Jewell began Invocation in 2025 supported by three other lead teachers: Gavin Frank – Sacred Octave & The Singing Body; Briony Greenhill – Collaborative Vocal Improvisation; Ilaria Franchi – Movement Medicine; and Jewell brought Dance Connection top of leading and organising the festival with The Leela Centre. Michelle Crozier joined us as a Guest Facilitator bringing Kirtan, Mantra of the Heart; and Stuart Martin supported Jewell and brought a Listening Circle. Leela Community members also offered their gifts to the festival – in workshops, events, and creating a wonderful home from home venue.
Such gratitude to all those that came to that first festival in 2025, new festivals take a while to be known about, and in the first year a lot is learned! It was a steep learning for Jewell, the festival had many successes, but also areas that needed resolving to make it a better gathering.
One of those changes was to share the load, this she did with Gavin Frank – an easy and creative alliance was made. Another change was to have more teachers and more variety of workshops. 2026 saw Gavin & Michelle return, and others bringing their gifts: Blanche Mulholland – Continuum & Somatic Movement; Kelly Day – Sound Baths; Jean Rankin – 5 Rhythms; Jane Silver-Corren – simple world songs & vocal improvisation; & Jewell brought different Dance Connection pathways. Community members: Prabuddho, Tarisha, Bart, Bayari, Bhavo, Sefton & Maiki also contributed to the Invocation 2026 programme. The teaching team were stellar -well done!
We heard so much amazing feedback from those who came in 2026 and hope to build on this in 2027. We were up against scorching temperatures and it was at times rather overwhelming trying to keep cool and dance. Singing was easier, and never had Jewell felt more appreciative of trees, especially the old oak that stands in The Leela Centre garden – giving shade and respite from the relentless heat. We were a small, beautiful gathering and need those of you who came to the spread the word – so others know about Invocation.