Whats should i expect?

It takes places over a 90 minute live DJ set and starts and finishes with a short opening and closing circle led by a Ceremony Leader. There is no teacher as such, but we ask you to follow a few points of etiquette:

·        No talking. Ecstatic Dance is a silent practice -you are welcome to communicate with others with your body language, but please keep words outside the dance space

·        No shoes. Barefoot dancing helps us ground ourselves through embodiment of music through movement

·        No drugs/alcohol. Ecstatic Dance is a conscious practice embracing mindfulness

·        Phone-free zone. Encouraging safety & presence. Be here now

·        No touching or partner dancing without consent

·        Consent can be nonverbal or verbal. The gesture of prayer hands means "no" or "I’m done dancing”

·        Respect of self and other. We ask participants to take responsibility for themselves, but also to watch out for others and be mindful of their personal space. Consider your actions & how they can affect the space

What happens during the session?

The session usually follows the following order over two hours:

·        Warm up from doors open

·        Opening circle - welcomes and introductions for newbies to the practice, namaste

·        Warm up set - afro beat, house set to get you moving (with some optional guided movement)

·        Ecstatic set - tech house, indie dance, techno, psy-trance embodying ecstasy through dance

·        Cool down set - minimal, downtempo, ambient, meditative and esoteric

·        Closing circle - thanks, reflections and announcements, see you next time!

What if I can’t dance?

It all begins with movement. There is no wrong way to move. Go with what feels right, do what feels good. Ecstatic dance is a safe and welcoming space for all people. Young, or not so young anymore, you can lose yourself in the music and honor your body through ecstatic movement.

You don't need to actually ‘dance’. However you want to move (or not move) is perfectly OK. Any movement is allowed (and encouraged). Sometimes people just slide across the floor or stretch or just sit in stillness.

For those of us  who aren't confident expressing ourselves in this way, maybe you'll awaken something within you.

What should I wear?

Dress to move. Most dancers come dressed as they would for a yoga or fitness class, or for a spiritual festival.  Dress however you wish and in whatever makes you comfortable.

What should I bring?

·        A large full water bottle (preferably reusable, we've put enough plastic on this planet) and a curious, conscious mind

·        Proof of your ticket purchase from the site or email

·        Chocolate or fruits to share with the group at the end (if you want to)

What if I’m super shy?

If you struggle with shyness or anxiety, simply close your eyes and sway or bounce. When I first started, I would dance with my eyes opened just a little bit, so I could only see people's legs. You will quickly realise that no one cares about how you move, no one is judging you, and the only barrier to your enjoyment is your own anxiety.

Ecstatic dances are never filmed or photographed (without consent) meaning that you can really let go, safe in the knowledge there will be no evidence of your participation.

What kind of music is it?

Ecstatic Dance music is eclectic and not linked to any specific genre. We start with ambient, chillout tunes then bring you on an ecstatic journey with electronica, EDM, world music and ethnic beats before bringing you back down with downtempo tracks and finish with a gentle sound bath.

Are children allowed?

Absolutely, we love kids! Our dances are family-friendly and under 12s can come for free (subject to availability/event not selling out!). Please remember this is a dance practice and a moving meditation and so children must be supervised so that the space is not disrupted for others. Please ensure any children understand the session etiquette above (particularly the no talking bit). We recommend to bring ear defenders for sensitive ears.

Tips:

·        Try warming up first with some gentle stretching before the opening circle, ecstatic dance can be an intense workout if you want it to be!

·        Stay hydrated, it can get very sweaty in the summer

·        If you get tired, head to the chillout zone

·        Have a go at home with your favorite music, dance like no-one is watching!