The Richmond Paneurhythmy group began in 1983, when Philip Carr-Gommcame to talk to a meditation group in Hampton about his discovery of PanEuRhythmy, first from a second – hand book, then from visit to the Mikhael Ivanov community in France and to Bulgaria, during the difficult communist years. Here he was able to meet the followers of Peter Deunov and to learn about his teachings, his music and the Paneurhythmy dance.
Philip’s account of his experiences was inspiring and fascinating, and several of the group felt compelled to learn more. Philip and Danielle Carr – Gomm later taught us the Paneurhythmy movements, which we practiced in various gardens. Arlette (Ardella) Nathanael, one of the leaders of the group, also visited Bulgaria, met members of the community there and brought back to the group her enthusiasm and commitment.
Gradually, the need for a bigger ‘garden’ led to Richmond Park, as the venue for the Paneurhythmy dancing. The group has evolved since the early days: during the ‘80s only a few Bulgarians were able to come over to England to share their experience and expertise. Luckily the situation is very different now, and the Richmond group has benefitted greatly from the opening up of Europe.
In 1991 the first comprehensive book in English explaining the background, the meaning and the movements of Paneurhythmy was published. This was "The Circle of Sacred Dance - Peter Deunov's Paneurhythmy", edited by David Lorimer. (Sadly currently out of print) This book, together with "Prophet For Our Times - The Life and Teachings of Peter Deunov", edited byDavid Lorimer, ennabled English speakers to learn more about the work of Peter Deunov, and to study the movements of the Paneurhythmy in more detail.
The group welcomes all newcomers, and we hope that people from all cultures will come and enjoy the sense of universal peace and harmony that comes from dancing Paneurhythmy.
