• About the Dances
• Timeline of the Dances
• About the Originator
• Dance Ancestors
• Overview of Dance Organization

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Sufi Ruhaniat International
The Sufi Ruhaniat International (Ruhaniat) is the initiatory spiritual order created by the founder's immediate circle of students shortly after the passing of the founder of the Dances of Universal Peace, Murshid Samuel L. Lewis. The Dances of Universal Peace and Walking Concentrations are a primary practice among Ruhaniat initiates. The Ruhaniat holds all rights to the published and unpublished teachings of Murshid Samuel L. Lewis, including the Dances of Universal Peace (as a name and body of work) and the Walking Concentrations he began.  The spiritual transmission of the Dances of Universal Peace, and all other practices initiated by Murshid Samuel L. Lewis are the ultimate responsibility of the Jamiat Khas (esoteric governing council) of the Ruhaniat under the supervision of the Spiritual Director (Pir) of the Ruhaniat. This includes responsibility for training, the relationship between students and teachers, and certification in the Dances and Walks. Shabda Kahn, the Pir of the Ruhaniat serves as the Spiritual Guide of the Dances of Universal Peace.

Guidance Council
The Guidance Council holds in trust the transmission of the Dances of Universal Peace and Walking Concentrations in the lineage of Murshid Samuel L. Lewis. Four to six Senior Mentors are appointed on a rotating basis by the Pir of the Sufi Ruhaniat International, who is the Spiritual Guide of the Dances of Universal Peace. The Guidance Council has the responsibility of guiding leaders and mentors by encouraging their spiritual expansion and personal development, supporting learning opportunities, setting guidelines for certification and for mentor acknowledgements, recognizing mentors, and upholding standards of conduct and human relationship that are in keeping with the transmission of the Dances of Universal Peace. The Guidance Council keeps in communication with the Spiritual Guide, who provides assistance as required.

Leaders Guild
The Leaders Guild is the collective body of all mentored dance leaders. Leaders Guild members are responsible for carrying and nurturing the living stream of the Dances of Universal Peace and the Walking Concentrations through leadership that reflects ongoing spiritual and personal development. When someone becomes a mentored dance leader they automatically become a member of the Leaders Guild, if they abide by the Agreements in the Leaders Guild Guidelines, keep an active relationship with their mentor, and remain current with annual Leaders Guild fees.

Mentors Guild
Dance mentors are experienced dance leaders who have been invited to become teachers and guides to newer leaders, encouraging their mentees to develop and lead from their spiritual depth. The Mentors Guild is the collective body of all mentors. The Mentors Guild provides a forum for communication on such matters as transmitting, nurturing and protecting this body of work, the training of Dance and Walks leaders, and upholding the Agreements in the Leaders Guild Guidelines. In addition, the discussions of the Mentors Guild advise and assist the Guidance Council in all aspects of its work. Further information on dance mentoring is published in Mentoring Path.

Dances of Universal Peace International
Dances of Universal Peace International, a public benefit non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of dance leaders, provides the necessary legal and financial structure and administrative support. Our mission is to support the work of the Guidance Council, the Leaders Guild and to link the worldwide community of participants in the Dances. For further information, explore the tab "DUP International" at the top of this page.

Worldwide Network

Through regional dance organizations and networks (regions) leaders and dancers in a particular area create a more active local participation in the Dances, pooling resources to foster the growth and expression of the Dances in their areas.  Regions link people and provide information and ideas in their local language, using communication tools like web sites, email, journals, and periodic regional meetings and teleconferences.  They can also facilitate co-operative ventures such as regional dance retreats, trainings and camps, and provide resources to assist those who organize and publicize individual dance circles.  All of this is accomplished in ways best suited to applicable cultural factors. A Region can be created wherever the dance leaders in a locality decide that this would be advantageous.