Constanze
Great soundtrack at last nights dance. Slow and gentle to ease our bodies and minds into being welcomed and “safe,” increasing in tempo and intensity as we danced our own transformational journeys and then a slow letting go of the end and being thanked and further empowered for “ordinary” life in a circle of love, respect, kindness, touch and empowerment for all. Thank you Abi and your volunteers and all the other dancers. 🤗🙏🦋 SD
Thank you so much for a wonderful dance last night. My dad recently passed away and it was so beautiful to feel pure elation and joy with everyone on the dance floor - it was absolutely just what I needed. I feel totally recharged and in awe of these evenings together. Much gratitude to everyone for creating such a fun evening. KP
The space was held so beautifully. Thank you Josh and Abi a deep dance for me. Much love 🫶🏼💫🫂
EL
Thank you feeling blessed 👘🙏. A winning combo of words and music 🎵 🎶 I loved the mid winter warming movements under the stars 🌟
JC
A fab dance last night. Thanks Abi and Josh. Radiating joyful energy to all. JS
Abi! Thankyou, I’ve joined. I loved last night it really was a deep release and perfectly timed celebration and grounding for me. Loved your set. RT
We're delighted to share with you the extensive health benefits our infrared heating system offers at St Mark's Community Centre. This system not only enhances your physical and mental well-being but also offers aesthetic advantages:
We're delighted to share with you the extensive health benefits our infrared heating system offers at St Mark's Community Centre. This system not only enhances your physical and mental well-being but also offers aesthetic advantages:
Our Personal Favourite:
Energy Efficiency: Our infrared heating is energy efficient, maintaining a warm, welcoming red glow on our dance floor.
We invite you to experience the full spectrum of benefits, from physical to cognitive to aesthetic to environment, that our infrared heating provides during your dance sessions. Embrace the enhanced
Our Personal Favourite:
Energy Efficiency: Our infrared heating is energy efficient, maintaining a warm, welcoming red glow on our dance floor.
We invite you to experience the full spectrum of benefits, from physical to cognitive to aesthetic to environment, that our infrared heating provides during your dance sessions. Embrace the enhanced comfort, health, and beauty it brings to our dance community.
We love all our dancers, and love meeting those new to conscious dance.
Venue: St Marks Community Centre, Bath, BA2 4PA
Sunday Mornings: Our next dance/Sunday morning will be 13th Oct 10am-12pm. (Children & Adults)
Saturday Evenings: Our next Saturday date 26th Oct 7:30-10pm (Adults Only)
COLLABORATION
We are passionate about Ecstatic Dance and keen to collaborate and support other Ecstatic Dance Facilitators/DJs, including sharing and promoting others.
Today | Closed |
Online: eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ecstatic-dance-bath-tickets-556133298667
In conclusion, ecstatic dance is a wonderful activity which promotes self-expression, in doing so helps stress release, helps us connect, whilst enabling us to maintain our boundaries, practice our nos in a safe space. This dance also helps to create a sense of community and therefore is gaining popularity.
If you are looking for something new, an outlet to express yourself, to connect with others, it may be worth giving ecstatic dance a try?
Embodiment: Our bodies crave freedom from confinement, when allowed the magic happens, tension is released and the healing begins. We provide a safe space for your body to move, unrestricted. No judgement.
Embodiment refers to the idea that our physical bodies play a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It is the concept that our bodies are not just passive vessels for our minds, but rather active participants in shaping how we perceive and interact with the world around us.
Embodiment theory suggests that our sensory experiences, bodily movements, and physiological states are all interconnected and influence our perceptions and behaviors. For example, the way we move our bodies can impact our mood, and our physiological responses to stress can affect our decision-making abilities.
Integration: The process of integration after an Ecstatic Dance practice, is an important part of the experience. Integration refers to the process of bringing the insights, emotions, sensory and somatic experiences gained through the dance into daily life.
We Integrate after our dance via:
Overall, integration after a dance practice involves taking the time to reflect, care for oneself, and apply the insights gained to daily life, leading to a greater sense of self-awareness and personal growth.
