Available by: Join by Videoconference Only (learn more about videoconference)
Suggested Love Offering: $ 10.00
All events held on 3rd Friday of the month. Use black buttons to register for specific date.
Join Us for an Ecstatic Dance Experience!
Are you ready to let go, move your body, and dance like nobody's watching? We invite you to join our exhilarating Ecstatic Dance class where you can unleash your inner dancer and connect with the music in a whole new way.
Experience the freedom of movement, self-expression, and pure joy as we create a sacred space for you to dance without judgment or inhibition. This class is open to all, regardless of age, dance experience, or fitness level. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or someone who simply loves to move, this class is for you!
What to Expect:
Rhythmic Music: Immerse yourself in a diverse range of music genres carefully curated to inspire your body, mind, and soul. Our DJ will guide you on a musical journey to awaken your senses.
Safe and Inclusive Environment: Our dance space is a judgment-free zone where everyone can express themselves authentically. Respect and acceptance are at the core of our community, creating an atmosphere of unity and connection.
Free-Form Movement: There are no choreographed routines or specific dance steps to follow. Ecstatic Dance is all about letting your body move freely and intuitively, allowing the music to guide your every sway, spin, and leap.
Transformational Experience: Dance has the power to uplift, heal, and transform. Through this practice, you can tap into your inner wisdom, release stagnant energy, and cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and others.
Ecstatic Dance offers a haven where you can be fully present with body, mind, and spirit. Come on a musical journey - a flow of somatic expression.
No prior dance experience is required. All that is needed is a desire to move and be moved. Perfect for those who think they "can't dance." This is free-form, not a structured dance. This is also not a social dance. It is an environment without observers or conversation. It is lightly facilitated with invitations to apply patterns of movement and expression. Most of the time just the music will carry us, giving space for your personal journey, and allowing your body and emotions to reveal what needs to be expressed.
The experience can be one of good exercise, emotional changes, heart openings, altered states of consciousness, and/or just plain fun!
The evening will start with a brief intro and agreements. Then we'll dance for about 45 minutes through a curated flow of music. And we'll finish with a closing circle to share our experiences.
PLEASE NOTE: As part of the agreements, all guests are asked to dance - at their own pace, in their own way. This is not a spectator event and those just watching will be asked to leave or will be removed.
Rev. Darren Polito - facilitator and DJ
Rev. Darren Polito, One Spirit's Director of Admissions is also an artist, dancer, and performer who seeks to stir people's awe and enthusiasm through playful perspectives. He was the Creative Director of SpiritualityandPractice.com where he also maintained a blog, The Ritual Space, documenting his passion for creating and sharing rituals. He has been using ecstatic dance as a personal practice for over 25 years and facilitating the experience for others for over 15 years.
Rev. Dawn Welburn - resident guest DJ
Rev. Dawn Welburn has led spiritual dance practices for Community in Spirit and shared "my most favorite activity is...dancing. I believe I was born dancing. My mom tells stories of me as a toddler, hearing my favorite song on the radio and climbing onto the coffee table to dance. I grew up in a place where...well, let’s just say that my exuberance for freeform dancing however the music moved my body was not the norm. Nevertheless, dancing continues to be my number one choice of physical activity and truly where and how Spirit moves me most powerfully. Through music and dancing, I am most connected to me and there I am free."
If you have questions about registering for this course, please contact One Spirit Learning Alliance by email to info@1spirit.org or call 212-931-6840.