Let the spirit move you in ecstatic experience

Staff Reports

Surrender to the music and let the spirit move you during Ecstatic Dancing, 7-9 p.m. Friday, at 02 Wellness Studio, 1557 Zerolene Place, Minden. Cost is $15.

Instructor Ginny Cardenas describes the experience as "trance dancing."

"The music I put together has Middle Eastern influence and African drumming. It's trance-like music with a beat you can get lost in."

Cardenas said the ecstatic experience has roots in ancient tribal traditions and is a form of healing and spiritual practice.

"It's a meditation in motion where music, movement and the breath are used to shift the brain from a left-brain/rational mode to a right-brain/intuitive mode. Being in this natural, relaxed state has great benefits for the body, mind and spirit.

"The great thing about Ecstatic Dancing is you don't have to teach anyone," said Cardenas, who is a tai chi instructor. "It's a communal experience, but you're not paired up. You do your own thing."

There are no wrong moves, she said.

"All you need to do is surrender to the rhythms and let your body's wisdom guide you. You're dancing for yourself and no one else," Cardenas said. "My vision is that ecstatic dancing becomes a once a month event."

Wear comfortable clothes and bring water. Information, ginnyrc@gbis.com or 720-3659.