The purpose of a trance dance is essentially to bring you to a place in the sacred zone where the spirits can reach you. Your body becomes the instrument, a direct link to spirit within and without, and responds back as gateways to the numinous begin to open. Trance dance is a form of active meditation through authentic movement. It is a journey to the essential self.

In trance dance, the rhythms and movements combine with the music to create an altered state of consciousness that allows entry into the sacred realm. Invite ecstasy in a conscious way to join you as healer and teacher along your path with trance dance:

Allowing the body, and parts of the body, to move to and express rhythms it finds engaging in the moment leads to this meditative state of mind and allows entry into a deeper mythic reality. In trance dance you encourage the inner wisdom of the body and your essential self to come forth and to flow with rhythms it finds appropriate and natural to itself.

What is an appropriate rhythm? The rhythm the body naturally desires to move to, the movements it wants to make-not what our ego-selves project or deem appropriate and natural to itself.

A review of ecstatic experiences reported by mystics and sages and ordinary folks reveals that ecstasy can sometimes arrive unbidden, out of nowhere it seems, as if slipping through a secret crack in the cosmic egg suddenly soaking you in its golden ambrosia. Inviting ecstasy is what trance dance is about and it requires an intentional approach.

Set the Ambiance
Lighting is of utmost importance. Avoid florescent fixtures. Include candles when possible, or small tree lights; a campfire is ideal.

Set the Intention
Take a few moments of silence to form an intention as a focus for your journey into the mythic realm. It might be as general as exploring you who are in the present moment through the dance. It might be to seek a new perspective on a challenging issue in your life. If you are unclear about an intention, consider using inner-work cards, such as tarot or Native American decks and cards.

The Music
Start with a selection of songs that vary in tempo, beginning with slow. Instrumentals and songs with a strong percussive line are conducive for trancing, more so than ballad-type vocals. Give yourself appropriate music in the beginning, for the first ten minutes or longer, to warm up your body.

Move to the music slowly at first, focusing on gently stretching and moving different parts of your body: head and neck, shoulders, arms, hands, hops, etc.

Eyes Closed or Open?
By closing your eyes, you can sometimes sense more clearly th deeper rhythmic patterns occurring within and around you.

Journeying on the Wings of Rhythm
Center yourself. Begin to follow the breath in and out. Relax your jaw. Whenever you desire to go deeper into the rhythms, be sure that your jaw is relaxed. Invite the music into your body. Drink the rhythms into yourself as deeply and gently as you can.

As you put your body into motion, follow what feels good in a sensual way, and you will begin moving away from the ego’s chatter and preoccupation with ordinary reality.

Recommended CDs and videos for trance dancing:

Video
The Wave, by Gabrielle Roth
A guided ecstatic experience of rhythm and motion.

CDs
Dead Can Dance: Spirit Chaser, Into the Labyrinth

Brent Lewis: Primitive Truth, Jungle Moon

Professor Trance and the Energizers: Shaman’s Breath

Gabrielle Roth and the Mirrors: Any titles

Babatunde Olatunji, Muruga and Sikiru: Cosmic Rhythm Vibrations