Each dance with its very own unique playlist. DJ NavaSkye (Abi) will at times share her playlists so you can recreate your dance at home, in your bedroom, kitchen, living room, garden when out on walks.. wherever you fancy!
NavaSkye, plays guitar, saxophone, sings and is learning to play the piano and has an eclectic taste in music, she creates diverse playlists. By incorporating music from all around the world, she can create a rich and varied soundscape that can help participants to connect with their bodies, emotions, and the wider world.
Carefully using (avoiding misappropriation) music from different cultures can also be a powerful tool for building empathy and understanding among participants. It can help to expose people to new perspectives and ways of being, and can foster a sense of connection and shared humanity.
Moreover, NavaSkye's approach can also help to break down cultural barriers and promote inclusivity within the Ecstatic Dance community. By valuing and celebrating diverse musical traditions, she can help to create a space that is welcoming and affirming for people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
With an eclectic taste in music she helps to create a unique and transformative Ecstatic Dance experience that can help to promote personal growth, connection, and community.
The only music we won't play is music that incites negativity, contains swear and/or derogatory words, or music which could be deemed as misappropriation..
Ethical Statement: DJ NavaSkye purchases all her music. By buying our music we support the artists who create it, this ensures that they receive fair compensation for their work. Furthermore, purchasing music from legitimate sources such as Bandcamp also helps to ensure that the artist gets the financial return they want, that the music is of good quality and is free from any copyright issues.
In addition, buying music for Ecstatic Dances can also help to create a more curated and intentional experience for participants.
Let 'movement medicine' in and shake off the burdens of everyday life... our dances are barefoot, this helps stability, safety and grounding!
Dancing barefoot has a number of potential benefits:
Fewer barriers - helps us connect on many levels!
Important message: if you have an ankle/foot injury the above may not apply, please do consult with a health professional if you are unsure - before starting any new type of dance class such as ours.
Participants are encouraged to leave their phones, watches, and other electronic devices outside of the dance space.The reasons for this technology-free environment are based on the belief that technology can be distracting and can disrupt the flow and energy of the dance practice. Without technology, participants are able to fully immerse themselves in the experience and connect more deeply with their bodies and the music.In addition to eliminating distractions, a technology-free environment can also help to create a safer space for participants. Without the pressure of social media or the need to document the experience, participants may feel more comfortable expressing themselves freely and exploring their emotions and feelings without fear of judgment or scrutiny.
This Is a type of meditative dance, talking can be disruptive to the experience and the energy of the space. The idea is to create a safe and supportive environment where participants can connect with their bodies and emotions through movement and music.
Silence during the practice also allows for a deeper connection to oneself and to the music. Without the distraction of conversation, participants are encouraged to focus on their inner experience and let their bodies move freely without inhibition or self-judgment.
Overall, the discouragement of talking during the dance is intended to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where participants can fully immerse themselves in the experience of movement and music, leading to a deeper connection with oneself and others.
Alcohol has the potential to impair our judgment, balance and coordination, we are therefore at greater risk of injury. Alcohol can make us unpredictable within the dance space, potentially leading to conflicts or disruptions among participants.
In the context of Ecstatic Dance, it is crucial to foster a substance-free environment. By doing so, we create a supportive and safe space where participants can freely explore their emotions and inner experiences through movement and music, without the influence of alcohol.
By promoting an alcohol-free environment aligns with our commitment to health and wellness. Ecstatic Dance is often seen as a holistic healing practice that promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By consciously avoiding substances that can be detrimental to the body and mind, participants can fully engage in the transformative and healing power of dance.
In summary, by prioritising safety, creating a supportive space, and promoting overall health and wellness, we can ensure that participants in Ecstatic Dance communities have the opportunity to fully embrace the profound benefits of dance without the potential negative effects of alcohol consumption.
Drinking water is encouraged and available on tap.
