Cranbrook Ecstatic Dance: Joyful Embodiment Journeys Fall 2025

• Sept. 27: Cacao Ecstatic Dance
• Oct. 17: Just Dance & Meditate
• Nov. 1: Special Samhain / Hallow's Eve Cacao Ecstatic Dance
• Nov. 15: Just Dance & Meditate: Just Dance & Meditate
• Dec. 6: Cacao Ecstatic Dance

Ecstatic Dance is a freeform movement journey in a safe space. There’s no script and no judgement — just space to move however your body wants. You may find yourself howling, stomping, laughing, crying, or dancing in ways you never have before.

At each gathering, our shrine honours Green Tara: earth goddess and true mother to all beings. You may journey with her mantra through the dance: OṂ TĀRE TUTĀRE TURE SVĀHĀ

Music
I'm delighted to curate Ecstatic Dance sets from DJs around the world, featuring a mix of tribal beats, high vibes, groovy downtempo, sultry bass, funky electro folk, deep dubs, and global / shamanic fusion. The music is specifically curated to inspire a full body movement journey!

Here's a sample of the music we danced to at previous Ecstatic Dances

1. We Dance Barefoot
Socks or indoor dance shoes are okay

2. We Dance Without Words
Vocalizations are welcome

3. We Dance as We Are
Open-minded, sober, no phones, no judgements (for self or other) — just be yourself

For those looking to get the most benefit out of the experience, you can deepen your movement practice:

• Challenge yourself to maintain the practice by allowing a movement expression in every moment. Movement includes sitting and dancing softly with your arms, stretching, rolling around on the floor, etc.
• Push through resistance. Challenge yourself to stay present even when you become distracted or you don't love a particular song.
• Expand your range: if you tend to dance in one place move around the floor. If you tend to take up a lot of space, see if your movement can be calm and quiet. Learn from the other dancers and play with movements that are unfamiliar to you.

Staying present with the dance takes a lot of practice. Thoughts, judgements and distractions will arise; simply let them go with a graceful smile, and be kind to yourself.

Info: We'll gather to share our intentions for the morning as we mindfully enjoy some decadent, artisanal, heart-opening cacao. Then, Dave will guide you in simple movement exercises for 5 to 10 minutes, to help settle into your body and the space, and build connection with other dancers.

Info: We'll dance together for about 90 minutes, ending in a sonic savasana: a meditative soundscape, during which you are welcome and encouraged to enjoy a sitting or laying meditation.

Info: We'll close together to share gratitude and insights. You are free to mingle and connect with your fellow dancers for a little while afterwards. Your support with clean-up and dissolving the space is appreciated! We'll be fully packed out of the space by 1pm.

Info: We'll gather to settle in and share some intentions for the morning. Then, Dave will guide you in simple movement exercises for about 10-15 minutes, to help settle into your body and the space, and build connection with other dancers.

Info: We'll dance to a curated ecstatic dance DJ mix for about 90 minutes. The space is yours to wordlessly move and express whatever wants to be expressed!

Info: A 10–to-15 minute guided meditation, accessible for everyone — no prior experience needed. Combining movement meditation with seated practice helps leverage the bliss of dance to foster greater insight and mind-body integration. Please bring a mat, cushion or something soft to sit comfortably on. Dave has been practicing meditation regularly while living in community at Clear Sky Centre (Fort Steele / Bull River area) since 2014.

Info: We'll close together to share gratitude and insights. You are free to mingle and connect with your fellow dancers for a little while afterwards. Your support with clean-up and dissolving the space is appreciated! We'll be fully packed out of the space by 1pm.

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Cranbrook, Contests in Cranbrook.