Ecstatic dance is a spiritual experience that is connected with the ancient traditions of Shamanism. Sometimes referred to as trance dance, ecstatic dance is a unique spiritual experience that takes the dancer on an inner journey as a way to find inner guidance, healing or as a way to awaken one’s inner abilities. Ecstatic dance is an active form of meditation in which breath, movement and music are used together as a way to shift the brainwave patterns into the insightful alpha state which is sometimes referred to as a trance or an altered state of consciousness.
Ecstasy can mean unbounded joy and happiness and it can also mean a sense of grace and profound connection. With ecstatic dance a person can tap into their inner resources as a way open the mind and heart in order to find a greater communion with the sacred. Through this method of meditation a greater sense of self and a stronger connection with all Divine energy can be achieved. One important part of ecstatic dance is that a clear intention must be formed before a person begins. This intention can be anything you wish to accomplish such as insight into a particular struggle, emotional or physical healing, or the healing of the world. Once the intent is formed then a moment is taken to connect with Divine energy and the movement begins.
Do I have to be a good dancer? Why should I try ecstatic dance?
You don’t have to have any dance experience in order to take part in ecstatic dance; in fact you don’t even have to be a good dancer at all. Ecstatic dance does not require any set dance steps or patterns, it’s all about relaxing and surrendering to the rhythms of your soul. Even though ecstatic dance is often done in a group setting you are still essentially dancing for yourself and no one else. One of the reasons why many people find ecstatic dance helpful is that the mind, body and spirit are all working together to bring about positive change. The motion of the body, along with the intent of the mind, can connect you to the deeper rhythms of life that constantly flowing like a stream beneath your normal level of consciousness. Through ecstatic dance the wisdom within these deep, inner levels of consciousness can be tapped into, then used and applied to your everyday life as a way to bring about positive change.
What type of dance and music is involved?
As mentioned earlier, you don’t have to be an experienced dancer to take part in ecstatic dance. The music is often multi-layered but nothing harsh and nothing that involves a lot of vocals. Typically some type of percussion instrument is involved. Good choices of music include a variety of different tempos that can inspire both energetic and soothing types of movement. It’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes are usually removed before the dance begins. After forming a clear intent and taking a moment to connect with divine energy, a person begins to surrender themselves to the sound of the music and the rhythm of their body. It’s very important to let go of any judgmental thoughts and release to the wonder and joy of the moment. Ecstatic dance is not meant to be somber or rigid in any way. It’s a time for your true, authentic self to come out and play, to experience wonder and find guidance. If you don’t feel any insight or guidance come about during the dance, don’t worry. It’s not unusual for people to only get a glimpse of insight or nothing at all. Then, during another session you may get a flood of insight. Be gentle with yourself and remember that the dance experience is different for each person, so don’t compare yourself to others. Most ecstatic dance sessions last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes but remember that you go at your own pace and whatever feels right and comfortable to you. For beginners it’s best to first try ecstatic dance in a group setting, this way you can receive helpful insight and guidance. Once you feel comfortable with the experience you may choose to do ecstatic dance on your own.
There are some methods of ecstatic dance such as Waves, Heartbeat and Cycles, which involve freestyle rhythms and patterns that were first introduced by Gabrielle Roth. Visit the Gabrielle Roth website to find out more information on these methods and to find teachers that may be in your area.
