Gurdjieff Movements

Gurdjieff Movements

We teach and practice the Gurdjieff Movements at Camp Caravan as part of an integrated exploration of Fourth Way ideas.

G.I. Gurdjieff collected and developed the Movements through contact with sources he discovered through travels in the Middle East and Central Asia. A unique method of training attention, the Movements, also known as Sacred Dances, work with all three centers —physical, emotional, and mental.

Undertaken as a cooperative activity, the Movements raise awareness of the group while expressing a symbolic language. The Movements transform energies into finer more subtle ones that can serve something higher. Through the language of gesture and posture, the Movements can communicate ideas, universal laws and inner states.

Participating in the Movements

There are opportunities to participate in the Gurdjieff Movements at Camp Caravan seminars, Work Days, and meetings. People of all ages and fitness levels can participate in the Movements, as they are able. 

For example, people can join the class even if they are sitting down by doing arm or head gestures, keeping a foot rhythm, or saying words that may be a part of the Movement.

An inner work of quieting the mind and feelings and relaxing the body is a useful preparation for the class, allowing greater openness to the class.

Appropriate clothing is loose and comfortable. A respectful attitude is reflected in not wearing shorts or tank tops. We recommend wearing flexible shoes, such as ballet slippers or gymnastic shoes.  Flexible shoes in a range of sizes can be obtained online from:

• Capezio
• Dancewear Solutions
• Cartwheel Factory 

Gurdjieff Movements worldwide

Various groups share examples of Gurdjieff Movements online.  Some of those participate in Movements as an element of integrated Work. In addition to Camp Caravan, there are groups teaching Movements in many locations. View links for a list of some of these programs.

• Read a talk by Laurence Morocco about the Gurdjieff Movements given at the 2024 Gurdjieff conference at the Center for World Religions at Harvard University
• Read about the music for the Movements here.