Abi is a qualified Biomedical Scientist, Occupational Therapist, Breath-Works teacher, Dance the Medicine Facilitator, Ecstatic Dance DJ, and soon-to-be-qualified Personal Trainer - which makes her a highly versatile practitioner in the field of holistic health and movement practices.
As an Occupational Therapist, Abi is trained to help people achieve physical, mental, and emotional wellness through everyday activities.
As a breath-works teacher, Abi is trained in using breathing techniques to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional regulation.
As a Dance the Medicine facilitator and Ecstatic Dance DJ, Abi is skilled in using movement and music as tools for personal growth, healing, and community building.
Abi has personally found immersing herself in music and dance incredibly healing, this is her main reason for qualifying as a DJ and Facilitator. Abi is living a very healthy, active and full life despite having Multiple Sclerosis.
In her early 50s, Abi strongly believes in living life to the full, forever growing, forever learning, remaining active and interested whilst moving our bodies. Passionately anti-vivisection, Abi has vowed never to take medication, she maintains her physical and mental health solely through healthy lifestyle methods, with dance and music being significant contributors!
St Mark's Community Centre is a community hub located on St Mark's Road in Widecombe, Bath, Somerset, UK.
St Mark's Community Centre is a detached welcoming space, at the end of a quiet residential road - only a short walk from Bath Spa Station, designated parking space which is to side and rear of the centre.
The centre is designed to provide a space for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and participate in a variety of activities and events.
These include dance classes, fitness sessions, community meetings, and other social events.
As for the dance floor space at St Mark's Community Centre, it is a large, open area intentionally sprung for dance activities. Used by well known local dance school.
When you enter the centre you will see a large reception area with an accessible WC, a front door which we lock (but can be opened if you need to leave early). Plenty of space to place coats and shoes. Large breakout room between main hall and large kitchen area where you can fill up your water bottles.
The high ceilings are perfect for our music. This is because high ceilings allow sound waves to travel further before they bounce back and interfere with the original sound, creating echoes and reverberations. The result is a more spacious and natural sound that can enhance the listening experience. The sound waves bounce off the walls and ceiling, creating a sense of depth and richness in the music.
Overall, a very beautiful space for which we feel very grateful!
Please reach us via our contact page, if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Ecstatic Dance is a form of free-form dance that emphasises self-expression and personal growth through movement and music.
No, Ecstatic Dance is different from traditional dance parties in that it is typically substance-free and emphasises personal exploration and growth rather than socialising or entertainment.
No, The music played at Ecstatic Dance events varies widely, from world music to electronic beats to live performances.
No, prior dance experience is not necessary. Ecstatic Dance is open to everyone, regardless of their level of dance expertise, age or ability.
There is no formal dress code for Ecstatic Dance, but comfortable clothing that allows for freedom of movement is recommended. Think keep fit class, barefoot and you can't go wrong.
No, and no requests are taken on the night. Ecstatic Dance events are facilitated by a DJ who curates the music for the event.
Yes, taking breaks during the dance is completely acceptable. Participants are encouraged to listen to their bodies and rest when needed.
Yes, dancing with others is allowed and encouraged. However, participants are also encouraged to dance solo, which will widen their overall experience.
Yes, this is very important as everyone needs to feel safe. Dancers are asked to be mindful of boundaries, a clear yes is fine, but any ambiguity from other dancers is seen as a definite no. Dancers will be asked to leave if they are seen to be disrespectful of other peoples boundaries.
For some people, Ecstatic Dance can be a spiritual practice that helps them connect with their inner selves and a larger spiritual community. However, it is not necessarily a spiritual practice for everyone.
No, Ecstatic Dance is open to people of all ages, although some events may be geared towards a specific age group.
Ecstatic Dance events can be held in a variety of locations, including yoga studios, community centers, and outdoor spaces.
It depends on the specific event. Some of our Ecstatic Dance events are family-friendly and welcome children - these are usually our morning events, while our evening events are geared towards adults only. See our policy on children below.
No, there are no specific dance steps or routines to follow. Ecstatic Dance is all about free-form movement and self-expression.
