Ecstatic Dance

ec·stat·ic
adj.
1. Marked by or expressing ecstasy.
2. Being in a state of ecstasy; joyful or enraptured.

This is a freeform dance class which is great for meeting new people in a safe environment where they can choose and set their own personal boundaries. Ecstatic dance is a fantastic aerobic workout where one can set their own pace and follow the flow of their own dance, which is ultimately a moving meditation. This is a great opportunity to goof around and experiment with dance. It takes place in a mainly non-verbal environment of physical activity which helps quiet the mind and encourage reconnection with your whole being. No previous dance experience or shoes necessary.

"Dance can be approached as a direct and natural way to move without personalized aesthetics imposed from an outside authority. Dance is not necessarily graceful, pretty, or spectacular...We can move together, or alone...Dance engages our whole being. It is, in my opinion, the most powerful of the arts because it is holistic in its very nature. Our body is our instrument. It is immediate and accessible, holding our wisdom and truth. We use all of our senses when we dance. We move, make sounds, sing, chant, draw, write...In dance, all the arts are engaged...We all move, respond, feel, and create. This is the basic belief in this approach to expressive movement: it is inclusive. Everyone can do it." - Anna Halprin, Dance as a Healing Art.