A sacred space where beats echo, hearts sync, and souls find their rhythm
Are you ready to experience the joy of conscious, intoxicant-free movement and dance? Join us for our regular Ecstatic Dance events in Edinburgh, Scotland! Held at the vibrant Sahara Studio in the Dalry area, our sessions offer a welcoming space for you to move freely and connect deeply. Whether you’re a local or visiting Central/East Scotland, our events provide a unique opportunity to engage in mindful movement and community connection. Check out our upcoming events on our Event page and come dance with us!
The Transformative Power of Ecstatic Dance
Ecstatic dance is more than just a movement practice; it’s a gateway to profound connection, self-expression, and healing. Rooted in ancient traditions and celebrated across cultures, this dynamic form of dance invites individuals to immerse themselves in rhythm and flow, shedding the constraints of structured choreography or social expectations. For many, it’s a liberating experience that speaks to the body, mind, and soul.
The Origins of Ecstatic Dance
The roots of ecstatic dance can be traced back to ancient rituals and ceremonies. Indigenous cultures across the globe used dance as a means of spiritual connection, healing, and celebration. From the Sufi practice of whirling dervishes to African tribal dances and shamanic rituals, movement was a way to commune with the divine, process emotions, and build community. These practices honored the body’s natural rhythms and its ability to release pent-up energy, opening pathways to a heightened state of awareness.
Modern ecstatic dance draws on these timeless principles, blending them with contemporary music and practices. While the specifics can vary, the essence remains the same: creating a safe space for free expression and intentional movement.
Why Ecstatic Dance Is So Popular
In recent years, ecstatic dance has surged in popularity across the world, from urban studios to outdoor festivals. Why? It offers something rare in our structured, screen-driven lives—a chance to break free.
Unlike traditional forms of dance that often come with rules, steps, or partner expectations, ecstatic dance removes the pressure to “perform.” There are no wrong moves. Participants are encouraged to let go of self-consciousness, allowing their bodies to move however they feel in the moment. The absence of judgment creates a sense of freedom that’s transformative for beginners and seasoned dancers alike.
Ecstatic dance also fosters a powerful sense of community. In a world where connection often feels superficial, sharing a dance floor with others—moving in harmony yet independently—can be profoundly grounding. Without the distractions of conversation or technology, participants connect through energy, rhythm, and presence.
Ecstatic Dance as Therapy
Though it isn’t a qualified therapeutic practice, ecstatic dance holds immense potential for healing and self-discovery. Many find that moving freely to music allows emotions to surface and flow. Whether it’s joy, sadness, or release, the dance floor becomes a safe container for expression.
Research supports the idea that dance, in general, is therapeutic. Studies show that movement reduces stress, increases endorphins, and helps process trauma stored in the body. Ecstatic dance takes this a step further by removing boundaries—there’s no choreography to adhere to or performance to perfect. This openness encourages participants to listen to their bodies and move in ways that feel intuitively healing.
A Global Movement
Today, ecstatic dance is practiced in communities worldwide, each gathering offering its own unique flavor. Some sessions are grounded in spirituality, others focus on creative exploration, but all share a commitment to inclusivity and self-expression. From small intimate gatherings to large festivals under the stars, the shared energy of ecstatic dance transcends borders and cultures.
At its core, ecstatic dance reminds us that movement is innate and universal. It’s a powerful way to reconnect with ourselves, tap into joy, and let go of what no longer serves us. Whether you’re seeking healing, connection, or simply a space to let loose, ecstatic dance is a profound practice that celebrates the body’s wisdom and the transformative power of rhythm.
So, step onto the dance floor, take a deep breath, and let the music guide you. There’s magic waiting in the movement.
What you can expect:
Introduction to Ecstatic Dance and guided movement/meditation to ground you into the event space; to connect with what is inside you; to let go of anything you don’t need in the space with you.
Free movement to a musical journey, approx. 90 minutes - Live set with our DJ, Still Monkey (Bruce).
Time to integrate your experience, most often a pre-recorded sound-bath.
Little connections/Closing circle.
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Guidelines
Things we need you to be on board with when attending our Ecstatic Dance events:
Be clear-headed - it is the standard policy of Waken Connect Transform Ecstatic Dance events that there is no consumption of intoxicants before or during the event.
Be considerate - Ecstatic Dance is an individual dance. Give space to each other. While it is very often experienced as a group event it is very important to allow each other to have their own experience. Listen for a Yes, and respect a No. Always.
Be connected - one of the best ways to ground into the experience from the start is to remove all footwear and to feel your bare feet on the floor (or the earth depending on the dance location). We ask that you remove shoes and socks, however, if you need to wear socks we ask that they are clean-on for the event.
Be present - the aim is to minimise distractions to your experience, so we ask that you switch off your phone, or at least turn off all call and notification volumes. If you do need to make an important or urgent call during the event we ask you to leave the immediate dance space to do so.
Be embodied - this is an opportunity for your body to do all of the expressing, so we encourage no talking during the dance phase of the event. Your authentic sound is always welcome!
Be comfortable - When preparing for an ecstatic dance event, it’s important to prioritize comfort and freedom of movement. Breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or moisture-wicking blends are ideal as they help keep you cool and comfortable throughout the dance. You can choose between fitted clothing, such as leggings or snug tops, which provide support and minimize distractions, or opt for loose-fitting garments like harem pants or flowy tops that allow for unrestricted movement and create beautiful shapes as you dance.
Be free - quite simply, move and dance as you want. There is no correct way to move, no judgement to be given or taken. Some don’t stop moving from the beginning to the end, others ebb and flow with their internal tide, and others still may appear to move very little. What is that felt-sense or emotion inside that wants to move through you? Follow that, and move as it wishes to move.
Click here for our event page to find out where and when our upcoming events will be held
An example of Bruce’s sets: