Ecstatic Dance: Arbores with Ursidae 🐻

Ecstatic Dance DC is the dance-iest dance floor in all of DC. An incredible diversity of expressions and generations show up for one thing: to dance. All magic and connection sprouts from that singular intention. Our barefoot, non-verbal, lucid space is curated for you to let loose, play, commune with your body and connect with others in a vibrant setting. Join us for a celebration of new music and art!! SCHEDULE: 7:00pm - Doors open 7:15pm - Ensemble Movement Opening with Umair Asn 8:30pm - Ecstatic Dance with Ursidae 10:00pm - Sound Healing with Ursidae 10:15pm - Closing Circle 10:30pm - End of Session :: Ursidae :: Jae Ursidae 🐻 is a multi-instrumentalist, producer & DJ as well as leader of Ecstatic Dance DC. Jae's intricate and funky yet dreamy sounds stems from his upbringing, an environment which fostered his desire for musical exploration. A professor of music theory for a father and a background steeped in classical piano, jazz, funk, and electronic influences, music has been central to his life from the start. With guitar in hand, Ursidae seamlessly blends the warmth of live instrumentation with the infectious grooves of electronic music. His live performances become a playground of spontaneity, each moment an invitation to join him on a musical journey like no other. The core purpose of Ursidae is to inspire love and movement through layers of hypnotically energizing tones and rhythms! If Bonobo’s groove was combined with the psychedelic synths of Boards of Canada, it would be this organic downtempo instrumental; lush foley percussion blended with relaxing jazz guitar and trippy synths over a grooving bassline. ‘Arbores’ is perfect for playlists like Melantronic, late night vibes, The Wind Down, and Brain Food. Promotion includes full press push, music video, and extensive playlisting, tiktok, and social media promotion. withkoji.com/@Ursidaemusic :: Umair Asn :: Umair fell in love with Contact Improvisation (CI) upon meeting it in the desert. He was struck by the practice and its ability for active engagement with the soma. First a student and continuing to research the form through workshops and jams, Umair studied CI with various teachers including Mark Young, Nita Little, Irene Sposetti, and Ken Manheimer. He hosts a biweekly Contact Wednesday Jam and have facilitated CI and related workshops at Interfusion Festival 2023 and 2024, Catharsis on Mall, and Touch & Play MX. Contemplative Improv An exploratory workshop in a community improvisation taking inspiration from Authentic Movement and Contemplative Dance Practice (CDP). We are invited to a meditative state of witnessing while allowing for intuitive action as individual and ensemble. Wait for the impulse, let it move you, let go and rest often. TICKETS: Tickets are $30 online with a sliding scale of $15 - $50 at the door! https://app.tickethive.com/?org=651c6d71-3048-4eca-922f-37990ad1e02c VENUE: The Edgewood Arts Building Please contact us about volunteer opportunities, which gives you free entry. Volunteer schedules must be arranged BEFORE dance day, no exceptions. Limited space available. *** First time to an Ecstatic Dance? Here's an introduction to what we're about: Ecstatic Dance is a community gathering for people who want to express themselves in a playful and artistic space with other people who value conscious connection, movement, and great music! We create a dance/movement space that is inspiring and uplifting, without talking, alcohol or nightclub vibes. We encourage participants to utilize the Ecstatic Dance space as a laboratory for creative movement, unbridled self-expression, authentic connections and a healthy dose of sweat. We hold a nonverbal, barefoot, alcohol-free container to keep the journey intentional and lucid. You can dance the night away and still wake up early to do awesome stuff in the world! *** Guidelines: 1. No talking on the dance floor 2. Drug-Free, Smoke-Free, Alcohol-Free environment 3. No photos or videos, cellphones muted and out of sight 4. Respect for the space and for one another 5. Move your body however you wish! 6. You can dance alone, or with partners. (If you’d rather not dance with someone, thank them for the offer by placing your hands in prayer position at your heart) *** What to Bring: 1. Loose-fitting clothes that let you move your body and free yourself 2. Water and a water bottle. You can refill it at the venue. See you there!