This fortnightly intensive on Wednesday nights at Durrumbul Hall gives the dancer a sacred space to journey into with DJ Nick Taylor a global travelling DJ with an eclectic mix of dancing grooves. The dancefloor is guided by Nick's music and the non invasive facilitation of Dance Therapist Ljudan Michaelis. 30mins warmup leads into a circle of intent before blasting off into 2 & 1/2 hours of ecstatic dance journeying. Then a completion circle with refreshments available afterwards.
Our first Conscious Dance Intensive on the 25th March was very successsful. We've had a great response from the community and we are fine tuning the groove to meet the flow of the conscious dancers of this community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a conscious dance intensive?
Conscious dance is dance with a purpose in a sacred space without the influence of substances and external distractions of the outer world. In a class format it is usually facilitated/guided by a professional facilitator that directs the dancers through a specific map that leads one through a process of awakening (this can come in many shapes and forms- self realisation, healing, ecstasy, planetary love, stress release, rejuvenation...).
A conscious dance intensive* is a format developed by Ljudan Michaelis and Nick Taylor. It comes as a result of years of dancing and DJing at Dance Parties all over the planet and needing to create a place where the magical intensity and connection to spirit and community is there without the influences of the party culture.
Nick brings his expertise of taking the dancer on a deep inner journey using the inherent map of the alchemy of ecstasy. It is somewhat similar to the ebbs and flows of lovemaking, the union of the masculine and feminine principles. There is a build up, a release, more of a build up, a plateau, an expansion, chaos, orgasmic ecstasy, recharging, stillness. And depending on the intent for the night not necessarily in that order and always with a few surprises thrown in amongst it. So where in most cases the facilitator has a strong influence in creating the map it is the DJ who is guiding the map through his music. The facilitator is there holding the sacred space and continually clearing and releasing the energy to allow a seamless flow for the dancers journey to unveil itself. *Please be aware that there are many similar formats that exist in the world of conscious dance.
What goes on over 3 hours?
Ljudan sets up the sacred space so when you arrive you are welcomed into a safe and consciously aware environment. The first half hour is for you to warm up, stretch, dance gently and connect with people you may or may not know. Then at 7.30 the doors close to maintain the integrity of the space. Then a brief ceremony to bring everyone together will occur with a Kundalini DanceTM plug-in, followed by your personal intent for the evening. After this 5 minute ceremony you will be reminded of the guidelines of what to honour & respect on the dancefloor.
THEN the dancefloor is all yours to dive in and surrender to the dance. It will be almost 3 hours of dedicated journey music to give you the opportunity to trance into an altered state naturally. The nature of this work is that there has to be certain parametres that become the threads to hold the tapestry of the dancers space together. These key parametres being focus on your own journey, respect the space and others in it, maintain a drug & alcohol free environment, no talking on the dancefloor. For more details see the homepage of www.consciousdancenetwork.com.au Remember 3 hours is a long time to dance so bring plenty of water, a towel if you're the sweaty type and if you'd like, a mat or cushion (for those moments when you need to rest). There will be a first aid kit available with additional alternatives like arnica & rescue remedy.
At 10 the musical journey will end with a completion circle - sealing meditation & group checkin. Feel free to stay on to wind down, catch up with friends on the verandah or collapse on the dancefloor. Homemade savoury pastries & non-caffeine Chai will be available for purchase after 10pm.
Can children come?
This is an adults healing space. Please enjoy the evening without your children. We are hoping to create a creche within the community so no one misses out due to lack of childcare. Email us if you think this would be useful for you.
Why no drugs & alcohol?
It's about a clear space for you to dance as an alternative to the usual dance environment of clubs or parties. Make it a fun challenge for yourself and arrive clear headed and see how you go.
Do we really have to dance for 3 hours?
It's not boot camp. You can dance for as long or as short as you like. Commit yourself to the journey by surrendering to the sacred space and honourng your own needs. The facilitator is on the dancefloor to assist in anyway if you require them. Feel free to have a break but please honour the journey and stay within the dancefloor area or outside cushioned area. If you need to leave please let the facilitator know. This is important to the healing process of this work.
Is this a party?
No, this is a conscious dance intensive which has a facilitated and structured format.
Do I have to have a background in dance journey work such as kundalini dance or another conscious dance style?
No, but it helps. It does gives you more tools to go deeper with. You can always take yourself along to an open class. Check out the calendar on www.consciousdancenetwork.com.au
But don't let this stop you. The group energy and the music can always carry you into journey naturally. You may even discover your own personal map.
Is it Trance Music?
'So You Think You Can Trance' is NOT trance music in the doof doof version. The trance comes from the dancers ability to navigate through the music with their breath & movement to reach altered states. The music is an eclectic mix of global tunes, local dance music (ie: ganga giri, oka), world music, drum n bass, dancey new age, dance mixes of old favs etc etc. The journey leads you through the alchemical map to ecstasy.
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