Summer Ecstatic Dance

The past 3 months has brought significant change and challenge to us as individuals, as community and to humanity as a whole. Some of the hardest parts of the recent pandemic are behind us and yet extraordinary times lie ahead. We are very excited and grateful to offer this unique, outdoor, fully-immersive dance experience. We invite you to join with your dance-loving kin, let go of the comforts of what you've known, and lean into each other and the unknown that lies ahead. Please read through this event description in full – if you decide to donate and attend, that indicates your agreement to honor the protocols. DETAILS: This event will be solar-powered courtesy of our friends at Portable Electric and will take place outdoors at a park in the central part of Vancouver (**location will be revealed on Saturday evening July 4th**). Dance begins at 9:45am Closing circle 11:35-11:45am You will be provided with high quality, over the ear, noise cancelling headphones that will stream goldenboi's music while he plays for us in the park. The headphones can be adjusted for your desired volume and provide an all-immersive experience for you as a dancer, while at the same time minimize the disturbance to other people who may be also be enjoying the park at that time. This event is strictly limited to 50 persons. We are asking for a minimum $20 donation (plus Eventbrite fees) to help cover the cost associated with throwing this event. To attend, you MUST DONATE IN ADVANCE via the Eventbrite link below. If cost is a barrier, please contact organizers. Upon arrival, we will ask you for your government issue ID as a deposit in exchange for the headset. Newcomers are welcome! No prior experience necessary. PRECAUTIONS: As community space holders we are required to adhere to the rules and guidelines set out by health authorities in regards to COVID-19. We ask that you please embrace them as an act of kindness and shared responsibility: • Sanitize your hands upon arrival and again before leaving (sanitizer will be provided) • Do not attend if you are feeling unwell at all or have any symptoms (cough, fatigue, sore throat) • Please maintain 2m distance physical distance from each other throughout the duration of the event • Unfortunately, no shaking hands, hugs or physical contact while at the event • If you wish to wear a face mask please bring one with you • Bring a small towel for personal use if you are likely to perspire and have it available to use in the dance area • For kids under 12: we ask that you also purchase a headset for them and that they remain within arm’s reach of you so as to ensure safe distancing at all times; please use your discretion as to whether your kid(s) will be willing to stay close with you for the duration of the session. Toddlers or younger are free. • We will provide mechanisms for sanitizing your headsets before and after use •Bring only essential items you need with you ABOUT GOLDENBOI: Based out of Victoria, British Columbia, goldenboi, aka Geoff Laurence, has quickly established himself as both a dynamic performer and versatile facilitator. Skilled in the art of somatic movement and healing through relational ways of being, goldenboi weaves together luscious soundscapes that open the heart, deepen the breath, and return the body to centre. Inspired by a wide array of musical influences from dancehall to dubstep, groove to global underground, and hip-hop to house, the goldenboi experiences aim to leave everyone feeling like they have something to dance to, weaved in an arching progression. Expect intelligent lyrics, intentional rhythms, and a soul-clapping good time. Outside of the Ecstatic Dance community, Geoff is one of Victoria’s co-founders of the PLUR Collective, a socially-conscious group of artists inspired to host events & parties for a cause. Best known for hosting the infamous "Pants Off Dance Off" parties in support of HIV/HCV positive youth, and “CatHAUS” which supports newcomers and refugees, Geoff moonlights as both intentional organizer and playful prowler, DJ boizNcatz, laying down deep & groovy beats that move people to action. Join goldenboi in exploring the richness in flow. With sound as the medicine, and community as the container, there is no limit to the ecstatic presence we can access through shared & embodied movement. HOUSEKEEPING: ** CELL PHONE USE ** We have a 'no cell phone use' policy in the dance space. If you need to use your device, please do so outside the space. ** KIDS ** For kids under 12: we ask that you also purchase a headset for them and that they remain within arm’s reach of you so as to ensure safe distancing at all times; please use your discretion as to whether your kid(s) will be willing to stay close with you for the duration of the session. Toddlers or younger are free. ** TALKING ** The dance area is a no-talking zone. This is again done to remove any distractions and to allow for dropping in more fully. If you need to have a conversation, however brief, please step away from the dance space so as to limit distraction. If you witness a conversation happening, you are welcome to gently remind people of this request (with a gesture). ** DANCING ** Please only enjoy your own personal dance for this event in an effort to abide by physical distancing guidelines. **SPONSORS** We are grateful to our amazing sponsors who help keep us hydrated, fuelled and powered. Thank you to Portable Electric for helping us power the event with solar. Should you so desire, please be ready to enjoy some Hippy Snacks, and some Bucha Brew from our lovely food and beverage sponsors. ECSTATIC DANCE OFFERS: • Practice freedom of expression through movement, while respecting and being aware of those around you. • Tune into an eclectic selection of musical flavors from a revolving lineup of fantastic facilitators. • Inspire and explore new ways to move your body. • Learn to enter into a state of trance without the use of substances (no drugs or alcohol please). • Non denominational closing (can be in the form of a prayer, meditation or circle) • Minimal facilitation. You are free to move as you wish. IN CLOSING: Take care of yourself, others and the space. Bring a water bottle. Breathe. Wear comfortable clothing for movement. Be prepared to sweat.