Charlie's Amazing Self-Built Dance Temple is located in Cluain Troim - The meadow of the Elder Tree, CastletownBerehaven and gloriously looking out across the deep-water channel from the sheltered Haven to the Wild Atlantic. Here, in this hallowed (impressive Wedge Tomb nearby) place is a beautiful, open-plan space with a startling panoramic glass wall. 

In this lovely structure she has introduced Movement Medicine to West Cork. 

I can't claim to be an expert but I can explain it as I've experienced it:  A dance-movement meditation led by a teacher through music but definitely otherwise, á la carte, i.e. you choose how and at what pace you do your dance.  No dictatorship! 

Charlie has an incredible, rare gift to select and play music from a seemingly bottomless and ever-surprising reservoir to suit the mood or theme of the session and its participants. 

For myself, the benefits has been: Therapeutic - fitness, suppleness, healing and physical well-being; Esoteric (I normally shy away from New Agey terms but ...) - empowerment, more awareness of the elements and the environment surrounding us.  I personally like some of the rituals of shamanism and remembrance of folk-practice that hark back to our pre-Christian past.  

Payment is 12euro or 'Whatever You Can Afford', which is a generous-spirited gesture in keeping with this nurturing space.

Charlie has over the last year also hosted fund-raising events (e.g. Médicine Sans Frontiéres), and just some damn good parties. 

Viva la Charlie and Movement Medicine West Cork!    

                                                             Jim O'Connor - Toxophilite (archer), Writer and Eco Warrior