Ecstatic Dance In Portland

WELCOME to DANCE JOURNEYS

First, a little history -

This particular dance venue began as the Mindful Movement Collective, a dancer-run spin-off from the Mindful Movement classes taught by Vinn Marti through the Body Moves studio downtown. When Vinn decided to disband the Monday session of that particular class for the summer in 2003, a core group of regulars immediately stepped up to keep it alive. Several of that original group are still involved, although we also welcome newcomers every week. We moved from Body Moves studio to Northstar Ballroom in early 2004.

Who we are -

From the beginning, as now, we are a loose collective. Those of us who feel called to, take turns at putting together a music experience to dance to for that week. We think of each session as an evocative "journey". We are inherent experimenters, and while the music choices tend to be textural and may be somewhat slower in tempo than most of the other ecstatic dance experiences around, any kind of music is fair game. And because we rotate music responsibilities, it is different every week. Most often whoever offers the music for that week also leads a short opening circle, where they might speak very briefly about the inspiration for the musical journey they have created. So, if you have ever dreamed of being a dj, this might be a place to begin - as the experience here can be not only about dancing, but seeing how others move or dance to what you are inspired to play.

And as with the music, we tend to also be experimenters in our movement. Although we may engage with others during our dance, this tends to be a more inward journey, where mindfulness is the key. We close the curtains, keep the room dark and dance by candlelight from the altar. We invite you to move and dance how you feel called to, including lying on the floor the whole time if that is what is appropriate for you that day.

Some other details and logistics -
Although we hope you fall in love with this session and we see you often, you are also welcome to drop in as you can. Newcomers are always welcome, and please bring your friends. We now open the space by 4:45 for a self-guided mediation and begin warm-up time at 5:15, then hold circle around 5:30 when we begin the dance journey; we end with a brief closing circle around 6:40. You are welcome to arrive at any point you can and join us. We close the front door shortly after circle, but keep the side door open and you can respectfully join us mid-session.

Because this is a collective, this is also essentially a non-profit venue and the money we collect goes to pay our rental fee. We ask for $5 a session.

If this is your first time at Dance Journeys, please sign the waiver and clearly print your e-mail so we can tell you if we need to skip a session (for holidays, etc.) or if there is a special session to be aware of. Bathrooms are downstairs to the right. It is best to bring your own water, but the downstairs sinks are better than the water in the upstairs kitchen. We encourage you to try your hand at the music - if you are interested, please speak up and we will offer whatever council we can to help make that possible.

Want more information? Georgiana (503) 238-9951 OR Jerry (503) 351-6297