Ecstatic Dance Charlotte FIRST TIME Two DJs - Issa Malikat & James Patrick

I’m thrilled to announce my next collaboration with Lil Fish on Saturday 4/18/26, as we come together to set intentions for 2025 through the transformative power of dance.

About Issa Malikat & James Patrick:

Issa Malikat is a Lebanese-born (New York bred) DJ and sound artist known for her unique ability to merge cultures through a collective of ethnic rhythms that move the body and soul. Her sets are rooted in the belief that the drumbeat is a universal language—one that dissolves borders and brings people together. Each journey she weaves is an intentional blend of deep percussion, spiritual melodies, and soul-charged vocals. Her sound transcends the ordinary, creating immersive musical landscapes that celebrate the unity of human expression.

James Patrick crafts enchanting, drum and percussion-driven sets layered with Afro-Latin rhythms, funky basslines, and worldly organic elements. Drawing inspiration from styles including organica, bass, house, moombahton, and reggae, he creates playful and deeply embodied dance journeys. Formerly known as James Nasty, he has been voted Best DJ multiple times in his hometown of Baltimore and now serves as the resident DJ for Ecstatic Dance Baltimore, bringing authenticity, heart, and vibrant energy to dance floors across the country.

Glow Paint and Adornment Doors open at 6:30 PM, offering time to adorn yourself with glow paint and prepare for the night. This is an opportunity to tap into your inner luminescence and express yourself through creative self-decoration. Body paint will be provided, and you’re welcome to bring additional items for adornment. Come dressed to express your wild, free, and unfiltered self!

Ceremonial Cacao We will be offering offer 1 oz. ceremonial cacao for purchase starting at 6:30 PM, creating a heart-opening ritual to prepare for the evening’s journey.

Optional Dance Workshop with Kit Hadlund: 6:45-7:10 Kit approaches dance as a necessity, not a performance. For him, movement is a way to access aliveness — to drop into the bones, fascia, nerves and tissues and feel what it means to be fully here.

Rooted in the understanding that we dance not only for ourselves but for those who came before us, Kit invites participants into a warm-up that awakens presence, play and connection. His philosophy centers on exploring the body honestly — in all its cracks and crevices — and remembering that aliveness is something we access from within.

Expect a pre-dance experience that grounds you, opens you and prepares your nervous system for a deeper, more embodied journey on the dance floor

Altars - Intention Setting

Please bring an altar item (or multiple) for our collective intention-setting ceremony.This month, we introduce three altar spaces for a deeper and more immersive experience:

1. Elements: Honoring fire, air, water and earth.
2. Self Reflection: A place of contemplation and connection with your own inner knowing.
3. Unity Altar: Representing oneness, peace, and the beauty of diversity.

Feel free to bring items for one or all three altars.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Saturday, 4/18/26

Time: 7:00–10:00 PM - Doors open at 6:30 for Socializing & Cacao

Location: Aerial Charlotte, 801 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28206

Admission: Sliding scale $30–$55 (event capped at 125 participants)

EVENT GUIDELINES:

Be Free: Dance as you like, with no judgment.

Be Present: No phones or cameras.

Be Embodied: No talking or spectating.

Be Clear: This is a sober event—No Intoxicants.

Be Consensual: Always listen for and respect “yes” or “no.”

Be Here: No outside shoes.

Be On Time: Doors close at 7:15 PM for the opening circle.

Check out our website for more details.

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Host or Publisher Ecstatic Dance Charlotte