What Is Ecstatic Dance and How It Helps You Reconnect to Your Body

Elizabeth A Burnham
Nov 12
4 min read

Last week, I shared how ecstatic dance completely changed my life.

You might have seen me talk about it on social media or in my stories, but maybe you have wondered what exactly is ecstatic dance and how it works.

At its core, ecstatic dance is a free form movement practice where you listen to music and allow your body to move however it wants. There are no specific dance moves, no choreography, and no pressure to look a certain way. You simply tune in, feel the music, and let your body guide you.

Sometimes that might look like slow and flowing movements. Other times it might be jumping, shaking, or moving your arms wildly. It is about trusting your body’s intelligence and letting it express what it needs.

Most ecstatic dance events are also substance free, which helps you stay fully present and connected to your body. The focus is on presence, emotional expression, and moving energy through your system.

It is called ecstatic because when we move in this intentional and embodied way, it can bring on a natural euphoric feeling. It is a way of connecting deeply with yourself through movement and sound.

How Ecstatic Dance Supports Somatic Healing

From a somatic perspective, movement is one of the most powerful ways to regulate your nervous system and release stored energy.

Unprocessed emotions and past experiences do not just disappear. They live in the body as tension, tightness, or even numbness. Over time, this can show up as burnout, anxiety, or feeling disconnected from yourself.

Through ecstatic dance, you give your body a way to move that stuck energy. You might notice emotions rise up as you dance. Sometimes it feels joyful, other times it might bring up sadness or anger.

For example, maybe you have been irritated about something small, like your partner leaving socks on the floor, and suddenly that frustration comes up as you move. If you feel safe to do so, you can let that energy out through your body. That might look like stomping your feet, shaking, or letting out a sound. It is all part of the release.

We spend so much of our lives in our heads. Ecstatic dance brings us back into our bodies. When you move the way your body wants to, you start to feel more grounded, more connected, and more alive.

What to Expect During an Ecstatic Dance

The music is an important part of the experience. It usually starts slow and gentle, then gradually builds in energy before softening again at the end. This creates a natural arc that helps guide your body through different states.

At the beginning, a facilitator might offer simple guidance to help you get comfortable in your body. Sometimes that might mean pretending to move like a raindrop or stretching your arms like wings. It can feel playful and freeing.

While ecstatic dance is about your personal connection to your body, it often happens in a group setting. There is something powerful about being surrounded by others who are moving and expressing freely. You might dance solo most of the time or find yourself connecting with someone else in the room, mirroring each other’s movements or sharing a laugh.

It can feel light and fun, but it can also feel awkward or uncomfortable, especially at first. That is completely normal. When I first started dancing, I often kept my eyes closed so I could focus inward and not worry about what others were doing. Over time, I got more comfortable and began to enjoy the community aspect too.

Each dance is different. Sometimes it feels playful and silly, other times emotional and deep. Every time, it brings you closer to yourself.

Experience Ecstatic Dance at Daydream in Batavia, Illinois

If you are curious to experience this for yourself, I would love to invite you to Daydream: A Daytime Drum, Dance and De-Stress event happening on November 23, 2025, at Zen Loft Collective in Batavia, Illinois.

Daydream is a two hour event designed to help you reconnect with your body, release stress, and feel more grounded through movement, music, and sound.

Here is what to expect:

Drum Circle with Reiki: Led by Sam from Space for Balance. You are welcome to bring your own drum, but it is not required. We will drum together using instruments, our hands, or even the floor to awaken rhythm and connection. I will also be offering Reiki to those who consent.
Ecstatic Dance: Move freely to the music in whatever way feels right for your body. No dance experience is needed.
Reiki Infused Sound Healing: To close, Sam will guide a relaxing sound healing while I continue to offer Reiki for those who wish to receive.