Ecstatic Dance has gained immense popularity in recent times as an alternative way of expressing oneself through dance without any inhibition. It is a form of free-form dance that allows individuals to let loose and connect with themselves, their bodies, and the music. Ecstatic Dance is practiced all over the world, and every community has its own unique style and flavor. In this blog, we will explore the difference between Ecstatic Dance SLO and Ecstatic Dance in Santa Barbara, two popular communities located in the central coast of California.
Ecstatic Dance SLO
Ecstatic Dance SLO, also known as Ecstatic Dance San Luis Obispo, is a community-based in the city of San Luis Obispo, California. The community was founded in 2008 by Danielle Fowler, who was inspired by her experiences at the Burning Man festival. The community has grown over the years and has become an integral part of the San Luis Obispo community, attracting individuals from all walks of life.
Before the 2020 pandemuc, the Ecstatic Dance SLO community met weekly on Friday evenings at the SLO Grange Hall. The dance session started at 7:00 pm and ended at 9:30 pm. The dance was facilitated by DJs who play a mix of music that varies from week to week. The music ranges from world beats, electronica, trance, and tribal rhythms. The dance was conducted in a safe and sacred space, and participants were encouraged to dance barefoot to connect with the earth and to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Today, Ecstatic Dance SLO is more than just a dance community; it is a space for individuals to connect, heal, and express themselves. There are several dances that feed the Ecstatic Dance SLO community across Arroyo Grande, Cambria, Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. The community follows a set of guidelines that ensures the safety and comfort of all participants. The guidelines include respect for oneself and others, no talking on the dance floor, and no drugs or alcohol. The community also offers workshops and events that are focused on personal growth, meditation, and self-discovery.
The Ecstatic Dance SLO community is unique in its emphasis on community building and personal growth. The dance is seen as a form of meditation that allows individuals to connect with their inner selves and express their emotions and feelings through movement. The community is inclusive and welcoming, and individuals from all backgrounds, ages, and levels of dance experience are encouraged to participate.
Ecstatic Dance Santa Barbara
Ecstatic Dance Santa Barbara is a community based in the city of Santa Barbara, California. The community was founded in 2010 by a group of individuals who were inspired by the Ecstatic Dance community in San Francisco. The community has grown over the years and has become an integral part of the Santa Barbara community, attracting individuals from all over the central coast of California.
Ecstatic Dance Santa Barbara meets on Wed evenings, Fridays, Saturday and sometimes on Sundays. For specifics, visit their website. The dances are facilitated by DJs who play a mix of music that varies from week to week. The music ranges from world beats, trap, house, electronica, trance, and tribal rhythms. The dance is conducted in a safe and sacred space, and participants are encouraged to dance barefoot to connect with the earth and to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Ecstatic Dance Santa Barbara is more than just a dance community; it is a space for individuals to connect, heal, and express themselves. The community follows a set of guidelines that ensures the safety and comfort of all participants. The guidelines include respect for oneself and others, no talking on the dance floor, and no drugs or alcohol. The community also offers workshops and events that are focused on personal growth, meditation, and self-discovery.
The Ecstatic Dance Santa Barbara community is unique in its emphasis on spirituality and connection with the divine. The dance is seen as a form of prayer that allows individuals to connect with their higher selves and the divine energy. The community is also known for its emphasis on embodiment practices and somatic healing. The dance is seen as a way to release trauma and emotions stored in the body, allowing individuals to heal and transform.
Ecstatic Dance SLO vs Ecstatic Dance Santa Barbara
While both Ecstatic Dance SLO and Ecstatic Dance Santa Barbara share many similarities, they also have a few differences. The most obvious is there location.
One of the most significant differences is the time and location of the dance sessions. Ecstatic Dance SLO meets on Wed, Friday, Sat and Sundays in various locations in SLO County while Ecstatic Dance Santa Barbara meets on Saturday mornings. The location of the dance sessions is also different. Ecstatic Dance Santa Barbara meeting at St. Michael's University Church.
Another difference between the two communities is their emphasis on spirituality and personal growth. While both communities offer workshops and events focused on personal growth, Ecstatic Dance Santa Barbara places more emphasis on spirituality and connection with the divine. The dance is seen as a form of prayer and a way to connect with higher energies, while Ecstatic Dance SLO places more emphasis on community building, movement and personal expression.
The music played at the dance sessions is also different between the two communities. While both communities play a mix of world beats, electronica, trance, and tribal rhythms, the specific music selection varies from week to week. Ecstatic Dance Santa Barbara is known for its eclectic and diverse music selection, while Ecstatic Dance SLO often incorporates live DJs and live music into their dance sessions.
Finally, the atmosphere of the dance sessions is different between the two communities. While both communities offer a safe and sacred space for individuals to express themselves through dance, the energy of the two communities is distinct. Ecstatic Dance SLO is known for its lively and upbeat energy, while Ecstatic Dance Santa Barbara is known for its more contemplative and meditative atmosphere.
Conclusion
Ecstatic Dance SLO and Ecstatic Dance Santa Barbara are two popular Ecstatic Dance communities located in the central coast of California. While both communities share many similarities, they also have distinct differences in their time and location of dance sessions, their emphasis on spirituality and personal growth, the music played at the dance sessions, and the atmosphere of the dance sessions.
Regardless of the community, Ecstatic Dance offers a unique and transformative experience for individuals to connect with themselves, their bodies, and the music. Whether it's to release emotions, heal trauma, or simply let loose and have fun, Ecstatic Dance is a powerful form of expression that can have a profound impact on individuals and communities alike.