“If you don’t do your dance, who will?”

Gabrielle Roth

What is Ecstatic Dance?

Ecstatic dance is a form of expressive movement where participants engage in free-form dancing, often set to a diverse range of music. It emphasises personal expression and the exploration of emotions through movement, encouraging individuals to connect with their bodies and the rhythm. Typically conducted in a supportive and non-judgmental environment and often include elements of mindfulness and connection to ourselves.

No prior dance experience is required. There is no prescribed choreography, allowing dancers to embody their unique experience, fostering a sense of release, liberation and inner joy.

more information below

Connection & Expression

Dancing serves as a powerful medium for enhancing connections, both with oneself and others. The fluid movement of the body allows individuals to express emotions and thoughts that are often hard to articulate verbally. This physical expression not only fosters a deeper understanding of one’s own feelings but also promotes self-awareness and confidence. When people dance together, the shared experience creates a sense of unity and camaraderie, drawing participants closer through rhythm and movement.
Expressing oneself through dance offers numerous mental health benefits, it provides a significant outlet for emotions, enabling individuals to channel feelings such as joy, sadness, or frustration into a creative form. This emotional release can enhance mental well-being by reducing stress levels, as dancing encourages us to come back to the present moment & the body to produce endorphins.
Physical benefits include improved cardiovascular health, increased strength and flexibility, enhanced balance and coordination, and better posture, all while being a fun and engaging form of exercise!
Ultimately, dance enriches both personal and social aspects of life, creating a holistic sense of fulfillment and cultivating an environment where personal and collective connections can thrive.
Release

Emotional release involves recognising and expressing stagnant emotions, when we do this we free up energy, creating more space in ourselves to be more present.
Somatic techniques like movement or breathwork help us connect with our bodies and emotions. The more we strengthen our body - mind connection, the more we can listen to the cues of our bodies and know what needs our attention for healing.
This ultimately can help us to let go of unhelpful old narratives which enables personal change, allowing for self acceptance & self love to emerge and create new empowering narratives that align with our goals and values, enhancing self-awareness and authenticity.
Open Presence

Open Presence is a mindfulness technique that encourages individuals to cultivate a state of relaxed awareness and non-judgemental observation of their thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Rather than focusing on a specific object or practice.
Open Presence invites people to embrace the entirety of their experience in the present moment, fostering a sense of openness, acceptance and surrender.
This approach when dancing allows for increased clarity and a deeper connection to oneself and the surrounding environment, promoting deep self acceptance, loving awareness, emotional resilience and a greater understanding of the mind’s workings.
Ceremonial Cacao

Ceremonial cacao offers a multitude of benefits that enhance both physical and emotional well-being.
Emotional Benefits: its ability to enhance meditation, promote heart-opening experiences, and facilitate emotional release. Participants often report feelings of connection to themselves and others, heightened creativity, and a deeper sense of inner peace. It can also help to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and support personal transformation by encouraging vulnerability and self-acceptance.
Physical Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, it supports cardiovascular health and boosts energy levels. Its mood-enhancing properties can promote feelings of joy and connection, making it a wonderful addition to community gatherings and social events. The magnesium and iron content can aid in relaxation and reduce stress, while the presence of theobromine may improve mental clarity and focus. Engaging with ceremonial cacao in a mindful setting encourages self-acceptance and deepens the connection with oneself and others, fostering a sense of belonging and community growth.
Our Ceremonial Cacao is carefully selected, coming from farms that are vetted for high ethical standards, in line with indigenous practices and are beneficial for the local communities.
Typical dose is about 20g-30g, made with water, organic oat milk & coconut sugar.
if you take any medication please do your research if cacao is suitable for you to consume.
Inclusivity

ALL ARE WELCOME
At Open Presence, we wholeheartedly embrace and celebrate diversity in all its forms. We welcome individuals from all ethnic backgrounds, economic statuses, genders, and ages, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Our workshops and events foster a sense of community, inviting participants to connect authentically and share their unique experiences. We believe that each person's journey enriches our collective growth, and through embodiment practices, movement, and connection, we cultivate a space where everyone can thrive and feel a true sense of belonging.
We believe in making our offerings accessible to everyone in our community. We offer tiered pricing to accommodate varying financial situations. This will include a low-income option for those on benefits, a standard price for regular attendees, and a community supporter tier for those who wish to contribute more and help sustain our initiatives. Together, we can foster connection and growth, ensuring that everyone can participate in our workshops and experiences.
Event Flow

Please arrive 5mins early so we run the event on time.
• Welcome & Introductions
• Cacao ceremony & Intention setting
• Dance journey
• Shavasana with grounding breathwork & meditation
• Closing Sharing circle
Guidelines

Here's a breakdown of the key guidelines to create the best experience for everyone.
No Talking: Refrain from speaking on the dance floor. The focus is on non-verbal communication and connection through movement and music.
No Phones or Cameras: To maintain a present and immersive experience, phones and cameras are generally discouraged.
Sober Practice: Ecstatic dance is a sober practice, so drugs and alcohol are not permitted.
Respect Personal Space: No touching each other. Be mindful of others boundaries and ensure consensual interactions. Listen for a Yes, Respect a No.
Grounding: It's common to dance barefoot or in socks to connect with the earth and enhance embodiment.
No Judgement: Embrace the freedom of movement and expression, without judgment of yourself or others.
Embrace the Experience: Surrender to the music and allow yourself to move freely and expressively.
What to bring

To fully enjoy your experience at an ecstatic dance event, it's helpful to come prepared. Here’s a list of items to consider bringing;
Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, breathable attire that allows for a full range of motion. Choose materials that you can move in easily, as you'll be dancing freely.
Water Bottle & Towel: Staying hydrated is essential. Bring a refillable water bottle to keep yourself energised throughout the event and a light towel incase you get sweaty!
Yoga Mat & Blanket: For moments of stillness or reflection at the end of the session, having a mat or blanket to sit or lie on can enhance your experience.
Journal & Pen: If you enjoy reflection, consider bringing a journal to write down any insights or feelings that arise during your dance.
Barefoot or Dance Shoes: Many participants prefer too dance barefoot or in socks for a more connected experience. If you choose to wear shoes, opt for those that are comfortable and provide good grip.
Personal Items: Some may bring items that hold personal significance to them, such as crystals, eye pillow, blindfold, palo santo, agua de florida, teddy, or totems. There will be a small altar in the space where you can put some of these to enhance your intention.
An Open Mind and Heart: Perhaps the most important things to bring are your willingness to explore, connect with others, and express yourself without judgment.
Arriving with these items can help you create a nurturing environment for your ecstatic dance experience, promoting a deeper connection to yourself and the collective energy in the space.