Teton Valley Ecstatic Dance

Teton Valley Ecstatic Dance Mission Statement:

The mission of Ecstatic Dance is to provide a safe, sacred, substance-free space for free-form, conscious movement and self-expression, fostering connection, healing, and spiritual exploration through music, without judgment or observers, often following guidelines like no talking, shoes, or alcohol/drugs. It aims to unlock inner joy and release trauma by letting the body “talk,” moving beyond the mind and connecting individuals to themselves, each other, and the planet.
Core Mission Elements:

Freedom & Safety: Create an environment free from judgment where people can be spontaneous, move authentically, and push their edges.
Conscious Movement: Use music (often including a wide range of genres of music: international, familiar songs, classical, bluegrass, soul, reggae, jazz, electronic, tribal, house) to facilitate a moving meditation and tap into internal energy.
Healthy Boundaries: Adhere to rules like no talking (body language only), no shoes, no alcohol/drugs/scents, and no phones to keep focus internal and communal. *See the consent is key section below.
Spiritual Connection: Connect dancers to their inner wisdom, and a collective energy, acting as a spiritual practice or alternative to meditation.
Community Building: Bring people together to share and build connection through movement.

How it Works:

Welcome circle: Introductions, guideline review, reflection from facilitator, and often a movement-based direction or concept to focus on during the dance. (Concepts are ideas for movement for those who are new to this practice)
Dance: Curated playlists, suggestions for music are welcome 48hr in advance of the dance. In the future/special events: DJ-led sets with evolving musical journeys.
Closing circle: Offer an opportunity for people to share reflections. Community announcements.

Intentions:

Release stress and stored tension.
Experience joy from within.
Create a collective space for self expression.
Foster self-acceptance and healing.
Connect deeply with oneself and the earth.

General Ecstatic Dance Rules and Key Guidelines

No Talking: Keep conversations outside; use body language (eye contact, turning away) for connection or disengagement. *Hands in prayer to signify preference to not engage or that you are finished dancing with a person.
No Shoes: Dance barefoot to stay grounded, unless outside, in a cold environment or if medically necessary.
No Drugs/Alcohol: Stay sober and present in your natural state.
No Phones/Cameras: Stay present; no recording or phones on the dance floor.
No Judgment: Dance freely, without expectation or judgment of self or others.
Consent is Key: A clear “yes” (eye contact, moving closer) for touch; a “no” (looking away, turning away, prayer hands) for disengagement. Don’t be a creep. Do not hover, or continue to try to connect, do not take people out of their dance or zone. Do not be in longing. Do not stare at other’s dancing. Do not touch another person -or practice contact improv- without consent. To gain consent, following the rules just mentioned, extend your hand for any touch or to dance energetically with someone. A “yes” happens only when someone places your hand in their hand. *Designated space for contact improv or to connect with others in dance.
Be Clean/Scent-Free: Avoid strong perfumes or odors.
Respect Boundaries: Honor your own limits and those of others.

(We will add a sub-section on social dance expectations) The facilitator can always be approached, if ever you are feeling uncomfortable in the space or with anyone at the dance. Sometimes accidental encounters happen, but practice grace, moving on and non-violent reactions and know that you can always consult the facilitator.

How to Participate (Dance)

Be Prepared: Come in comfortable clothing, bring water, be prepared to dance without shoes, (maybe bring kneepads),
Be Present: Let go of expectations and tune into your body and the music. Leave your phone in the car or put on airplane mode.
Be Free: Move however you feel; no right or wrong way. Come as you are and move how you are able and whatever way feels best to you.
Rest As Needed: Sitting, stretching, or just being attentive to your own experience.