Yes, with her background Abi is keen that Ecstatic Dance Bath is inclusive and can be adapted to accommodate a wide range of physical abilities. If you have a physical disability, Abi encourages you to listen to your body, and when physical movement is challenging or painful - she encourages participants to immerse themselves in the music, then visualise the dance, the movement - recent science has shown strong evidence that visualising activity can have a direct positive impact on muscle memory, tone and therefore a direct positive impact upon physical and mental health and wellbeing. [Dispenza,J 'You Are The Placebo'].
Talking during the dance is generally discouraged, as it can disrupt the flow of the music and the energy of the dance.
No, Ecstatic Dance events are open to individuals and groups of all sizes.
No, whilst talking is actively discouraged - music is a key component of Ecstatic Dance events and is used to inspire movement and self-expression.No, Ecstatic Dance events are open to individuals and groups of all sizes.
No, the use of phones and cameras is actively discouraged during Ecstatic Dance events in order to create a safe, distraction-free environment. It is definitely not okay to take photos during the event unless taken by event organiser with prior consent from all.
Ecstatic Dance Bath takes privacy/dignity of all it's dancers very seriously. As such will always ask for prior written consent before taking photos (consent form before dance). Prior to publishing, Ecstatic Dance Bath will share photos with all those who have attended. If anyone is unhappy with any photo they are in, said photos will not be used, they will be permanently deleted/carefully disposed of.
No, participants are free to come and go as they please during an Ecstatic Dance event.
Ecstatic Dance Bath event organisers take your health and well-being seriously. We have completed first aid training, we have both public liability and professional indemnity insurance. Saying this, we will not accept liability for any injuries sustained - all dancers are asked to act responsibly (barefoot, no substances, know own limits) and are asked to look after themselves and be careful of fellow dancers. Ecstatic Dance Bath asks, if potential attendees have any doubt to first check in with their GP before attending the dance.
Ecstatic Dance Child Supervision Policy
Objective:
Our Saturday evening dances are adults only.
The aim of this policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of all children attending our Sunday ecstatic dance events while maintaining an inclusive and enjoyable environment for participants of all ages.
Guidelines:
Maximum total number of children at each event: 10
Definition of Child and Responsible Adult
Child: Any individual under the age of 18 attending the dance event.
Responsible Adult: An individual aged 18 or older who accompanies and supervises the child throughout the event.
Ratio of Supervision
· Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times during the dance event.
· The ratio should be maintained as 1 child to 1 responsible adult.
Supervision on the Dance Floor
· Children are allowed on the dance floor only when accompanied by their responsible adult.
· Responsible adults are responsible for ensuring the child's safety and appropriate behaviour on the dance floor.
Supervision in Breakout Areas
• Children and their responsible adults must stay together in the breakout area between the dance hall and the kitchen.
• Supervision should be continuous to prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment.
Responsibilities of Responsible Adults
1. Maintain visual and physical contact with the child at all times.
2. Ensure the child follows the guidelines and respects other participants.
3. Address any disruptive behaviour promptly and appropriately.
4. Escort the child to restroom facilities when needed.
5. Stay informed about any announcements or changes during the event.
Role of Event Organisers
1. Display clear signage outlining the child supervision policy at the entrance and within the venue.
2. Provide information about the policy through online platforms and promotional materials.
3. Ensure adequate staff or volunteers are available to assist with enforcing the policy and addressing any concerns.
Enforcement
• Event organisers reserve the right to refuse entry or ask a participant to leave if the child supervision policy is not followed.
• In case of any concerns or emergencies, event organisers should be informed immediately for assistance.
Feedback and Review
• Feedback regarding the child supervision policy is welcomed and will be considered for future improvements.
• Regular reviews of the policy will be conducted to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.
Conclusion:
This policy aims to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants, including children, during our Sunday ecstatic dance events. By adhering to these guidelines, we can promote inclusivity and ensure the well-being of everyone involved.
See more detailed form above, use this if you prefer. We love our dancers, so do feel free to contact us any time, either through our contact form below or email: abi@ecstaticdance-bath.co.uk.
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