Sequim Ecstatic Dance
Olympic Peninsula Ecstatic Dance is a collaborative effort amongst individuals wanting to bring Ecstatic Dance to the Olympic Peninsula. Our purpose is to bring people together to dance, connect and build community.
If you are hosting an Ecstatic Dance event on the Olympic Peninsula, please share in this group and reach to an admin for additional collaboration. If you know of events outside the area and want to share, please do as some may be interested in carpooling.
Ecstatic dance is a Free-Form Conscious Dance, allowing you to Be and Move as You Wish. As soon as you enter the space, you are invited to let go of judgements and expectations, and allow yourself to feel your emotions, sensations, body, mind, and spirit. All freedom of expression is welcomed, and there is no ‘right and wrong’ here. Trust in the journey and move through everything that arises.
Because this is a safe space for movement and expression, we do request that you follow these guidelines:
- Dance Barefoot – no shoes allowed on the dance floor unless you have a physical condition that requires you to wear shoes. Shoes must be soft soled and used for indoors only.
- Wear comfortable clothes and layers – all must wear a top for gender equity; wear layers especially in winter if the windows need to be open.
- Be clear-minded – no alcohol or drugs.
- Refrain from talking in the dance area – to allow for a movement meditation experience; may talk quietly to obtain consent.
- Be SCENT-FREE – No fragrances, essential oils or other scented products as these can bother
**Check out this checklist to know what products to check to make sure you are scent-free: Fragrance-Free-Checklist_MTH_June21.pdf (movingtoheal.net) - Turn off your cell phone – no camera or videos allowed.
- Be mindful of your surroundings when dancing.
CONSENT
Many Dancers come to dance by themselves in a group setting. Some Dancers also enjoy dancing with others, with or without physical contact. We are a consent-based community. Please use the following guidelines to help create a consent-based culture:
- Respect the Solo Dancers’ Right to their own Space
- Continuously Listen for the “Yes” (they turn toward, are coming closer, extend an open palm).
- Respect any “No” (ignoring you, turning away)
- When uncertain, quietly ask a person for consent.
- Hands in prayer at heart means: “I see you and thank you” (for the dance that just ended or doesn’t want to begin
CONTACT IMPROVISATION
Contact Improvisation is welcome at Ecstatic Dance as this is a great opportunity to explore this movement form to music. Please be mindful of the amount of space available and avoid lifts as needed to maintain the safety of the group.
