Body-Mind Connection

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Ecstatic dance is a joy-filled end in itself. Dancing is a receptive, harmonizing, and responsive act. In dance we embrace our bodies, interact with the musical, human, and spacial gifts around us, join these blessings on their own terms, and contribute new creation in return.

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At Fratres Dei, we believe that dancing is a beautiful human behavior, because it seamlessly unifies the body and mind. Our hope is that through ecstatic dance, the conversation between your body and mind will inspire even more avenues of spiritual growth.

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Mood Booster                         

 

Physical movement boosts mood. This type of bodywork allows you to connect with the movements your body wants to do, but our rigid daily routines may not allow. Free movement is a way in which the body can release endorphins and improve mental wellness without the physical demands of more challenging exercise. 

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Social Health

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Ecstatic dance provides a way to express yourself and to interact with others (either with the facilitator in a 1:1 session or in group sessions) in a nonverbal manner. While the majority of human interaction is based upon conversation, ecstatic dance allows for its participants to curiously consider other methods of communication. Even if no direct communication is made between individuals, simply existing in a pressure-free space with others can be beneficial. Not only does this feed the imagination, but it also serves as a refreshing and unintimidating communal platform for those with verbal disabilities or social limitations.

 

​The group or 1:1 setting of ecstatic dance serves many ends. Throughout the session individual participants move freely, and therein is a mutual invitation for everyone else to move freely. Observing a companion’s lack of inhibition inspires less inhibition in the observer. Dancing as a group also serves to keep each individual’s energy up (though lying peacefully on the floor is welcome!) much in the same way that group exercise classes create an accountable, encouraging environment.

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Connect with Nature

 

In the same way you may go on a reflective hike to marvel at nature, in ecstatic dance the dancer may marvel at the work of nature that is their very self. Through this practice the dancer may better understand and luxuriate in their natural self and better understand and luxuriate in their ecological context.

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Self-Care                        

 

Self-care has become a popular topic—if not obsession—that challenges us to direct more time towards healing activities. Dance of any kind is self-care, as it tends to every part of your being—mental, spiritual, and physical.

 

Yeah, but I don't dance.

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"Dance" is a beautifully loose term. Dance is simply movement, so if you have a pulse, you're dancing. If you can inhale and exhale, you can dance. At the end of the day, ecstatic dance is about getting in touch with your body. While you'll be encouraged to not hold back from any movement you feel inspired to make, the final product does not have to be proper dance per se. To quote a Fratres Dei Ecstatic Dance attendee:

 

"Ecstatic dance does not necessarily require dancing. During my session, I sat, stretched, and took a short nap. Leaving my session, I felt refreshed and that I had reconnected with my spirituality in a physical way."

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The beauty of ecstatic dance is that it removes a lot of the factors that would make you nervous to freely dance. In virtual 1:1 or group sessions, the virtual setting puts you completely in control. It’s up to you if you want your camera and microphone on or off, and you’re warmly welcome to share as much or as little about your story as is comfortable for you. The room we in which we meet for in-person Denver ecstatic dance sessions (both 1:1 and group) is completely private, so you won't have to worry about people peering into the room while you dance. Also, in the same way that it's less nerve-racking to sing in a choir than to sing a solo, the fact that the 1:1 facilitator or group will be focusing on their own movement makes the entire experience feel less conspicuous. 

 

Ecstatic dance may be out of your comfort zone. However, thoughtfully accepting that discomfort and embracing new challenges can be beneficial both spiritually and mentally.
 

Ok, so what happens at the Denver Ecstatic Dance?
 

You do not have to prepare for ecstatic dance. We suggest you wear clothes that allow free movement. You may bring a water bottle, a drum, flow art materials, etc.

 

We like to create a space where each person is free to make the experience what they would like it to be. At group sessions, there are opportunities to connect with others, and Rachel will lead centering and reflective exercises at 1:1 and group sessions, but it is entirely optional. If you'd like to keep to yourself and do your own thing, that's 100% ok. 

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Here's what to expect at a 1:1 session:

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Rachel will invite you to share anything you would like about what brings you to the session, and she will shape the session accordingly. You are welcome to share any painful mental blocks you may be experiencing, your hopes and any fears you may have about the dance, anything at all. You are also welcome to not disclose anything you're uncomfortable sharing. 

 

Rachel will explain what ecstatic dance is, what the guidelines/house rules are, etc. 

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Rachel will say that the room is a confidential and judgement-free space and that you are welcome to discuss your own movement with anyone, but she will not discuss your movement with anyone outside of the session. 

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You will then be invited to find a space in the room to lie down, and, if applicable to your unique goals in the session, Rachel will lead a guided meditation to help you turn your attention to your body. 

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Rachel will then put the music on, and it will play for the majority of the session. During that time, there is no verbal communication unless you feel stuck and would like some support. The only direct instruction is that you follow through with exactly what your body would like to do while remaining conscious of the physical and emotional safety of yourself and others. That can mean repetitive movement, dynamic movement, lying on the floor, anything! 

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The music is a mix of world music, instrumental, electronic, jazz, salsa, rock, and more. You are welcome to submit a song request beforehand if you wish.

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After the dance, you are welcome to share anything about your experience that you'd like, but there is no pressure to share if you don't want to.

 
Rachel will send you home with some questions to reflect upon in the moments or days following the experience. 

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Book a free 1:1 ecstatic dance consultation call here. 

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Here's what to expect at a group session: 

We start seated together, either in-person or virtually. Rachel will explain what ecstatic dance is, what the guidelines/house rules are, etc. 

Rachel will say that the room is a confidential and judgement-free space and that you are welcome to discuss your own movement with anyone but to please not talk about anyone else's movement outside of the session. 

Everyone will then be invited to find a space in the room to lie down, and Rachel will lead a guided meditation to help you turn your attention to your body. 

Rachel will then put the music on, and it will play for the majority of the session. During that time, there is no verbal communication. The only instruction is that you follow through with exactly what your body would like to do while remaining conscious of the physical and emotional safety of others. That can mean repetitive movement, dynamic movement, lying on the floor, anything! You are free to interact with others through movement, and you are free to keep to yourself if you wish.

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The music is a mix of world music, instrumental, electronic, jazz, salsa, rock, and more. We always welcome requests, so if you'd like to submit a song to be in the playlist, we'll be more than happy to include it. 

After the dance, we meet together again, and anyone who would like to share something about their experience may do so, but there is no pressure to share if you don't want to.

 
Rachel will send everyone home with some questions to reflect upon in the moments or days following the experience. 

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Logistics:

 

Schedule a free group or one-on-one ecstatic dance consultation or a free bodywork consultation to nourish your body and mind today. Book online below or here. Dance sessions and subsequent bodywork sessions are offered on a sliding scale of $95-250/hour. Pay-what-you-can rates lower than $95/hour are available based on need.

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More questions? Contact us at rachel@fratresdei.com or (720) 534-9491.

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