Earthdance

Earthdance International  bills itself as "the world's largest synchronized music and dance festival for peace" and is held annually in various cities across the world. It started in 1997 and has since grown into an annual festival for aging hippies and various other New Age practitioners. Earthdance was conceived in 1996 by event producer/musician Chris Deckker, with a vision to unite the whole world in peace through the universal platform of dance and music. They are a California-based non-profit organization (501c3) dedicated to "Building a Culture of Peace" by fusing the elements of festival culture and conscious entertainment with the worldwide movements of peace and sustainability through music, art, dance and synchronized prayer/meditation practice.

The highlight of each event is the simultaneous playing of the Earthdance "anthem" at midnight (GMT) at all the various parties worldwide. The organisation is aligned with the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 21, and thus the parties take place on, or around, these days.

Each year, Earthdance focuses on a specific cause or charity. In 2010, they focused on "Embracing All Traditions" and participated in a worldwide synchronized "Prayer for Peace" in the Holy Land. Previous years have focused on Drums of Peace (2004), Honoring the Wisdom of the Elders (2006), Honoring the Water (2007), Honoring the Earth (2008) and Blessing the Children (2009).

It's also a perfect opportunity for the aging hippies to indulge in recreational pharmaceuticals.