Category: Attending a dance

Common rules

16th Mar 2025

Attending a dance
Conscious dance, like ecstatic dance and other free dances, tends to emphasize self-expression, awareness, and connection with others. While the specific rules may vary with the given group or event, the following are some of the most common rules found at conscious dancing events:
1. Respect the space and others: Be considerate of others’ boundaries and personal space. This creates a comfortable and inclusive space for everyone.
2. No talking on the dance floor: Silence is generally preferable so that participants can focus on their movement and inner experience without distraction. This also includes ensuring mobile phones are on silent.
3. Dance barefoot: Removal of shoes grounds you more and allows for greater freedom of movement. This is one that isn’t always practical, depending on the venue. If the flooring would be unsafe to dance barefoot, this should be made clear in advance with guidelines for what to wear instead. If barefoot isn’t something you are comfortable with for whatever reasons, yoga socks are a suitable alternative.
4. No judgment: This is a judgment-free space—both for yourself and others. Everyone is encouraged to move authentically.
5. Move however you feel: There is no “right” or “wrong” way to dance. The emphasis is on the expression of emotion and connection with your body.
6. Stay present: Dancers are invited to let go of external thoughts and be fully present in the music and moment.
7. Consent is key: If there is interaction or partner dancing, always ensure that it’s consensual.
8. Abstain from substances: The majority of conscious dance gatherings promote sobriety to allow for clarity and genuine connection.
9. Honor the music and facilitators: Follow any guidance from the event facilitators to enhance the experience for everyone.
10. Seal with intention: A closing ritual or moment of silence typically allows for the dance to be integrated and its rewards to be brought into everyday life.
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Attending Your First Conscious Dance

6th Mar 2025

Attending a dance

For newcomers to the world of conscious dance, the most important thing to remember is that there is no right or wrong way to move. It’s simply a matter of being free, connected, and expressed. Some tips to keep you going are below:

1. Set an Intention

Before the dance begins, take a moment to reflect on what you hope to gain from the experience. Whether it’s releasing stress, connecting with yourself, or simply enjoying the moment, having a clear intention can guide your movements and deepen your experience.

2. Let Go of Self-Consciousness

Conscious dance is a judgment-free space, so don’t stress about how you look or if your movements are “correct.” Listen to the sensations in your body, and let yourself move. Everyone is focused on their own journey, not on watching others.

3. Begin Slow

If you’re not sure, begin slowly. Close your eyes or look inward and let your body respond spontaneously to the music. Let your movements build up as you relax and connect more.

4. Follow the Music

The music builds in intensity, leading dancers through a range of emotional and physical landscapes. Let the rhythms and melodies lead you, and let your body follow naturally. Don’t overthink it—let the music take the lead.

5. Breathe and Stay Present

Be aware of your breath as you move. Deep, slow breathing can center and ground you, enhancing your connection to the movement and your body. If your mind starts to wander, bring yourself back with your breath.

6. Respect Your Boundaries (and Others’)

Conscious dance is an individual and group practice. Although you may be sharing the space with others, each person has their own dance. Be respectful of keeping physical boundaries and respecting the group’s collective energy. Eye contact or mutual movement can occur naturally, but always in a respectful and reciprocal manner.

7. Embrace the Unexpected

While dancing, you will feel emotions or thoughts that arise—anything from happiness and laughter to vulnerability or even tears. This is natural and part of the process. Allow these feelings to flow through you without judgment, using the dance as an outlet and processing mechanism.

8. Dress Comfortably

Wear clothing that allows for freedom of movement and makes you feel comfortable. Many people choose loose or stretchy clothes and dance barefoot to feel more connected to the ground.

9. Stay Hydrated

Dancing can be intense and physically demanding, so be sure to drink water before, during (if needed), and after the session to stay hydrated and energized.

10. Be Open and Curious

Approach conscious dance with open heart and mind and wonder. Each session will be different, and you may be transported to surprising places, realizations, sensations, and connection. Approach it with a sense of freedom without expectations.

11. Reflect Afterwards

Take a few moments to reflect on your experience after the dance. What was it like to move unselfconsciously? Were there any feelings or insights that emerged? Journaling in your journal or simply sitting in quiet reflection will help you integrate the experience and carry its benefits with you into your life.

Conscious dance is a treat to yourself—a space to move, feel, and connect on your own terms. Enjoy the ride, and remember that every step, turn, or moment of stillness is part of your expression. Let the music carry you!

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