The drum circle is one of the most misunderstood human activities. That fact that it is so unique explains at least in part, why. At the core a drum circle is a polyrhythmic percussion symphony, with drummers and dancers, and different people who come for a variety of reasons.
When both drummers and dancers are present it is referred to as a ‘full house’. The drumming rhythms make the dancers dance, and their dance tends to make the drummers play with more passion. It is like an interpersonal double feedback loop, based on audio and visual stimuli. The result is often musical ecstasy. The drum-dance provides the soundtrack and show to the drum circle.
While rhythm is the common thread that connects people, there are many reasons why people attend a drum circle. Some come to relax, others to get excited. Some come to meet others, while some come to contemplate or write in their journal. Some people come for wellness reasons which include, de-stressing, healing and refreshing from a long week of hard work. The list goes on... Few events encapsulate such diversity: age, nationality, political views, religion, sexual orientation, philosophy, culture, etc.
There is a joy you see when looking at people’s faces. It can be a smile with a deep sense of contentment. You may see people nodding at each other, with a sense of communion and understanding. When the deep groove and ‘entrainment’ take hold, you witness a community of great diversity playing in perfect harmony. Entrainment is a term that refers to when human brain waves attune to an external rhythm, usually engendering relaxation, wellbeing and euphoria.
The Phuket Drum Circle (PDC) is a free and public gathering that takes place every Sunday at Nai Harn Beach, or at a designated indoor location if it rains. In the last year, the size of the drum circle has tripled to an average of 250 participants per session.
While there are drum circles in most cities of English-speaking countries, and in many other nations, the PDC is the only public drum circle in Asia with a year-round schedule, a website and Facebook page. It is run by an administration of volunteers with equal voting rights. The PDC doesn’t really belong to any person or organisation. It belongs to Phuket, Thailand. In the future, it may be overseen by the government or TAT. The PDC is possibly a prototype model for future drum circles in Thailand, and Asia. This activity has been around for millennia.
If you have never been to a drum circle, this anniversary is a great time to experience one. The energy and good vibes ring through. The 12th anniversary is on Sunday, July 21 at Nai Harn Beach (south side) from 4:30pm till after sunset, and beyond.
In case of rain the drum circle will be at the lovely Lakeside Bar and Hotel, 500 metres from the beach location. For updates check the Facebook page ‘Phuket Drum Circle’. Whatever happens, enjoy the feeling, entrainment feels good in the body.