Ecstatic Dance
Ecstatic dance is a free flow dance in which the dancers surrender to the rhythm of the music and move freely as the music helps them to release tension and blocked energy, bringing them into trance and even ecstasy.
Dancers feel deeply connected with their own emotions and with others. The meditative aspect of the dance helps people cope with stress and find inner peace. Feeling revitalised by the process.
Harmonics newsletter
When there is only dancing and no dancer, it is the ultimate of meditation. Ecstacy. Freedom. Freedom from the ego. Freedom from the doer.
This is a quote from the above ecstatic dance documentary of theED tribe in Koh Phangan, Thailand. The video succeeds in beautifully capturing the ecstatic nature of the dance.
The structure of an ED session
- Ecstatic Dance session usually starts with a form of meditation or yoga, allowing the dancers to connect consciously with their inner self and be fully present in the moment and in their body.
- The music steadily builds up and takes the dancers on a journey of ecstatic feelings and movement.
- After reaching an initial high ecstatic state, the music slows down again, allowing the dancers to reconnect, feel and integrate the created bliss.
- This wave is repeated 2 or 3 times. Sessions usually take about 2 to 3 hours (including opening and closing circle)
The setting of an ED session
Although it is not prescribed, an ED session works best in a green, open environment. The connection with nature strengthens the connection with one's inner world and surroundings.
A few guidelines
As a dancer you are welcome as you are, you are invited to move as you feel and let your body guide you.
These rules are designed to allow each dancer to fully experience the dance in a safe and conscious way:
- no chatting during the dance
- no alcohol, cigarettes or drugs
- dance barefoot, no shoes (highly recommended)
- repect the space of your fellow dancers
A video created by Sophie Sôfrēē of Wakamaia, starts with a guided meditation, followed by a beautiful sound journey and dance.
"Ecstatic flow" video by Odessa Amsterdam.