Ecstatic dance is often viewed with a touch of skepticism, as if it were some kind of witchcraft. However, it’s actually one of the simplest spiritual practices! All you need is your body, some music, and you’re ready for ecstasy! Read on to discover the practice, its origins, and my best tips!
First things first: Ecstasy
In ecstatic dance, we aim to reach ecstasy. But what is that, exactly? Ecstasy is a subjective experience of total immersion of the self with an object of consciousness. In classical Greek literature, it meant taking the mind or body out of its normal state of functioning. So, the goal is to dissociate the body and mind to reach a higher state of consciousness—a trance-like state.
Ecstatic Dance: The Origins
Several ancient traditions mention the earliest forms of ecstatic dance, but it’s often linked to Dionysian rituals. In Greek mythology, the Maenads (worshippers of Dionysus) were known for their frenzied dances in devotion to the god. Similarly, the Corybantes (devotees of Dionysus) performed ecstatic dances armed with weapons. The followers of Dionysus sought to step outside themselves (ekstasis) through wine and dance.
We can also look at shamanic traditions, which use drums, rhythm, and ecstatic dance to alter consciousness in spiritual practices. Modern Western witchcraft also incorporates ecstatic dance in some rituals. For example, in the Feri tradition, disciples like Dominic Elemirion use ecstatic dance in their ceremonies. In these early practices, ecstatic dance was a way to connect with the divine, offering one’s body and soul to a higher power. Today, things are a bit different.
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Ecstatic Dance: Today
Today, ecstatic dance has evolved, but it still has one purpose: to help you dance without judgment and reach a new level of spiritual understanding. It can take two forms:
It can resemble rave parties. The deep bass sounds echo shamanic drums, and the repetitive beats induce a meditative state. Hundreds of people dance together, seeking to lose themselves. As in shamanic tradition, drug use is sometimes prevalent (though not recommended!).
Since the 1980s, a subcategory of ecstatic dance was formalized by philosopher, writer, and dancer Gabrielle Roth. Known as the 5Rhythms, her technique follows a wave: Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness. Each rhythm represents a different mood, encouraging release and self-expression. This is a more structured form of ecstatic dance, often guided by a facilitator.
Why Try Ecstatic Dance?
This practice might make you laugh—all those people dancing wildly! But it could be the answer to some of your mental health concerns.
Mental Health
As we discussed in our article Meditation and Running: A Harmonious Path to Wellness, mental health is a major concern. According to the Mental Health Foundation, among 4,619 respondents, “74% of people felt so stressed they were overwhelmed or unable to cope” in 2017. Of these, “51% felt depressed, and 61% felt anxious.”
Ecstatic dance, with its dissociation of body and mind, aims to help dancers forget the present and enter a higher state of consciousness. Movement is one of the best ways to improve mental health, and ecstatic dance is an excellent stress and anxiety reducer. By surrendering to music and movement, dancers can detach from daily worries and let go of negative thoughts. This practice stimulates the release of endorphins, the “happiness hormones,” improving mood and promoting relaxation.
Creativity and Physical Fitness
Ecstatic dance can also unlock your creativity, as you have total freedom. You can jump, spin, lift one arm, lower the other, or stay still. Do whatever feels right, without any rules. On top of that, it’s also a workout! Ecstatic dance engages various muscle groups, improving endurance, flexibility, and strength.
How to Get Started
As we’ve seen, the principle of ecstatic dance is freedom! You can listen to any music, for any length of time, and move however you like. But sometimes, too much freedom can make it hard to get started, so here are some tips for your first session.
Create Your Space
You can join a group session by searching online. The Ecstatic Dance community is global. If you prefer practicing alone, clear your space to avoid breaking your favorite vase while dancing with your eyes closed! You might also want to light an essential oil diffuser.
Prepare Physically and Mentally
Before a group session, you might feel self-conscious or vulnerable. Don’t worry! Everyone is there for the same reason: ecstasy. Most people end up dancing with their eyes closed, so relax and enjoy. If you’re dancing alone, it’s even easier! You could meditate briefly to reach a focused state, and remember to warm up to prevent injury.
Start the Music and Dance
In a group, the DJ will play a curated playlist. If you’re on your own, try searching for playlists on YouTube. World music is often popular for ecstatic dance: African, Latin, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Indigenous music. Listen to your body and see how it responds to the first notes—whether with energy, gradually, or joyfully—and let yourself go. Don’t force yourself into a specific rhythm. If the music is at 130 BPM but you feel like waltzing, do it. It’s all you! Discover the perfect playlist to boost your mood, tailored to your zodiac sign!
Trust me, once you experience the benefits of ecstatic dance, you’ll want to keep going. No need to spend hours—just play some music in the morning while you get ready, or dance when you come home to shake off the day’s stress. Before long, you won’t be able to go without it!
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