Ecstatic Dance Introduction

by Stephanie

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The Healing Power of Ecstatic Dancing: A Journey into Moving Meditation is more widely known across the US and other countries as Ecstatic Dancing. 5Rhythms (5R), term is not as widely known or used, it was developed by Gabrielle Roth and is commonly put under the Ecstatic Dance umbrella and similar in styles.  My preference is the 5Rythms Style, I feel you get more out of it. But I will refer to it as Ecstatic Dance as 5Rythms is a registered company.

 

To experience is the only true way to understand it as it is a unique experience to each individual and different to each time. What is ecstatic dance? It is a moving meditation and conscious dancing. Ecstatic dance is about dancing with awareness in the body and mind, especially using awareness of your breath. Both styles are about dancing while not drinking alcohol or taking drugs to reach a natural high.

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Both Ecstatic Dance and 5Rhythms emphasize feeling the music and moving your body freely. There are two rules for both types of dance: no shoes and no talking on the dance floor, which helps create a deeper connection. The main difference is that Ecstatic Dancing is not verbally guided.  5Rhythms follows a specific pattern with verbal guidance through each of the rhythms: Flow, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness. In 5Rhythms an intention is set at the beginning of the dance, something we want to release or work through during the session. 

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As I mentioned the music guides us through the rhythms, you are verbally guided through each stage, gradually building up to Chaos before being gently being brought back down to a relaxed stillness state. This guidance allows us to get the most out of your personal experience.

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A typical ecstatic dance community event typically lasts a minimum of 3 hours, including warm-up, community circle and cool-down periods, as well as a combination of sound healing and breath-work. It's a full beautiful event that I always enjoy every aspect. 

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Ecstatic Dance Class Description  & What to Expect:

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What I've create is a smaller personalized Meditative Dance Class, based on 5Rythms and Ecstatic Dance Events, to fit each community. 

 

We begin with a short grounding and clearing meditation and the dance will begin as a natural extension of the meditation.  You will receive gentle verbal guidance; inviting more breath, bringing awareness to thoughts, feelings, sensations in the body, inviting releasing and to letting go. 

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• Class time is about 1 1/2.

• Music will be personally selected and DJed by myself.

• This is typically a bare foot class.

• There is no talking on the dance floor to allow yourself to release and connect deeper without distractions.  

• The only voice you will hear is the gentle verbal guidance through the stages of dance.

• Phones are NOT allowed as this is a safe place of self-expression.

• We ask you to be kind to yourself without self-judgement or comparison to  

• There are no dance routines or steps to memorize.

• There are no qualifications or experience needed.​

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Health Benefits to Ecstatic Dance

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Physical Health Benefits of Ecstatic Dance

1. Improves Cardiovascular Health

2. Enhances Balance and Coordination

3. Increases Flexibility and Range of Motion

4. Boosts Endurance 

5.  Increase energy levels & reduced fatigue

6. Helps with Weight Loss

Mental Health Benefits of Ecstatic Dance

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1.Reduces Stress and Anxiety

2. Improves Mood and Self-Esteem

3.  Enhances Cognitive Function

4.  Provides a Sense of Community and Connection

5. Helps with Trauma and Emotional Healing

6. Spiritual Benefits - Connects with Higher Consciousness

7.  Increases Awareness and Presence

8. Encourages Creative Expression

9. Fosters Intuition and Inner Wisdom

10. Deepens Spiritual Connection

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Mission

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Goal is to introduce Ecstatic Dancing to all communities, not just the ecstatic dance communities themselves. I prefer the 5Rhythms approach to ecstatic dancing and want to encourage people to have an open mind and to try something new as a community. Everyone could benefit from conscious meditative dance. Let's  bring ecstatic dance to all communities. (Examples and not limited to: seniors, young ladies, people with disabilities and other groups, including your friends and your community.  

"Let's bring Ecstatic Dance to everyone."