New, bi-weekly Ecstatic Dance comes to San Francisco in April
Ecstatic Dance San Francisco
What is Ecstatic Dance?Ecstatic Dance is Freeform Dance. That means it's a safe space to express yourself however you want to move to the music, without facilitation. It is a space focused on the dancers more than the DJs. To enhance this experience of movement, there is no talking on the dancefloor, nor are cameras allowed, so you can feel fully free and alive in your dance.
Ecstatic Dance has been around for 13 years, beginning around 2000 in Hawaii. It was inspired by Gabriel Roths’ 5 Rhythm Dance. 5 Rhythms became popular from what was called Sweat Your Prayers. People danced to 5 different rhythms throughout a class that lasted about 1- 1.5 hours. The Rhythms started slow, rising and rising to a high level of chaos and then down to lyrical light music. Ecstatic Dance took these elements with the elements of DJ and Dance Music culture and blended them together to offer this experience. It came to the Bay Area in 2008 and has grown to 3 events a week in Oakland and 20+ locations around the world.
We found a majestic venue for Ecstatic Dance San Francisco where you can feel free to dance how you wish in a supportive space. The Sutter Room is a 5700 sq ft area with a lounge that is over 2500 sq ft. There is room for over 300 people dancing and 100 people in the lobby.
Upcoming events
April 2 - Dragonfly
April 16 - Sol Rising
May 7 - ALXNDR
May 21 - Kaminanda
Being barefoot is also encouraged. This is a sacred space where you are invited to come as you are, however that is; without the use of alcohol or recreational drugs. You may find yourself dancing in your bliss or dancing your grief. Perhaps with your joy, your sorrow, your anger, your silliness, your sexiness--all of it. This is your dance space.
For some this is Movement Church. It's a chance to connect with others, or simply to find oneself. For some, it is simply great exercise, and others it is their psychosomatic therapy. We will not tell you what to do, or how to be, as you experience your dance as you wish. You are free, as long as you agree to these two simple Guidelines:
1. No Talking on the Dancefloor
2. Respect the Space. Yours & Others.
The Format
Yoga and Contact Improv classes will be offered for the hour before Ecstatic Dance (7-8PM, which is included in your pass) so that you may leave the rest of the day behind you, and prepare your body, mind, and spirit for the dance. There will be brief opening and closing circles to bring a feeling of togetherness and unity in our intentions for the evening. You may connect socially (with your words) in the lounge, or after the dance is complete. Non-alcoholic drinks, water, and tea will be made available for your thirst. Please bring your own bottles, as this is a no-waste event.
An altar will be created each dance for you to have safe space to sit and reflect, to meditate, or pray as you wish. You may dance, skip, sit, roll, jump, scream, sound (not talk), sing, stand, stumble, cry, smile, leap, run, shake, hoop (space permitting), contact, be together, be alone.
Our hope is that this Ecstatic Dance in San Francisco improves the lives of it's inhabitants, both collectively and individually. The opportunity to dance without distraction, with complete acceptance, and positive encouragement is somehow a rare phenomenon in this modern world.
By attending and participating in Ecstatic Dance, you will be sending a message that we value incredible sacred spaces to dance in, where alcohol is not served (which is usually what pays the rent in these amazing spaces), where unique individuals gather together in their common love of movement, music, and community. Come dance uninhibited.
Support our Indie Go Go Campaign at
http://www.indiegogo.com/
Website
http://ecstaticdance.org/sf
Facebook Event Page
https://www.facebook.com/
