BLOG
October 5, 2022Ecstatic dance is a form of self-expression where dancers surrender to the rhythm and reach a state of ecstatic feelings. Dancers end up feeling connected to themselves and others. Dancers are free to move however they feel like, there is no choreography they have to follow. Music of choice is generally electronic, featuring jungle beats. The final aim for the dancers is to feel more spiritual and in tune after the session ends. The history of ecstatic dance is reported to be traced back hundreds of years. It is a form of meditation and helps people with their stress and other negative emotions. Mind, body and spirit can benefit from this practice. Participants of ecstatic dance communities reveal that it is a tool to relieve and manage the stresses in their lives.
Dancing, in general, is a form of expression that can be originated back to 1.8 million years ago, it is one of the ancient forms of nonverbal communication. Throughout history, dance had many meanings to communities and individuals, including becoming a vessel of “worship, celebration, story-telling and myth-making”. In modern times dance has been used as a form of therapy based on Carl Jung’s ideas. This method called ‘dance movement therapy’ is beneficial for many types of emotional problems including body image and self-esteem issues, anxiety and depression. Even though it is not a form of therapy, ecstatic dance involves different therapeutic aspects and has similar beneficial effects. Ecstatic dance can unravel important information about perception, movement and communication.
What is great about dancing is that it requires the whole person, not just the body or the mind or the emotions. It is a full and integrated human experience. The differentiating aspect of an ecstatic dance ceremony is that it is also a spiritual journey. Ecstatic dancers also enhance their spiritual connection. Having a fulfilling spiritual life is associated with a healthy mental life as well, according to research.
Dancers in ecstatic dance discover themes in the totality of their movements. They are on a creative journey which in itself is a fruitful process. Dancing symbolises ideas and situations without us having to feel “the impact of real life” and we can process emotion through it. Dancers have a safe distance to express themselves; whatever they are expressing through dance is less threatening to them in this form. Dancing can be a cathartic experience that can be described as recollecting and releasing repressed emotions. Dance has a language-like quality and we are able to tell our stories through it. What we express with dance helps us confront stressors. Research shows that dancing can reduce the effects of psychological trauma. People who have difficulty verbalising their traumatic experiences can find comfort through creative movement.
Another benefit of dancing is that sometimes dancers come up with possible solutions and new perspectives to evaluate their problems. Dancing helps people feel in control of their bodies, moves, actions and appearance. This self-mastery has lots of beneficial effects, including increased self-confidence.
Dancing is a type of exercise and just like most other exercises, it helps with depressive and anxious symptoms by altering the chemicals in the brain. Another benefit of dancing is that you can get away from the repetitive thoughts in your head and find release. With dancing you are able to move spontaneously and think through movement. Dancing improves your mood. With the movements in dancing, endorphins in your body get flowing. The fast pace and the flow of ecstatic dance often results in feeling a little high which is similar to the runner’s high. According to the neurological point of view, the body embeds intense emotional memories that can be brought back by dancing. Stuck feelings of depression or anger can result in disturbances in our mental and physical life and research shows that dance can help release these stuck emotions.
Another critical point is the societal aspect of ecstatic dance. It is practised as a community which leads to socialization. Thus dance can make us feel included and enhance feelings of identification in a group. This leads to reduced alienation and stress. The ecstatic dance community promotes inclusivity. Everyone and anyone can join the ceremonies without fear of being judged. The ecstatic dance community emphasises consent and highlights the expression of boundaries with movement as well.
To conclude, ecstatic dance offers many beneficial effects to those who are open to trying. Ecstatic dance is a holistic and wholesome practice with healing capabilities at psychological, physiological, spiritual and societal levels. Dancers are able to express themselves creatively in a group context which provides the element of support and acceptance. In addition, it works as an exercise for the body and enriches your spiritual life as well. Even though the literature on ecstatic dance is limited, there is so much potential for the healing power of this practice.
We integrate ecstatic dance into our Retreats program. If you’re ready to liberate your self-expression and embrace a transformative experience, we wholeheartedly invite you to join our rejuvenating retreats in the enchanting city of Malaga, Spain. With opportunities available year-round, immerse yourself in a nurturing environment where you can explore the depths of self-discovery, foster meaningful connections, and ignite your inner potential. Come, be part of our thriving community, and embark on a journey that will leave you inspired, empowered, and forever transformed. Your transformative escape awaits in the captivating landscapes of Malaga!
References
Guardian News and Media. (2009, July 21). Ecstatic dance: rhythm to beat the blues. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/jul/21/ecstatic-dance.
Hanna, J. L. (1995). The power of dance: Health and healing. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 1(4), 323-331.
Rooke, J. (2014). The restorative effects of ecstatic dance: a qualitative study.
Wikimedia Foundation. (2021, May 26). Ecstatic dance. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecstatic_dance.
With dance cardio’s more spiritual cousin, the goddess vibes are intense (and honestly, fun). (2020, January 24). Well+Good. https://www.wellandgood.com/what-is-ecstatic-dance/.
