Kingston Ecstatic Dance with live percussionist

Once again we are joined by Sookers, a talented percussionist and fellow dance holder, who will be playing alongside our Dj set. Percussion playing is one of the oldest forms of human musical expression, dating back to prehistoric societies where drums and rhythmic striking were used in rituals, communication, and communal gatherings. Across cultures—from African djembe traditions to Indigenous ceremonial drumming and Asian rhythmic systems—percussion has been deeply tied to movement, trance, and collective experience. Its emphasis on rhythm over melody makes it especially powerful in guiding the body rather than the intellect. This is why it pairs so naturally with ecstatic dance: the steady or evolving beat creates a foundation for spontaneous, uninhibited movement, allowing participants to enter a meditative or euphoric state. The physicality of percussion resonates with the body’s own rhythms—heartbeat, breath, steps—making it an ideal companion for dance practices focused on release, connection, and embodied awareness. Join us on Sunday 20th September at The barn, kingston at 2.30pm for meditative movement in this wonderful space Let go of your inhibitions and let the music guide you as we dance away what no longer serves us to maintain balance and create space for what is to come through non verbal, barefoot dance in a safe and inclusive space. We look forward to seeing you there.Please come with an open mind and heart and respect these principles: Respect other people's space in the room. Dancing with another is welcome but please ask for consent if it is not obvious and take the hint. No talking throughout the conscious dance. This is a sober event, no intoxicants please. No mobile phones on the dance floor, please make sure they are turned off or on silent for the duration We encourage you to stay from begining till end or at least until we have finished the closing circle. While we aim to bring good vibes with the music we play we understand the possibility that some sounds may bring up difficult emotions so if you you feel you need to step outside for a while or need to leave for what ever reason please come speak to one of us before hand Ecstatic dance offers numerous health benefits, both physical and emotional. It promotes cardiovascular fitness by encouraging movement that increases heart rate, while also improving flexibility, coordination, and muscle strength. The freeform nature of the practice helps reduce stress and anxiety, as it allows for emotional release and enhances mental clarity. By fostering mindfulness and body awareness, ecstatic dance can also improve mood, boost self-esteem, and promote a sense of connection with oneself and others. Overall, it provides a holistic approach to wellness, integrating mind, body, and spirit. The blue lotus (*Nymphaea caerulea*), revered since ancient times, has a rich history of ceremonial use, particularly in Egyptian culture where it was associated with the sun god Ra and symbolized creation and rebirth. Consuming the flower, often brewed as a tea or used in poultices, was believed to induce mild psychoactive effects, including relaxation, euphoria, and heightened sensory perception. Its calming properties made it a staple in various rituals and ceremonies, enhancing spiritual experiences and promoting introspection. In addition to its psychoactive effects, blue lotus is also known for its potential health benefits. It has been attributed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties, and may aid in alleviating anxiety, improving sleep, and enhancing overall well-being. As a symbol of transcendence, the blue lotus continues to captivate both the ancient and modern worlds, valued for its ability to facilitate deep meditative states and connect individuals to the divine while offering versatile health benefits