Joanna Macy died last week. She was, for me, a beloved teacher and mentor when I was a student at Matthew Fox’s University of Creation Spirituality. I loved her class, and the lessons she taught me remain at the heart of what I try to live and teach. On the last day of her class, I told her I had written a song and dance during the week of her teaching . She generously allowed me to share it with the class, and you’ll hear the song (accompanied by Tracy Spring), with the instructions for the dance below.

I went on to be ordained as an interfaith minister. I share this with all of you, in remembrance of Joanna.

Dance Instructions for The Great Wheel Is Turning

©2004 Linda Allen
Inspired by the work of Joanna Macy

This simple yet powerful chant and dance is performed in a group, drawing on the wisdom of Joanna Macy’s teachings. Participants move in concentric circles, each layer embodying a different part of the chant. The dance builds gradually, honoring our shared resilience and interconnectedness.

Getting Started

• Form a large circle.

• Learn and practice the first four lines (Part 1), walking to the right in rhythm with the chant.

Choreography Breakdown

Part 1: The Great Wheel

(First four lines)

• Begin walking to the right, stepping in time with the music.

• Practice this section until the group is comfortable.

The Great Wheel is turning
Turning and turning
The Great Wheel is turning
We will survive

Part 2: Hold the Line

(Next four lines)

• Stop. On the first line, raise your right hand in a “stop” gesture.

• On the second line, begin walking to the left.

• Repeat this movement pattern for the third and fourth lines.

Hold the line
Turning and turning
Hold the line
We will survive

Part 3: Remember

(Final four lines)

• Walk slowly to the right on the first line.

• On the second line, raise arms upward and spin slowly in place.

• Repeat for the third and fourth lines.

Remember what you once knew
All life is holy
Widening the circle
We will survive

Bringing It Together: The Spiral of Sound and Movement

Once all parts are practiced:

1. Begin with everyone in the large circle, chanting and moving through Part 1.

   • Repeat twice.

2. About half the group steps inward to form a second, smaller circle, and begins Part 2.

   • The outer circle continues Part 1.

3. After Part 2 is repeated twice, a third, innermost circle forms, and begins Part 3.

   • Now, each of the three concentric circles is chanting and dancing a different section in harmony.

4. Continue until a natural stopping point arises.

   • The leader will signal the end by raising their arms and holding the final note.

This dance is not about perfection—it’s about presence, community, and carrying each other through. Let the movement and music guide you.