Ecstatic dance is a space where your body speaks, your mind quiets, and your soul feels free.
What is Ecstatic Dance ?
Ecstatic dance refers to a free-form movement and expression that encourages spontaneous, uninhibited, and authentic body movements.
You engage in a dance experience without predetermined choreography or specific dance styles,
allowing you to explore and express your emotions, creativity, and inner self through movement.
The focus is often on connecting with the rhythm of the music.
Ecstatic dance typically provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals
to dance freely, encouraging a diverse range of movements and styles.
The emphasis is on the joy of movement, self-discovery,
and the shared experience of dancing in a supportive environment.
Who Can participate in an Ecstatic Dance Event ?
I want to emphasize that no dance experience is required.
In fact, coming in without a dance background can help you stay more curious, and open to natural, unstructured movement.
As a human being, you are inherently a mover, which means you can fully participate in ecstatic dance.
Whether you use a wheelchair, have one arm, are visually impaired, or live with a physical condition,
ecstatic dance is open to everyBODY.
What to Expect at an Ecstatic Dance Event?
Each dance session lasts 80-90 minutes, starting slowly, building to a peak, and then returning to calm.
While this is at its essence a solo dance practice, people can also dance together.
You always choose what feels right for your body.
There’s no verbal guidance during the session.
The dance begins with a circle where we introduce ourselves and go over the rules of ecstatic dance.
There is an optional closing circle, lasting up to 30minutes, where you can share your experience with the group.
Ecstatic Dance Guidelines
We ask ALL participants to follow those specific GUIDELINES while participating in an ecstatic dance.
We are here together to foster an atmosphere of acceptance
where each of us can freely express themselves without fear of judgment.
Everyone is on their unique journey.
In Preparation for an Ecstatic Dance Session:
- Wear comfortable clothes to move easily
- Avoid wearing strong scents, oils, perfumes, or body spray
- Bring a journal (optional)
- The use of mind-altering substances is prohibited, and individuals under the influence will be requested to leave
- Photos and videos are prohibited
- Shoes off before entering the dance floor. You can dance barefoot, or bring a pair of socks or dancing shoes
During Ecstatic Dance:
- Take responsibility for your own physical and emotional comfort
- Be conscious about what you bring with you to the dance floor, physically, mentally, emotionally and energetically
- If you need a break from dancing, there are defined areas for stretching, meditating, journaling, and grounding
- Stay hydrated and take breaks whenever you need, listening to your body
- Use non verbal communication (gestures, bowing, eye contact, smile…) during the dance to allow participants to connect through movement without the need for words
- Sounds like yips, cheers, sighs, or grunts are welcome - Let it out within reason ;-)
Dancing With Other Bodies:
- You must obtain clear permission to engage in a dance with other movers
- You do not have to accept any invitation to dance from anyone, any time, ever
- You may end a dance you started or joined with anyone, any time, for any reason
- You don’t need to justify yourself to end a dance
- If you ‘d rather not dance with someone, or are ending a dance with someone, simply thank them by placing your hands in prayer at your heart or forehead, or a simply bow
Where Can We Find Ecstatic Dance sessions in Sioux Falls?
There is a growing ecstatic dance community here in Sioux Falls. Join our Facebook group to follow us.
We plan to meet monthly, for 2 hours at 2222 S Cliff Avenue.
By 2025, we hope to settle into the ideal space to offer you an amazing experience.
