2026 04 19 Natalie Zend “Elm Dance – Earth Day”

As we mark Earth Day, Natalie Zend, a member of Neighbourhood UU congregation, tells the story behind the dance, a remembrance of the losses produced by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. She teaches the steps. Then the congregation dances the Elm Dance as a way of expressing solidarity and sending out intentions for the healing of our world. Cassie Norton shares her songs and Moira MacDonald weaves the service. Service weaver: Moira MacDonald Guitar and vocals: Cassie Norton Time for All Ages (Breathing Tree meditation): Katherine (Kat) Martins-Grey Speaker: Natalie Zend Songs performed live by Cassie Norton, on vocals, guitar and violin - “Alive," by Cassie Norton - "Earth is Our Home," by Cassie Norton - "White Sand," by Cassie Norton - "Wild Rice," by Cassie Norton Music for the Elm Dance: - "Ka Man Klajas?" Lyrics by Māris Melgalvs. Music: Juris Kulakovs. Vocals: Ieva Akuratere Key words: Elm Dance, Work That Reconnects, Active Hope, Neighbourhood UU Congregation, Unitarian Universalism, Chernobyl, Novozybkov, Bach dances