Ecstatic Dance
Ecstatic Dance is an international conscious dance practice defined by several key principles that distinguish it from traditional or social dance:
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Free-Form Movement: There’s no choreography; participants are encouraged to move however they feel.
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Sacred Space: The dance floor is often seen as a sacred space, free of judgment, alcohol, drugs, and distractions (e.g., no phones or talking).
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Musical Journey: DJs create a "wave" of music that guides dancers through varying energies and emotions, from grounding beats to uplifting rhythms.
Ecstatic Dance offers a place where people reconnect with the spirit of their bodies, where movement heals, music guides, and the dancing tribe holds the experience.
3 simples but powerful Principles
An Ecstatic Dance session begins with an opening circle, where the guidelines and process are explained. This is followed by a brief warm-up or group dynamic to prepare participants for the musical journey. The main session, facilitated by a DJ, lasts approximately two hours. At the end, participants gather once more in a closing circle to conclude the experience.
On the dance floor, the practice follows 3 simples guidelines:
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We Dance Barefoot to connect more fully with the Ground,
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We Dance without words (No Verbal Instruction from the Facilitators & No Talking from the Dancers), this makes it easier to be in a Meditative State,
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We Dance as We Are, No Drugs/Alcohol, No Phones, No Camera/Video, No Scents, No Expectations, No Judgements, No Shoulds, No Oughts… Just Be Yourself; With Respect for Ourselves, the Space, and One Another.
Ecstatic Dance History
Ecstatic Dance as we know it today owes its roots to Gabrielle Roth’s pioneering work and its form to Max Fathom’s innovative approach. Both are integral to its history and evolution.
The work of Gabrielle Roth, best known for creating 5Rhythms in 1970, a transformative dance practice that blends movement, mindfulness, and self-expression. Roth’s work laid the groundwork for conscious dance practices, including Ecstatic Dance, by introducing the idea of dance as a space for self-discovery, healing, and connection. The "Sweat Your Prayers" format, is often considered a foundational influence on Ecstatic Dance.
Max’s work, in the year 2000 on the Big Island of Hawaii, is more directly tied to the modern Ecstatic Dance format as it is practiced today, with a focus on DJ-led sessions, the musical wave, and community guidelines that can be found in the international Ecstatic Dance framework.
My approach to Ecstatic Dance: in harmony with Nature
Since childhood, my connection with nature, forests, and the mycelium has been a profound source of inspiration. I love infusing this organic energy into my sessions, transforming them into gateways to the energy of the moment, guided by natural cycles. This influence permeates every detail— from the selection of the site that hosts the dance floor, to the visuals in my communication, the incorporation of natural elements in the decor, the warm-up practices, and the musical journey that accompanies the dancers.
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Where to find me ?
Every month (on the third weekend), we gathered at Nuïtat Espai, a beautiful and cosy venue in the middle of the countryside near Montseny Mountain in Catalonia, Spain.
