In Western cultures, we tend to use dance as a form of entertainment, to socialize, as exercise, or to attract a mate. However, in most of the world, dance has historically been a means of prayer, a form of worship or an act in a rite of passage. Ecstatic dance is where meditation meets dance. There is no religion behind it--just music!
The ultimate goal of ecstatic dance is to achieve better levels of health, wholeness, and spiritual connection--whatever that may mean for you--through unrestricted movement, in a safe, non-threatening environment. The beauty of ecstatic dance is there is no wrong way (or right way) to move. At ecstatic dance events, all ages, races, sexes, and ideologies are present.
To see what a small ecstatic dance event looks like, check out the video above.
Free-Form Dance Styles
Ecstatic Dance Blends Movement and Meditation
Trend Themes
1. Spiritual Movement - Opportunity for creating new ecstatic dance studios combining movement and spirituality in unique ways.
2. Unstructured Exercise - Exciting opportunity for unstructured dance classes merging exercise and self-expression in new, innovative ways.
3. Holistic Wellness - Innovative opportunity for fitness and wellness studios to offer holistic dance-centered programs promoting mindfulness and relaxation.
Industry Implications
1. Fitness - An opportunity for fitness studios to incorporate ecstatic dance into their offerings to cater to a more diverse audience.
2. Wellness - Unique opportunity for wellness retreat centers to offer movement therapy and dance as part of their holistic wellness programs.
3. Entertainment - Disruptive opportunity for event and entertainment companies to offer ecstatic dance experiences at social and corporate events.