What is Ecstatic Dance SLO?
Ecstatic Dance San Luis Obispo (Ecstatic Dance SLO) is more than just movement—it’s a space where music, community, and self-expression come together. Dancers of all ages and backgrounds gather to let go of stress, connect with themselves, and experience freedom on the dance floor. Unlike a club environment, Ecstatic Dance SLO offerings are alcohol-free, substance-free, and rooted in mindfulness and connection. There are a plethora of ecstatic dance slo offerings available throughout SLO County.
The return of Ecstatic Dance SLO
After the pandemic, Minus reignited the ecstatic dance movement in SLO County from the ground up. Through passion and resilience—a labor of love, Minus founded and grew a dance floor community that has now touched hundreds of people and has inspired many other community gatherings.
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Tierra Nueva was founded by Minus the DJ in 2021: Hosting and DJing over 30+ dances, building a consistent conscious dance community in the county — bringing people together every other Sunday at 11am. Minus starts each dance with a cacao meditation and opening embodiment offering. He would then have someone finish the dance with a live sound bath, followed by a closing circle and time for community members to connect. He had to depart due to a terrible spine surgery and long recovery. He returned to find the floor he had founded to have attracted new interests.
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Bliss Cafe: Bliss Cafe was where Ecstatically Yin and Above the Ground was founded. Above the Ground occurred following the return of Minus the DJ in 2023 -- after his 4-month departure. The Center Yoga was also built out as a monthly co-created offering for silent disco-style dances.
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Above the Ground: Launching the biggest ecstatic dance event in San Luis Obispo, which sells out every year and has become a cultural centerpiece for Ecstatic Dance SLO.
Nexus Dance: In 2024, A dance at Nexus was launched that now occurs every first and third Sunday. This dance has become a growing community gathering and has a rotating selection of great DJs, openers and closers.
Dedication and community co-creation helped transform SLO into a thriving hub for conscious movement and ecstatic dance, now with many dances, and torchbearers bringing people together through dance and connection. San Luis Obispo County is now known as one of the top locations in the country for Ecstatic Dance.
Enjoy Ecstatic Dance Across
SLO County
​San Luis Obispo County now boasts a rich variety of ecstatic dances. Whether you’re new to the practice or a longtime dancer, there’s a rhythm and community for everyone:
Nexus Ballroom: In the basement of the San Luis Obispo Market, there is a community dance every 1st and 3rd Sunday, offering a large wooden floor and a welcoming atmosphere. A rotating group of DJs, openers and closers are offered.
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Inner Rhythm (Cambria): Every Friday night, dancers gather on the coast for a soul-stirring journey curated by experienced ecstatic dance leaders. On occasion, Inner Rhythm will have notable DJs and special facilitation events.
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Open Flow (Morro Bay): Held every Weds at the Community Center, this faclitated dance focuses on organic moves and curated playlists. Open Flow is based off of Open Floor, Soul Motion and 5Rhythms principles.
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The Beach Dance (Cambria & Morro Bay): An every Saturday gathering that rotates between Morro Bay and Cambria, combining barefoot dancing with waves, sand, and rotating playlists.
Above the Ground (San Luis Obispo): Every year, Minus the Dj brings together our entire community for a large festival-like ecstatic dance gathering. It sells out every year, so be sure to get tickets as soon as they become available. With wellness vendors, beautiful decor, delicious cacao, multiple DJs, live performers, space holders, and a collective of ecstatic dance volunteers — this is an event not to be missed. A labor love and major undertaking, every detail is built with magical intention and spirit.
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​Each of these events contributes to the expanding ecstatic dance network in SLO, helping the region become a true hotspot for conscious movement.
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The roots of Ecstatic Dance SLO
Ecstatic Dance is part of a global movement that traces its lineage back to:
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5Rhythms at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, where Gabrielle Roth pioneered wave-like movement journeys.
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Conscious Dance Communities Worldwide, from Hawaii to Europe, that established the sober, freeform dance floor as a place of healing.
San Luis Obispo has a special connection to Esalen, with dancers and DJs often drawing inspiration from its legacy of conscious exploration.
Why Ecstatic Dance in San Luis Obispo is Special
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Nature + Movement: Dances near the ocean, in redwood-inspired studios, in a vibrant community connected to ecstatic dance roots and nature.
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Community Spirit: A diverse group of people—from healers to artists to professionals—sharing authentic presence.
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Music Journeys: Carefully curated DJ sets ranging from organic house to bass, tribal beats to world electronica.
Frequently Asked Question About Ecstatic Dance SLO
What happens at an Ecstatic Dance SLO offering?
You arrive, warm up, and then dance barefoot in a safe, substance-free space. No phones. No predatory behaviors. There’s no talking on the dance floor—just movement, expression, respect and music.
Do I need experience to join?
No experience is needed! Ecstatic Dance SLO offerings welcome everyone, regardless of age, fitness, or dance background.
What kind of music is played?
Each DJ creates a “wave” journey—starting slow, building into energetic peaks, then grounding into meditative closings. Expect global beats, electronic, tribal, house, and downtempo.
Where can I dance in SLO County?
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Above the Ground Festival
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Nexus Ballroom (1st & 3rd Sundays)
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Inner Rhythm (Fridays in Cambria)
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Open Flow (Wednesdays in Morro Bay)
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Beach Dance (rotating Saturdays)
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Is it like a club or a class?
Neither—it’s more like a moving meditation with community. Alcohol, drugs, and judgment are left at the door.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, water, and an open heart. Most dances are barefoot-friendly.