Within Without - Ecstatic Dance
Ecstatic Dance events are spaces where we’re free to move in whatever way the body wants to, with the focus dedicated to the movement, music, and any inner process that are alive while dancing.
They’re sober spaces to support the sensitivity of everyone’s own dance and experience. And all forms of emotion (or just deadpan dancing!) are welcome.
The music brings the dancers through a journey, starting softly and building up to an energetic climax, before coming back down to softer sounds.
Within: Check in with your body. Ask yourself how do I want to move right now? Allow your breath to rise and fall in time with the music. Give yourself permission to move any way you want to, stretching out parts of yourself that have been coiled tightly inwards. The parts of you that are contracted, holding on to tension. Let them go. And move. Roll on the floor, jump in the air, whatever it is your body wants to do. Allow your emotions to flow through you as you move, release them into the dance.
Without: Without alcohol or other mind-altering substances. Without judgement. There’s no one to impress. No one is watching to see if you’re out of rhythm, or stiff and clunky, or if you look good in those clothes. This is a safe space. And without yourself. As in, outside of yourself. Let yourself connect with others. Move through the space, sometimes playful. Spiral around the room and let yourself connect for a moment, then disengage.
However you are, you are welcome and wonderful. It’s not about getting to any state, but being open, and allowing a sense of separation to cease.
Mel is an experienced facilitator who’s been practising Five Rhythms and Ecstatic Dance for over fifteen years. She’ll be lightly facilitating the event: creating and holding a safe space, and inviting us into the dance. Please note that this is not a workshop or a class, but a space for you to dance your own expressive dance.
Aaron is an Ecstatic DJ (DJ AaronOscar) who loves and plays sounds across the spectrum. Expect a synthesis of strings, synths and sonorous bass: softer sounds to begin, building up to bassy n’ bouncy with electronic high tops and earthy hard drops, then floating our way back down to groundedness before a soothing close.
Upcoming Events: For Autumn 2025, we have a series of events in Nenagh Arts Centre. These will take place on selected Wednesday evenings (7-9pm) from September till November. Each session is €10 per person, please get email to book in, or message through social media. And please arrive on time!
Dates: 10th September, 22nd October, 19th November
If you’d like us to host a similar event in another venue anywhere else in the country, then please get in touch.