What is Ecstatic Dance?
Dance is as old as humanity. Moving our bodies to inner and outer rhythms is something our ancestors have always done.
Many forms of dance employ a strict movement language to convey meaning and create beauty. Ecstatic dance, on the other hand, is a way for everyone, no matter their age, size, gender, or origin, to find their unique movement language that can change from dance to dance, moment to moment.
Ecstatic dance is a way to explore movement with yourself and with others in a safe and loving space; to drop judgment, preconceived notions, and expectations; to explore our bodies, our thoughts, our emotions, and to share with others if we choose.
It can also be a time to be silly, indulge our child-like nature, and play!
What happens during dance?
Magic!!! and a few other things:
We begin and end our dance with a confidential sharing circle. Dancers can share what is on their hearts, minds, bodies into the listening ears of community.
After the opening circle we move into the dance, with a playlist that starts slowly, then takes you up with fiery beats, then brings you back down like a wave.
The dance practice is non-verbal, we refrain from talking to stay in our bodies and out of our heads. Although conversation is discouraged, noises are encouraged! Laugh, scream, cry, sing like a bird, meow like a cat, or bark like a dog!
We practice asking for consent when dancing with others, and receiving “no’s” with grace.
Many people mostly have experience with dancing under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This makes sense as our culture can be very restrictive and shaming about how and when we move our bodies. Ecstatic dance is a substance and intoxication free event where we can get to know ourselves in a sober state of mind.
There are always facilitators available should you have any questions or concerns during your practice.
We at Buffalo Ecstatic Dance often say dance is a time to “move as much or as little as you like”. There are no strict rules on how to move, although there are guidelines for behavior to create a harmonious dance space.
you can learn more about our guidelines and community agreements by clicking below.
How it all started
Around 2019 a ragtag group of Buffalonians started dancing ecstatically together. Back then the dances were known as Voyager Sessions. Over the years our group has grown steadily, and weathered many storms including a worldwide epidemic (zoom dance, anyone?), death of a key member, and loss of our original dance home.
We are now a thriving and continuously evolving community dedicated to shared movement and authentic self-expression. New members are always welcome and we look forward to many more years dancing and sharing together!