FAQs

Q: What is Ecstatic Dance?

A: Ecstatic Dance is a freeform dance experience where participants move to music without following set steps or choreography. It’s a safe, judgment-free space that encourages self-expression, creativity, and connection through movement (or stillness). Typically held in a drug- and alcohol-free environment (note that some places do not classify plant medicines as "drugs"), it emphasizes mindfulness, community, and personal freedom, with the goal of achieving a meditative or ecstatic state through dance. There are guidelines that are asked to be honored in the dance container, such as no talking on the dance floor, and gaining consent before touch, etc. which allowing all participants to feel safe and to fully immerse themselves in the music and movement.

Q: What are the typical Ecstatic Dance guidelines?

A: Here’s a common list of Ecstatic Dance Guidelines (though some dance containers may choose to add, remove, or modify these, so always check if unsure):

No talking on the dance floor – This keeps the focus on movement and the music. Conversations can be held in designated areas off the dance floor. Please note that some dance containers may welcome your nonverbal vocalizations as long as they do not disrupt others.
Remain judgement free - Move however you wish and allow others to do the same. Ecstatic Dance is about freedom of expression and also being in a safe space where no one will judge you for however you wish to move. There are no set steps, and all forms of movement (or stillness) are encouraged. This is a practice to remind ourselves to suspend judgement for others and ourselves, even outside of dance.
Consent is key - Respect others' personal space and be mindful of others and their boundaries. If someone does not wish to engage in partner dancing, respect their space. Usually a bid is made through eye contact, with a nod or some other kind of non-verbal bid, then the other person either accepts by engaging in the dance with you, or bows (or uses prayer hands) to let you know they would prefer to dance alone. Please do not take this as an insult as often-times people come to ecstatic dance to connect with themselves and release somatic experiences.
No phones or cameras on the dance floor – This helps maintain a distraction-free environment and respects participants’ privacy.
Honor the musical journey – The DJ or facilitator curates a musical experience to guide participants into different emotional and energetic states, through what is called a dance "wave". Often this wave will include many tempos, moods, genres, etc. to allow dancers to move through many emotions. Allow yourself to be present with the flow and let the music take you through the entire wave.
No shoes – Dancing barefoot helps connect with the ground and adds to the natural, grounded experience. Some containers may allow shoes or socks, or even require them base on the venue, but many ecstatic dances have this guideline in place.
No drugs* or alcohol – Ecstatic Dance is a sober event to foster a clear, present, and safe atmosphere. (Note that some containers do not classify plant medicines as "drugs" as defined by bureaucratic agencies.)
Be mindful of others – Share the space with awareness of how your movements and vocalization may affect those around you.

Q: What is Cacao? Is it the same thing as hot cocoa?

A: Cacao (pronounced kuh-KOW) is the pure, minimally processed form of the cacao bean, often used in sacred or ceremonial settings. It’s rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and mood-enhancing compounds like theobromine. Unlike hot cocoa, which typically contains processed cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, ceremonial cacao is usually prepared with just the raw cacao paste and water or plant milks, sometimes with spices or natural sweeteners added. While both come from the cacao plant, cacao is considered a more holistic, heart-opening experience compared to the sweeter, more commercial version of hot cocoa.

Q: What is Sound Healing?

A: Sound healing is a therapeutic practice that uses vibrations and sound frequencies to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, tuning forks, and even the human voice are used to create resonant tones that help balance energy, reduce stress, and encourage relaxation. The vibrations from the sound waves are believed to harmonize the body’s natural frequencies, supporting healing on a cellular level. It’s often used in meditation, yoga, and holistic healing practices to help clear blocked energy and restore balance.