The ceremony process begins with the preparation of the brew by grinding the beans and preparing it with herbs and spices while infusing positive intent through traditional songs and prayer. The Cacao will be prepared the evening of the dance and brought to the charlotte street arts center.
We will introduce participants to the drink with a brief introduction of its background, cultural significance, and lineage. Followed by a short prayer to call in the Energies and Spirits that will support us throughout the ceremony. Followed by a brief guiding into the Ecstatic Dance Experience. The Cacaos intended use is to facilitate deeper awareness and connection. Traditionally known to be a heart-opener
As we begin to move our bodies the music will be curated to facilitate a musical journey to connect people with themselves and each other. This playlist will be inspired by the 5 elements of Earth-Air-Fire-Water-Ether. We will begin this dance with each of us on the floor as we consume our cacao and ground our Body (earth) with our Breath (Air) before freely moving into our own dance. The tempo will begin with grounding flowing music before we ignite the spark of our personal movement (Fire) as we build heat in our body. The music will encourage us to dance passionately and freely in our own unique way however that may look for you.
There is no judgment in this space as we all are here to be free and fully ourselves. As the heat builds to a boiling point we will seamlessly transition into the (Waters) of chaos where we let go of all of our pre notions and embody our own full expression. Deep watery magnetic bass filled with enriching sounds fill the space as we are invited to let go fully. When we reach the edges of this Watery phase the soft presence of spacious Air will pick us up once again and open our hearts into a full expansive integration of the previous elements, moving like wind in any way we desire. Inviting in new ideas for our lives as we learn to move with the flow of life. Finally Ether, where no-thing becomes everything all at once. Arrived here and now after a long journey through cosmic sounds, universes of musical collections from around the world come to an organic completion. Together not the same people who entered the space.
Gratitude - Fluidity - Congruence - Courage - Vulnerability - Soulful - Honest - Expression. Each at our own pace in our own space in the cosmic dance of the Sacred Fire. This is a wellness and spiritual practice bridging the gap of separateness in our busy world.
We encourage you, how ever you feel on this day, know you are welcomed to bring it all with you and make it your own movement. There is no right or wrong way to move, sadness, anxiety, depression, joy, excitement, curiosity, wonder, all the parts of you are welcomed into this space.
As usual we will uphold conscious dance space agreements - of respecting each other's movement practice by not talking on the dance floor, not bringing phones, respecting personal space of each other unless you have consent (eye contact, nods) This is a space of self discovery and community building, making friends and exploring yourself.
At the end of the dance we will gather in an optional community sharing circle to integrate what we have experienced throughout the evening. If you do not want to share you don't have to. This is an opportunity to reflect on the experience and integrate any lessons or insights into daily life. In closing we will thank the spirits of cacao and the energies that supported the ceremony and wish everyone well on their journey into life.
The ceremony will begin at 8:00pm and the doors to the space will be locked at 8:05 to create an uninterrupted safe space for those inside so please arrive 5-10 minutes before 8pm. Please bring a yoga mat if you have one
Sliding scale 23$-27$ if you wish to have Cacao
Or 17$-23$ if you do not want any Cacao.
To learn more about Ecstatic Dance, visit their facebook page below.