Introduction to Ecstatic Dance
By Zig Tahir
Ecstatic dance is a free-form self-expression dance practice with no judgment, no expectations, and no right or wrong way of dancing. Ecstatic dance is not about putting on a performance for others or yourself. It is about allowing yourself to express yourself in your own unique way.
Your body—beyond just your mind—is intelligent. Your muscles, joints, organs, nerves, and fluids process emotions and information through movement and sensation. Allow yourself to fully experience whatever arises. You may feel joy, sadness, grief, anger, clarity, healing, tears, or even unexpected insights. The integration of this experience may continue for days, bringing deeper healing and awareness beyond tonight’s dance.
This is an intentional dance. Set an intention for yourself that you would want your mind, body and spirit to work on through this practice. An intention is personal and what is meaning to you. For example, some of my intentions in the past have included forgiving myself, loving others, having fun, to be open to a relationship or connection. When your mind wanders during the dance ceremony, you can come back to your intention to ground yourself.
You are invited to move freely to dynamic rhythms, connecting mind, body, and spirit. Move as much as you want or as little as you want - even not at all. You are free to just be present, to witness and absorb the energy of the community in your own way.
The Ecstatic Dance Ceremony
Setting and Environment
The event is usually held in a space that foster a sense of safety, connection, and freedom of expression, often with a focus on creating a sacred environment.
Opening Circle
This is time to gather in a circle, introduce ourselves, review general guidelines to establish a safe and sacred container for the dance ceremony. You will want set an intention for yourself during this time.
Embodiment Exercise
Warm up exercises to feel in our bodies and in the present moment and to connect to the community of people around you.
Dance Activation
The ecstatic dance portion of the ceremony with music playing from beginning to end. The music usually starts and ends with slow beats and energy with one or more waves of high energy (chaos portion) in between. The is an intentional playlist, or played by a life DJ to help you in your dance journey. My playlists consist of a slow begging, a rise to the first chaos peak, followed by a valley of slow integration music, a second high energy peak and then decreasing to a rhythm of integration and meditation.
Closing Circle and Integration
This is a time to get back together in a circle as a community. The closing facilitator may ask participants to share any aspect of their experience they desire, participate in closing rituals such as a group chant, or share any announcements. After the closing circle, the facilitator will close the sacred space, and the event concludes. This is a great time to mindfully offer greetings and gratitude to your fellow dancers!
You may experience a wide range of emotions and sensations
Your body—beyond just your mind—is intelligent. Your muscles, joints, organs, nerves, and fluids process emotions and information through movement and sensation. Allow yourself to fully experience whatever arises. You may feel joy, sadness, grief, anger, clarity, healing, tears, or even unexpected insights. The integration of this experience may continue for days, bringing deeper healing and awareness beyond this specific dance.
Community Rules
Please be mindful of the general rules we follow as a community to help us all create a Sacred, Safe and Nourishing dance environment. This is a short summary.
Important: Please see my full article of our ecstatic dance guidelines here.
FAQs About Ecstatic Dance
Do I need prior dance experience to participate?
No, you don't need any prior experience. Ecstatic dance is about natural movement unique to you. It is not choreographed, and you do not need to know any structured steps. Think of it as a fun, free dance ! All levels of experience are welcome, from beginners to seasoned dancers.
Do I need a dance partner?
No you do not need a partner. You will find a lot of individuals dancing their journey alone, some dancing together, some flowing between dancing alone and then with others. You might also experience multiple people dancing together.
Is this a religious event?
The ecstatic dance events are sacred and spiritual, but not religious. Every one may attend and add to the positive energy of this sacred event.
What kind of music is played at the dance events?
There is no specific "Ecstatic Dance" genera. You may experience a wide variety of music such as organic beats, international music, electronic dance music, occasional pop songs, opera, etherial and meditative music pieces. Each DJ will have their distinct style of offering.
Your body—beyond just your mind—is intelligent. Your muscles, joints, organs, nerves, and fluids process emotions and information through movement and sensation. Allow yourself to fully experience whatever arises. You may feel joy, sadness, grief, anger, clarity, healing, tears, or even unexpected insights. The integration of this experience may continue for days, bringing deeper healing and awareness beyond tonight’s dance.
