worth to them, supporting further outreach and this growing community.

Each month, I travel throughout Colorado (including Colorado Springs and Fort Collins) to visit friends and consulting clients. Thanks to this, I'm able to join circles all over! We just need a space large enough for the group to gather in a circle and make some sounds. It's always best to let neighbors know ahead of time if not invite them along. Alternatively, we could make use of my home studio here in Arvada (midway between Denver and Boulder).

We can bring these drum circles to our family and friends, parties, team building workshops, weddings, coffee shops, spiritual groups, and schools. Some would have more of an educational focus while others might be more entertaining. It's really whatever you want it do be!

Call or write me and let me know what you'd be most interested in.

Doug Bates
[The long-haired red-headed guy with glasses, taking requests and making house calls!]
AIM/ICQ: Aquae Atrae
720-937-DOUG or 719-232-DOUG (in Colorado Springs)
doug+dw@darkwaters.org