what is ecstatic dance?

Ecstatic dance is a conscious, free-form movement practice that fosters self-expression and a deep connection to music in a non-judgmental, community setting. Unlike traditional dances, it encourages participants to dance freely, guided by the music and their emotions, promoting inner exploration, healing, creativity, and spontaneity. No experience is necessary—come as you are and let the music move you!

DJ Lionaura's Ecstatic dance experience

DJ Lionaura is a lioness of sound, weaving transformative journeys that awaken the soul and liberate the body. Her sets are more than music—they are portals of healing, expression, and deep embodiment. Guided by intuition and heart, she channels frequencies that invite participants to release what no longer serves, reconnect with their primal essence, and move in harmony with their truth. Like a lioness attuned to the energy of her pride, she holds space for grounding, freedom, and presence.

Based in Payson, Arizona, DJ Lionaura is available for retreats, festivals, raves, and private events throughout the region, including Sedona, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Prescott, and Show Low. She also facilitates monthly ecstatic dances in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, every third Friday at the Cincinnati Yoga School from 8–10 PM.

DJ Lionaura’s sets are a vibrant fusion of organic downtempo, world and tribal rhythms, disco-funk grooves, folktronica, psytrance, ethereal melodies, and deep house. She intuitively flows with the energy of the space, guiding dancers from blissful, soothing soundscapes to heart-pounding, ecstatic peaks. Each journey is crafted to be a safe, sacred container, inviting participants to release stagnant energy, move through trapped emotions, and awaken into a meditative, embodied state of transformation. Check out her Soundcloud, Spotify, or YouTube for a sample of her sets.

Want to host a community ecstatic dance, private party, or have her at your retreat, festival, rave, or club? Book a free consultation today!

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upcoming ecstatic dances

Benefits of Ecstatic Dance

Participating in ecstatic dance is a transformative experience that offers a multitude of benefits, including:

Physical healing

Boost cardiovascular fitness while also enhancing your flexibility, mobility, and coordination through dynamic movements that stretch and strengthen various muscle groups. You will also release stagnant or trapped energy, restoring the movement of qi throughout the body.

emotional healing

Safely explore and process difficult emotions, releasing lower-vibrational ones that may be stuck. This practice can help you let go of distressing thoughts, heal your inner child, and even connect to a trance-like state of theta brain waves, boosting your feel-good endorphins.

increase Confidence and self-awareness

Gain a deeper connection with yourself and recognize your strength and power. You will start to care less about what others think of you and feel more comfortable in your body, embracing your authentic self unapologetically.

Increase connection with others

Make friends and connect with like-minded individuals on a deeper level, giving you feelings of belonging and community. Your vulnerability also allows you to share your true self, forming more intimate bonds with friends, partners, or new acquaintances.

Improve sleep quality and lucid dream

The physical exertion, the removal of stagnant energy and negative thoughts, and the release of endorphins can heal insomnia and improve overall sleep quality. People have also reported lucid dreaming up to a week after an ecstatic dance event.

increase creativity

Unlock your creative potential by breaking free from conventional thought patterns. When you allow new ideas to flow freely, you give space for more innovation and imagination. Your intuition, memory, and learning may also be enhanced.

Guidelines

To create a safe and respectful space for all, please adhere to the following guidelines for our ecstatic dance events:

No Shoes

Dancing barefoot allows you to feel the surface beneath your feet, enhancing your sensory awareness and connection to the earth. This practice can promote greater freedom of movement and self-expression, as well as encourage a sense of intimacy and vulnerability within the space.

No Talking

Talking is distracting to others and takes you away from your inner experience. Please only communicate with sounds, body language, and eye contact. If you must talk to someone, please go somewhere private.

No devices

Please leave all devices in the box in front of the door and only access them incase of an emergency. These devices disconnect you from your body and the energy around you. Other people may also feel like they are being recorded.

no substances

To ensure a safe and positive environment for self-expression and connection, please refrain from alcohol, drugs, and any substances that may alter consciousness or disrupt the communal experience. But don't worry, the ecstatic dance experience should already make you feel like you are on something.

Respect boundaries

You are 100% welcome to dance with others but if you want to decline a dance with someone, look at them and do namaste/prayer hands. If someone does this to you, politely acknowledge them by doing the namaste hands back to them and continuing on with your movement.

participate and enjoy!

Move freely and authentically without judgment. There’s no right or wrong way to dance! Embrace the joy of movement and let go of any inhibitions—this is a space for self-expression and celebration! Listen to the music and allow it to guide your movements, embracing the rhythms and emotions it brings.