©2024 ECSTATIC DANCE
Cranbrook / East Kootenays Ecstatic Dance w/ Cacao
Saturday
Saturday
@
@
7:30 pm
7:30 pm
Ecstatic Dance
Dates vary! Visit Cranbrookdance.eventbrite.ca for current events. For Fall 2024:
– Oct 5, 12 and 26: Saturday morning Cacao Dance
– Nov. 2: Samhain (Hallowe’en) Ecstatic Dance Saturday Evening
– Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14: Saturday morning dance with cacao
– Dec 21: Winter Solstice Ecstatic Dance evening celebration
Ethos
Dropping deeply into the body has become a rare and powerful experience in this era of information, distraction and confusion. I have a deep passion for embodiment practices that seek to ground each of us in our body—learning to appreciate the beauty of these human vessels many of us are taught to avoid or distrust!
Being present in the body, with the mind and heart, is the first big step that enables us to drop into the deep seat of consciousness that rests behind the ego, where true freedom and joy resides. I serve to support myself and others to enjoy the benefits of these practices and states, so that we may cultivate compassion and loving kindness for the benefit of all beings!
ABOUT ECSTATIC DANCE
Go wild! Be slow. Be bold. Be calm. Be exactly as you are in each moment. There is no script, no steps, no expectations, and no judgement.
- Kindly arrive early or on time and sober, with a clear mind and open heart
- Come dressed to move in comfortable clothing
- Bring a drinking vessel, spring water is provided (working up a sweat is not uncommon!)
- No experience required; all ages, bodies and peoples are welcome*
- We dance without footwear: you may dance in socks if you prefer
* toddlers welcome with supervision
Here’s a sample of the music we danced to at previous Ecstatic Dances
I’m delighted to curate ecstance dance sets from DJs around the world, featuring a mix of tribal beats, high vibes, groovey downtempo, sultry bass, funky electro folk, deep dubs, and global / shamanic fusion. The music is specifically curated to inspire a full body movement journey!
The Ecstatic Dance Movement
After 8 years of living in the East Kootenays, I’ve decided it’s time to bring the full ecstatic dance experience here. When I lived in Victoria, my community centred around monthly Full Moon dances. Spaces that were full of joy, life, light, connection and play. A space to move freely, to be in your body without any need to think or worry or impress anyone (not even yourself!). A space to relax, unwind, and perhaps connect to the inside of your left elbow for the first time in a decade. And most importantly, the container to experience the personal transformation that happens when we take time to really be present in our bodies.
I envision monthly dances with 50–100 beautiful people in the coming years, and appreciate YOUR help in making this dream come true!
Driving Directions and Parking:Enter through the main "Studio" doors. There is ample street parking. As always, kindly consider carpooling to reduce our carbon footprint (or walking / biking if you live in town.. since it's spring now!).
Please arrive on time or early. Help with set-up and/or clean-up is appreciated. This is a co-created community event. Organizers and DJ are not currently paid.
Please arrive on time or early. Help with set-up and/or clean-up is appreciated. This is a co-created community event. Organizers and DJ are not currently paid.
When
Saturday
7:30 pm
TO
9:30 pm
Frequency
Bimonthly
Saturday mornings 2–3 times a month, and select evenings (solstice, equinox, samhain, full moons, etc.)
Where
11 Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC
How Much
$15 to $25 (less or free for kids)
Upcoming Dances
October 5, 2024
Saturday Morning Cacao Dance
October 12, 2024
Saturday Morning Cacao Dance
October 26, 2024
Saturday Morning Cacao Dance
DJ Dancin' Dave
November 2, 2024
Samhain / Hallow's Eve dance!
November 30, 2024
Saturday Morning Cacao Dance
December 7, 2024
Saturday Morning Cacao Dance
December 14, 2024
Saturday Morning Cacao Dance
DJ Dancin' Dave
December 21, 2024
Winter Solstice Ecstatic Dance Celebration
Dance Guidelines
Ecstatic Dance – Simple Guidelines
1. We Dance Barefoot
- This allows us to connect more fully with the Ground (socks are OK)
- If you have a physical condition or need and would like to dance with shoes, kindly do so (otherwise pls avoid shoes so as not to harm others’ toes!)
2. We Dance without words
- This makes it easier to be in a Meditative or “flow” State
- Minimal Verbal Instruction from the Facilitators (at the beginning only, for newcomers), and the ecsatic dance itself is unguided
- No Conversations on the dance floor (Do express yourself vocally in any way you like WITHOUT using words: howl, shout, hoot, giggle, etc. with awareness for the space around you). If you need a conversation, kindly move to the entrance way or outdoors.
3. We Dance as We Are
- No: drugs, alcohol, cell phones or artifical scents;
- No expectations, judgements, shoulds or oughts… Just Be Yourself; With respect for ourselves, the space, and one another.
- Honour your own body and its needs: enjoy fresh spring water, fresh air, or little breaks to sit, stretch, etc.
4 . An Embodiment Practice
- For those looking to get the most benefit out of dance as a movement practice, you are invited to leave all thoughts off the dance floor (especially fears and worries!) and be fully present in your body and senses.
- Challenge yourself to find a movement expression in every moment, even when you don’t think you like the music or song … you might surprise yourself!
- To maintain the practice, try to stay in motion for the entire practice (it can be very subtle). That includes sitting and dancing softly with your arms, stretching, rolling around on the floor, etc… see if you can keep the energy moving throughout the entire dance!
