Your own pace
Can I take a break at an ecstatic dance?
Yes, always. You don't have to dance the whole time, and nobody expects you to.
1
Move at your own pace, and rest whenever you want
You set your own intensity, song by song. You can dance hard, move gently, sit at the edge of the room or lie on the floor for a whole song. Nobody is keeping score.
Stepping out for water or a breather is completely fine. Come back to the floor when you're ready.
“Dancing and being a part of such a nonjudgmental community really helps to ground and remember I am human first and foremost.”
2
Be who you want to be
There's no right way to do this. Some people close their eyes, some smile and interact, and some just move in circles. All of it belongs.
If you'd like to dance with someone, make eye contact and wait for a clear yes. If you'd rather not, a turn away or prayer hands is a complete answer.
“You can be who you want to be. Some people close their eyes. Some people smile and interact. Some people just move in circles. Everything is okay.”
3
Follow whatever moves you in the music
The music usually starts slow and grounded, builds and then eases back down. You don't need to keep up with it.
Listen for one thing that catches you, like a beat, a melody or a feeling, and let that lead.
“For me, the best music has emotional content. It might be the beat, a violin, a rhythm, or a feeling. Ecstatic dance is about connecting to whatever moves you.”