Ecstatic dance should be compulsory for joy and wellbeing! 😂 Seriously if you haven’t tried it yet, you are in for a treat. We are so over the moon to see Ecstatic Dance be embraced in the Wollongong area. Here at cSpace we have our very own flavour of ecstatic dance - one we highly recommend. Open to anyone over 18 we have people attend from all backgrounds, cultures and ages. Ecstatic dance is where music and movement converges into a personalised meditation of frequency and rhythm. Moving and dancing in this way, in the collective, as a community co-creates something truly special.
Ecstatic Dance: A Journey to Inner Joy
At its core, ecstatic dance is about freedom. Freedom to move, to express, to let go of judgment. Imagine stepping into a room where the only expectation is to be authentically you. No right or wrong moves, just the space to dance your heart out. It's this ethos that makes ecstatic dance more than just a physical activity—it's a gateway to discovering inner peace and happiness.
In Wollongong, cSpace has been at the forefront of this movement, creating ecstatic dance events where every person, regardless of their background, is welcomed. These gatherings are not just events; they are communal experiences that emphasize inclusivity and the joy of collective movement.
The Science Behind the Steps
Why does ecstatic dance have such a profound effect on our well-being? The answer lies in the unique blend of physical movement, music, and community. Dancing releases endorphins, our body's natural feel-good chemicals, which reduce stress and elevate mood. And the communal aspects of ecstatic dance gives you a feeling of belonging and connection.
At UC Berkeley they are about to go into a world first scientific trial of Collective Dance. They will be measuring the increase in oxytocin and the decrease of cortisol. Respectively that means they’re measuring how awesome you feel after ecstatic dance and how less stressed you are.
Ecstatic dance is the best thing you can do if you’re struggling with depression. It's a way of moving yourself free of your emotions and opening to the moment.
Our culture right now is struggling more than ever with loneliness and isolation - that was a huge impetus behind us starting cSpace - wanting to create a safe community space in Wollongong where we could bring people together in harmony. Ecstatic Dance has the ability to lift and unite our community throughout Wollongong - there are multiple events happening throughout the Gong.
Transformative Tales from the Dance Floor
The stories emerging from the ecstatic dance scene in Wollongong speak volumes. People describe feeling lighter, more connected, and genuinely happier - testament to the power of letting go and embracing the moment.
For me on a personal level, the first time I tried ecstatic dance I was transported. I have always loved to dance but these days, not far off 60, I don’t get too many opportunities to rage at parties. That’s not to say I don’t jump at the chance when something comes up but I definitely wasn’t doing as much dancing as I would like.
Then along came ecstatic dance. What I love most about the cSpace ecstatic dance events is that there is a live DJ Pat Maloney who is just incredible. He weaves a journey through rhythm and sound, from African beats and Latino rhythms to high energy dance music. I lose myself in the music. I have my eyes closed and I go into some kind of movement meditation.
I go on a journey within where I’m literally transported into another world. I dance out emotion, I let go, I express, I create, I move, I DANCE.
So many people I talk to about ecstatic dance say what a profound experience it is for them. People find the courage to face personal challenges or go on a journey of self discovery. People say they have newfound self-esteem and empowerment. This is what’s happening at the heart of Wollongong's ecstatic dance community, and these impacts are profound.
A Dance for Every Soul
What sets ecstatic dance apart is its universal appeal. From dancing divas to people who've never stepped to a beat, cSpace becomes a melting pot of movement, human emotion and connection.
Join the Dance Revolution
As ecstatic dance gains popularity in Wollongong, the invitation is open for everyone. Whether you're seeking a new form of meditation, a way to connect with others, or simply a fun way to stay active, ecstatic dance offers something unique. It's an experience that goes beyond the physical, touching the heart and soul of all who dare to let go and dance freely. Ecstatic dance at cSpace is more than an event—it's a community, a philosophy, and a pathway to joy and wellness. As we dance together, we're not just changing our lives; we're transforming our community, one beat at a time.
