Ecstatic Dance - Blindfold Trance

Ecstatic Dance is a conscious movement practice that invites people to drop out of their minds and into their bodies to unwind and open to inner wisdom. Dance, Music and Cacao Medicine are the center point of these ceremonies catalyzing ecstatic states, where conscious mind limitations dissolve, opening the doors to the vast subconscious intelligence. It is an opportunity to connect deeply with self and others in fun ways words cannot express. A gracious experience to meet yourself as you are and open a space where you can see beyond who you think you are... It’s about you, freedom, joy and honesty. The dance floor is non-verbal which invites a deeper somatic experience. It is a drug and alcohol-free event. Do you have any stress or problems in your life? Let's face it, who doesn’t worry about things! Dancing is a much healthier alternative to drinking, smoking or comfort eating (hence no alcohol at these events). You often store your stress in your physical bodies, and you can literally release that tension through movement. What kind of music is played? And what do we do? We play music that encourages movement. Our sonic journey is a fusion of world music, electronica, dubstep, tribal house, classic remixes and more! In this space, all are welcomed into radical self-expression and acceptance. Do yoga, stretch, dance like no one is watching, or just chill and enjoy the music. BLINDFOLD TRANCE We close our eyes when we sleep, but also when we cry, when we imagine things or when we kiss... because the most beautiful things in the world are inside of us - in our feelings. These feelings are a mixture of sunshine and rain, teardrops and laughter, pleasure and pain. The Music is always present inside, along with your feelings, either happy or sad. There is a melody for every moment in life. Music is a gift that lifts you up when you are down and calms your soul when it's all too much. Music can take you anywhere in the Universe. It's all about listening close enough and letting the melody take you where you need to go. Let the rhythm support your steps towards the new reality you create for yourself - the world you want to live in. - 6:30 PM - Doors Open - 7:00 pm - Opening circle – it’s a chance for you to get to know who is in the room and if you want to share a bit about yourself. If you don’t feel like talking, just pass the feather. - 7:30 pm – We will put on the blindfolds and the music will start with trance-inducing beats. The rhythms will progressively go deeper and more layered to support the inner journey. Once the room starts to move and the rhythm accelerates, a gong will mark the move towards the second part of the dance. You can either remove your blindfold and dance with more energy or continue to dance with the blindfold on with less outside expression and journeying more inside. The rhythms will slow down to conclude with a smooth landing back to stillness at the end. - 9:20 pm - Music stops and we have a wind down meditative moment. Depending on the event – there will be Singing bowls, Didgeridoo, Flute or other traditional acoustic instruments to help in this process. - 9:30 pm – Closing circle – we clap together three times and the fourth time back to the earth to close. - 9:35 pm – Non-verbal time is over - have a chat with the people you shared the space with during the dance. - Occasionally we have a Kava ceremony or Hot Tea during the cold months and hang out for some time. Arrive and leave whenever you want but be mindful not to disturb the other participants. Ecstatic Dance Agreements This is a Free-form Movement Temple To maintain ultimate freedom we agree to the following: 1. No talking on the Dancefloor (or at the Altar). - Please whisper off of the dancefloor only 2. No street shoes on the dancefloor. No showing up drunk or drugged, no pictures, video, or wearing of scent (please be clean). 3. Respect the Space - Others' Space and the Collective Space. When Approaching others: - Listen for a Yes (get eye contact first) - Respect any No (like when they are ignoring you) - Respect the Solo Dancers' Right to their Space - Hands in prayer at heart means: "I see you, and thank you for the dance (that just ended)." This is a Transformational Space for Healing, Prayer, and Freeform Movement. You will be asked to leave if you do not follow these agreements. Thank you! No dance experience required*** The venue has parking for 70 cars. Contribution $20 / $15 concession *** The Cacao Ceremony is scheduled on the first Friday of each month. Here is a sample of the music we are playing: https://www.mixcloud.com/dancingfire/ecstatic-dance-cacao-ceremony-030317-release-and-let-go/