Cacao Ceremony | Ecstatic Dance | Sound Healing

Brisbane's Original Cacao Ceremony Since 2014

Ecstatic Dance is a mindful movement practice that helps people connect with their bodies and inner wisdom. Through Dance, Music, and Cacao Ceremonies, participants reach ecstatic states, dissolving mental barriers and accessing deeper subconscious intelligence. It's a chance to connect deeply with oneself and others, embracing freedom, joy, and honesty.

For millennia, cacao has been revered as a sacred food of the gods. In this experience, we will share a cacao elixir, allowing us to tap into the stillness and wisdom within.

This journey creates a space to cultivate self-awareness, connect with profound emotions, enhance your intuitive insights, and align your actions with your intentions.

The session begins with intention setting, followed by somatic exercises inspired by shamanic traditions to induce a state of relaxed awareness or trance, preparing us for the dance journey ahead.

What kind of music is played and what do we do?

Saí is a multi-instrumentalist who weaves together world instruments such as the handpan, flutes, didgeridoo, and ukulele, with voice, piano, synthesizers and percussion. His unique blend of sacred world music flows between deep tribal rhythms, lush organic beats, and blissful ambience, which is fully improvised and created live in the moment.

Listen to some of his live music here: https://soundcloud.com/saikurieta/sai-kurieta-live-organic-ecstatic-full-ecstatic-dance-live-set

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

*** All the activities during the Ecstatic Dance events are open invitations and it's your choice to participate or not. When you feel you need a break - you can use the cozy chill out space to lay down, meditate or just observe and process.

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 pm - Workshop: Energy Play

- 5:45 pm - Face & Body Painting

- 6:15 pm - Opening circle & Cacao Ceremony

- 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

- 9:15 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.

- 9:20 pm – Non-verbal time is over - make friends, have a chat with the people you shared the space with during the dance.

Arrive no later than 6:10 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.

Thank you!

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.

Our Story:

Ecstatic Dance Brisbane takes pride in being the pioneer who introduced Ecstatic Dance, and Cacao Ceremonies to Australia.
This trend, born in Brisbane, has become a source of inspiration and transformation that captured the hearts and spirits of dance communities nationwide!

What sets us apart?
A decade of consistency and commitment. We are the only event in Australia to have maintained a weekly rhythm for an entire decade, hosting over 500 events in many Brisbane locations.

Our unwavering commitment allowed us to stand by the Brisbane community through the most pivotal periods following 2019—when the need for mental wellness and genuine human connection was at its highest.

Our unwavering commitment has driven us to improve, year after year.
Today, our community enjoys a tapestry of unique offerings:
- The best wooden dance floor set amidst nature's beauty, yet within the heart of the city.

- A Sensory Symphony - Immerse yourself in the journey with our high-fidelity Quad Stereo sound system and a synchronized light system, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

- Savor a one-of-a-kind Cacao Elixir, masterfully crafted from freshly ground beans. Complement it with vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free Bliss Balls and Chocolate.

- An Emotional Odyssey - Let our inspiring imagery and unique decorations guide you through an emotional journey, transitioning from Confidence, Courage, Joy and Love, to a Serene state.

- A Chillout Sanctuary - Find solace in our Safe Haven Chillout Space, where you can slow down and meditate at your own pace.

- Healing Touch - Guest Massage Therapists offer complimentary sessions during the event, making your experience truly holistic.

- Yoga Fusion - Embark on an embodied state before the dance with some of the best Yoga Teachers from a variety of lineages.

- Breathwork and Beyond - Special events include activating Breathwork and Cold Plunge workshops to invigorate your senses.

- Artistic Expression - Unleash your creativity with Face and Body Painting, guided by professional Makeup Artists, adding a burst of colorful vibes to your journey.

- Harmony in Sound - Experienced Sound Healers and Musicians ensure a smooth landing and integration of the Dance Journey.

- Blindfolded Exploration - At our Blindfold Trance events, external distractions vanish, amplifying your ability to enter a deeper state of awareness and process emotions better.

- World-Class Collaborations - We occasionally host events with International Renowned Artists and guest DJ's to provide diverse enriching experiences.

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.

For the first few times, Monica and I were the only ones dancing, while people curiously watched and enjoyed the music.

The first ones that joined us were the kids that were playing nearby.

The kids then began to drag their parents to join in and slowly the Cafe Deck was full of adults and kids dancing.

No dance experience required.

Free parking available onsite around the football field.

IMPORTANT: Entrance to the venue is across 199 Ashgrove Ave as pictured. For exact location search for Ecstatic Dance Brisbane on Google Maps.

Limited spots available, booking highly recommended.

Participants must be 18yo+ (The dance itself is suitable for all ages but the opening sharing circle might not be. Sometimes people share things not suitable for a young audience. Also an immersive experience cannot happen when looking after someone else.)