This is an intentional dance. Set an intention for yourself that you would want your mind, body and spirit to work on through this practice. An intention is personal and what is meaning to you. For example, some of my intentions in the past have included forgiving myself, loving others, having fun, to be open to a relationship or connection. When your mind wanders during the dance ceremony, you can come back to your intention to ground yourself.
- It is a pure form of self-expression through movement
- It is sacred pathway to healing, growth, insight - and just plain fun!
- It makes you feel embodied and fully present in the Now
- It is about personal journey and a communal experience
- It is about intention. Set an intention for yourself for your body to process and move through
- It is about body intelligence and sensations - stepping out of your mind and into your body
- It is an alcohol and substance-free event
You are invited to move freely to dynamic rhythms, connecting mind, body, and spirit. Move as much as you want or as little as you want - even not at all. You are free to just be present, to witness and absorb the energy of the community in your own way.
The Ecstatic Dance Ceremony
Setting and Environment
The event is usually held in a space that foster a sense of safety, connection, and freedom of expression, often with a focus on creating a sacred environment.
Opening Circle
This is time to gather in a circle, introduce ourselves, review general guidelines to establish a safe and sacred container for the dance ceremony. You will want set an intention for yourself during this time.
Embodiment Exercise
Warm up exercises to feel in our bodies and in the present moment and to connect to the community of people around you.
Dance Activation
The ecstatic dance portion of the ceremony with music playing from beginning to end. The music usually starts and ends with slow beats and energy with one or more waves of high energy (chaos portion) in between. The is an intentional playlist, or played by a life DJ to help you in your dance journey. My playlists consist of a slow begging, a rise to the first chaos peak, followed by a valley of slow integration music, a second high energy peak and then decreasing to a rhythm of integration and meditation.
Closing Circle and Integration
This is a time to get back together in a circle as a community. The closing facilitator may ask participants to share any aspect of their experience they desire, participate in closing rituals such as a group chant, or share any announcements. After the closing circle, the facilitator will close the sacred space, and the event concludes. This is a great time to mindfully offer greetings and gratitude to your fellow dancers!
You may experience a wide range of emotions and sensations
Your body—beyond just your mind—is intelligent. Your muscles, joints, organs, nerves, and fluids process emotions and information through movement and sensation. Allow yourself to fully experience whatever arises. You may feel joy, sadness, grief, anger, clarity, healing, tears, or even unexpected insights. The integration of this experience may continue for days, bringing deeper healing and awareness beyond this specific dance.
Community Rules
Please be mindful of the general rules we follow as a community to help us all create a Sacred, Safe and Nourishing dance environment. This is a short summary.
Important: Please see my full article of our ecstatic dance guidelines here.
- Consent is required before dancing with another person.
- No drugs or alcohol. This is a sober, family-friendly event.
- No talking, all though nonverbal communication and expression are encouraged.
- Nonsexual environment. Our container is not a place for sexual energy and contact.
- No shoes. You may wear socks if you feel uncomfortable being barefoot.
- No phones, photos, or videos. Be fully present and respect everyone’s privacy.
FAQs About Ecstatic Dance
Do I need prior dance experience to participate?
No, you don't need any prior experience. Ecstatic dance is about natural movement unique to you. It is not choreographed, and you do not need to know any structured steps. Think of it as a fun, free dance ! All levels of experience are welcome, from beginners to seasoned dancers.
Do I need a dance partner?
No you do not need a partner. You will find a lot of individuals dancing their journey alone, some dancing together, some flowing between dancing alone and then with others. You might also experience multiple people dancing together.
Is this a religious event?
The ecstatic dance events are sacred and spiritual, but not religious. Every one may attend and add to the positive energy of this sacred event.
What kind of music is played at the dance events?
There is no specific "Ecstatic Dance" genera. You may experience a wide variety of music such as organic beats, international music, electronic dance music, occasional pop songs, opera, etherial and meditative music pieces. Each DJ will have their distinct style of offering.