Let's Meditate With Ecstatic Dance

From The Atlanta Club Scene to Meditation Through Movement

The idea of Ecstatic Dance comes off as intriguing, yet strange when the concept is introduced to people initially. If you told me I was going to dance for hours with no shoes and no alcohol and love it 20 years ago, I would have told you, you were crazy. Being the adventure-loving person that I am, I would have gone to the party, but the unevolved version of me would have had more judgment than curiosity. 20 years ago I was 22.

If you knew me some time ago, you know I’ve partied with the best of them. I’m talking club nights during Bill Campbell's Atlanta before Shirley Franklin came in and changed the curfew laws. Through change and evolution, the same type of parties didn’t feel like they used to during their peak in my life. There wasn’t anything wrong with the parties, I changed. 

Photo by ibuki Tsubo on Unsplash

Almost 10 years ago one of my mentors took me to an Ecstatic Dance event. This woman had already sped up my ascension on my spiritual path in many ways, so of course I was up for doing anything she suggested, even though I had never heard of Ecstatic Dance. 

When we met up at the event, she gave me the rundown in a rushed whisper. I felt like we were about to go to a secret underground Atlanta nightclub and being who I was, that was pretty normal. The place she took me wasn’t secret at all. It was a party within a metaphysical festival. The rules she mentioned were so different from anything I had ever heard, but I wasn’t turned off. The rules were:

• No shoes 

• No talking on the dancefloor

• No judgement

• No alcohol or drugs

As a person with Atlanta club promoter friends and MANY years of partying, I was intrigued because I got tired of the scene a long time ago. Smartphones killed the vibes of mainstream club life. The place with the best vibes was always MJQ and I feel like a lot of that had to do with the dark lighting, which made smartphones ridiculous, and the lack of VIP culture. So anything far away from Atlanta mainstream club life was a must-experience opportunity and the rules aligned with who I was at that time. 

The shoe rule was there to make sure people were grounded within their dance experience. The talking rule made sure people were able to connect with spirit and use dance as a meditation tool. The no-judgment rule is there to make sure people feel safe and secure in their experience. So many people don’t express themselves because of a looming fear of judgment. Ecstatic dance is not the place for that AT ALL. The rule against alcohol or drugs is to make sure everyone has a pure connection in their meditations. 

Once I stepped onto the dance floor I was blown away. The DJ was the legendary Scott Houston of Sol Dance Movement who delivered a mind-blowing set that forever changed my life. Talking was limited on the dance floor, however we all communicated and connected through dance. It was a magical experience that I  will always remember and enjoy sharing with others.

The Spirit of Dance is Always Alive

For thousands of years, dance has been a spiritual tool for healing, fertility, gratitude, ascension, and even war. Dancing for spiritual purposes never stopped. Many Indigenous tribes around the world continue rituals and ceremonies that involve dances from thousands of years ago. If you have ever been to certain types of Christian churches you will see people of all colors who dance in the name of “catching the spirit.” This isn’t the planned dancing that happens in uniform. This type of dancing comes with heavy percussion, strong vocals, and often comes with a pastor chanting/preaching. I’m blessed to have witnessed this in person many times over. The concept of Ecstatic Dance isn’t a new phenomenon. It is a modern approach to spiritual dance in a spiritually neutral environment. 

Unleashing Your Inner Dancer: The Purpose of Ecstatic Dance

Ecstatic dance is more than just letting loose on the dance floor. It's a form of moving meditation, a journey of self-discovery fueled by music and movement. Here are some of the key purposes of ecstatic dance:

• Stress Relief and Emotional Release: Ecstatic dance allows you to shed inhibitions and express yourself freely. This can be a powerful tool for managing stress, processing emotions, and boosting your mood.

• Mind-Body-Spirit Connection: As you move your body, you become more present in the moment. This heightened awareness fosters a deeper connection between your mind, body, and spirit.

• Community Building: Ecstatic dance creates a safe and inclusive space for people to connect with themselves and others on a deeper level, fostering a sense of community.

Finding Your Flow: The Rules (or Guidelines) of Ecstatic Dance

While there are no rigid rules in ecstatic dance, some core principles create a supportive and respectful environment for everyone. These may vary slightly depending on the location, but here are some common guidelines:

• Move Freely: This is your chance to express yourself without judgment. Let the music guide you and explore whatever movements feel right in your body.

• Substance-Free Space: Ecstatic dance is a drug and alcohol-free zone, allowing participants to connect with themselves and the music naturally.

• Respectful Movement: Be mindful of the space of others and avoid any actions that could cause injury.

• Silence on the Dance Floor: This creates a space for deep immersion in the music and movement.

• Open to All: Ecstatic dance welcomes everyone, regardless of age, dance experience, or ability.

Celebrate the Winter Solstice in Indianapolis

Join us for a transformative journey of movement, music, and mindfulness as we honor the Winter Solstice.

Embrace the longest night of the year with a celebration of light, life, and inner connection. Ecstatic Dance Indy and Soul Trine invite you to an alcohol-free, judgment-free space where you can let go, move freely, and connect with your deepest self.

Ecstatic Winter Solstice

• Ecstatic Dance: Lose yourself in the rhythm as live DJs create a sonic landscape to inspire movement and transformation.

• Metaphysical Exploration: Immerse yourself in a world of sound healing, energy work, and other conscious experiences.

• Community Connection: Share this special moment with like-minded souls as we come together to celebrate the turning of the seasons.

Date: December 21, 2024 Time: 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM Location: 8902 Otis Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46216

Wear comfortable clothing and bring water. Water will be available for sale as well. 

Let's dance into the new season with open hearts and bodies.

Please note: This event is alcohol-free and drug-free to create a safe and sacred space for all.

A Journey Through Time: The Roots of Ecstatic Dance

Understanding the history of Ecstatic Dance is important.  I will always emphasize that dance as a form of healing and spiritual connection is not a new concept, but an ancient one. However, the new age use of the term Ecstatic Dance has a varying history. 

According to EcstaticDance.org, it started in Hawaii in the year 2000. Please visit the website to read their historical account. While many other sources mention Gabrielle Roth of 5Rhythmes as a New Age influencer who started it in the late 1970s. Either way, I’m happy to see dance as a wellness practice for people who didn’t see it as an option for healing before.

• “Ecstatic Dance”. Ancient Origins. 

•  “Dionysian Mysteries”. Britannica. 

• “The History and Practice of Ecstatic Dance”. Dance Studies.

• “Gabrielle Roth and 5Rhythms”. 5Rhythms. 

• “Ecstatic Dance: Modern Revival”. Journal of Dance Therapy. 

• “Ecstatic Dance: A Global Movement”. Ecstatic Dance International.