Cacao Ceremony - Ecstatic Dance & Sound Healing

We usually have between 50 - 80 participants most of them RSVP on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/EcstaticBrisbane/events/

Ecstatic Dance is a conscious movement practice that invites people to drop out of their minds and into their bodies to unwind and open to inner wisdom. Dance, Music and Cacao Medicine are the centre point of these ceremonies catalyzing ecstatic states, where conscious mind limitations dissolve, opening the doors to the vast subconscious intelligence. It is an opportunity to connect deeply with self and others in fun ways words cannot express. A gracious experience to meet yourself as you are and open a space where you can see beyond who you think you are... It’s about you, freedom, joy and honesty.

For thousands of years, cacao has been celebrated as a food of the gods. Together we will drink a cacao elixir, giving ourselves the opportunity to enter into the stillness and wisdom of our being. This journey will offer a space to develop self-awareness, be moved by deep emotions, expand your intuitive awareness and align your actions with your intentions.

What kind of music is played? And what do we do?
We play music that encourages movement. Our sonic journey is a fusion of world music, electronica, dubstep, tribal house, classic remixes and more! In this space, all are welcomed into radical self-expression and acceptance. Do yoga, stretch, dance like no one is watching, or just chill and enjoy the music.
- 4:30- Unified Connection Workshop with Andrew Noske- Beginning Contact Improvisation

• - 5:15 pm - Face & Body Painting (by Julieanne Edwards makeup artist)
  - 6:10 pm - Opening circle & Cacao sharing – to step on an inner journey, first we need to feel comfortable with the environment and the people around us. We cannot feel at ease when we are surrounded by complete strangers. In the opening circle, we get to sense who is around us. This will help our bodies to relax and connect with the energy in the room. You can always pass if you don't feel like talking. When done we will continue with the intention setting and the Cacao sharing.
  - 6:30 pm - Warm-up exercises - a combination of Qigong and other somatic exercises designed to release tension and get the body ready to enjoy the Dance Journey.
  - 6:50 pm – Music starts in a low beat to give us the chance to connect with the rhythm in a relaxed way. You choose when you allow your body to be moved and come alive, following your inner expression. The rhythm progressively increases once the room starts to move. It may reach a high energy several times during the dance and slow down to conclude with a smooth landing back to stillness at the end.
  - 8:45 pm - Sound Healing - a wind-down meditative moment using Singing bowls, Gongs and other acoustic instruments performed by our special guest Elena Lymbery
  - 9:20 pm – Closing circle – we sit together to ground using breathing and toning, then end by clapping together three times and the fourth time back to the earth to come out of trance and end the ceremony.
  - 9:30 pm – Non-verbal time is over - have a chat with the people you shared the space with during the dance.

Arrive no later than 6:30 pm and leave whenever you want but be mindful not to disturb the other participants.

Ecstatic Dance Agreements
To maintain ultimate freedom we agree to the following:
1. No talking on the Dancefloor
2. No Cellphones
3. No street shoes on the Dancefloor (light, soft shoes are allowed)
4. No showing up drunk or drugged, no pictures, video, or wearing of scent.
5. Respect the Space - Others' Space and the Collective Space.
When Approaching others:
- Listen for a Yes (get eye contact first)
- Respect any No (when they are ignoring you)
- Respect the Solo Dancers' Right to their Space
- Hands in prayer at heart means: "I see you, and thank you for the dance (that just ended)."
You will be asked to leave if you do not follow these agreements.

For Cacao Ceremony:
– It is often suggested to not eat for a few hours before consuming cacao for the ceremony.
– Drink a lot of water during the day prior to the ceremony.
Cacao is generally a fairly mild medicine, but there are a few cases where it maybe too strong for your system.
* Anti-depressants (prescription anti-depressants can be Contraindicated with cacao)
* Heart Conditions: (Caution is required because of increased heart rate and vasodilation effects of cacao)
* Pregnant & Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding please let us know so that we can adjust your dose.

No dance experience required***

Participants must be 18yo+

Our Story:
The first Ecstatic Dance Brisbane event happened in November 2013 in Northey St. Market, on the Cafe deck.
We started by offering free outdoor dance events, to share with the community the practice that changed our lives.