“When we dance the earth trembles. When our steps fall on the earth we feel the shudder of life beneath us, and the earth feels the beating of our hearts, and we become one with the earth. We shall not sever ourselves from the earth. We must chant our being, and we must dance in time with the rhythms of the earth. We must keep the earth.”   

—N. Scott Momaday, from Earth Keeper: Reflections on the American Land.

and EVERY Friday at Tapin Auditorium, Christ Church in Montpelier.

Ecstatic Dance is held collectively. 

There is a rotation of DJs and helpers to keep things going.  It takes a village!

Get in touch if you want to get involved.

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What: Our dance is a free form boogie in safe sacred space with great music in a supportive community.

We  have been holding ecstatic dances in Vermont since 2008.

Why: We believe it is a privilege and gift to have this opportunity to dance in community each week.  Dance generates powerful energy and is profoundly therapeutic for body and soul, and healing for the world.  At the end of each dance we dedicate this energy in prayer to those who need it most.

We also dedicate the funds from one dance each month to a worthy organization. 

If you would like to suggest or request a benefit dance let us know!

Ivan dances with us regularly in spirit.  Here is his story of finding the dance:

“I studied with Gabrielle in the 1980’s and she taught me to let go of my considerable inhibitions, inspired my inner dancer, and initiated me into the miracle of empowered self-expression. Although she passed in 2012, I have a deeper relationship with her now than I ever had when she was alive, and I feel her presence constantly. What a gift, what an opportunity she left us during her awesome life! Thank you, Gabrielle!

In order to fully surrender and dance ecstatically, I need music that bypasses my brain and thought processes, gently inspiring and leading my body into a state of pure dance. In this state my body leads me, and expresses my joy at being alive in a spontaneous expression of the moment. It is important that the music has enough power to ignite my body, and give me the energy to surrender to the sounds and rhythms. Knowing what I need for my own delight, I take extreme pleasure in creating the optimum conditions for inspiring and intoxicating other willing bodies into spontaneous dances of joy and self-expression.”

Community Agreements for Ecstatic Dance

Entering the dance space implies that you agree with the following statements:

I am welcoming to all people at the dance and strive to co-create an inviting and inclusive space.

I attend the dance only when I am feeling physically well. I do not attend the dance if I am feeling sick or think I might be getting sick.

I intend no harm to self or others, whether physical, verbal, or emotional. I strive to bring an attitude of non-judgmental, compassionate presence for self and others to the dance.

I practice awareness of my impact on others, and agree to gain consent before crossing boundaries of touch, proximity, and loud vocalization.

I practice clear communication about my own boundaries.

I practice an open gaze of witnessing rather than “watching” other movers. When choosing stillness, I keep my focus inward to avoid an audience/performer dynamic.

I understand that the warm-up time (7pm until opening circle begins at 7:15pm) is a time to greet each other and talk quietly. After opening circle, I agree to not talk inside the dance room except in case of an emergency.

I strive to arrive by 7:15 in order to participate in the opening circle.

I understand that sometimes my $10 donation will go pay for rent for the dance space and sometimes it will go to an organization focused on environmental or social justice causes. I can choose to donate only towards rent if I do not want my money to go to a particular organization.

I agree not to use drugs or alcohol before or during the dance.

I avoid wearing strong scents to the dance.

I do not wear street shoes or hard-soled shoes in the dance room.

Welcome to the Dance!

A typical session is as follows:

7 pm: Gather, warm up and stretch

7.20 pm: Opening circle

7.30 pm: Start of Wave

8.50 pm: Closing Circle

We look forward to dancing with you!

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