ECSTATICA: Ecstatic Dance & Cacao "ORIGINS" @ Soma hŌṃe

ECSTATICA was born in London in 2025 with a bold mission: to share the joy, freedom, and transformational power of Ecstatic Dance with all!

Dance is in our DNA. At ECSTATICA, we believe the freedom to move and dance your own way is a birthright. 'Reclaim Your Dancer' is more than just our motto - it’s our invitation to you.

At our last dance, we began planting seeds of intentions for the year ahead, a process many of us continue in our own ways. You may have already formed an idea, a plan, and are eager to bring it to fruition. But before we can move forward, we must first look back and bring in the lessons from the past, now stored in our bodies as wisdom. We must find that wisdom again, often buried beneath layers of habitual patterns and beliefs, through movement and sound.

But origins goes much deeper than this. It is not only our own story that shapes us, but also the story of those who came before us. The choices made along our ancestral line continue to influence our lives today. Some of these feel like burdens to carry: may we begin to shake them off in the dance. Others have gifted us strength, resilience and possibility: may we remember and honour the sacrifices they made, knowing that we too have the potential to do the same, for ourselves and for those who follow.

As a tree draws nourishment from its roots, so too can we draw support from those who walked before us. May we remember our origins. For only when we know where we come from can we move forward with clarity and purpose.

Guest DJ Tolga Tres

Tolga Tres is a London-based musician, DJ, and sound/movement journey facilitator. His musical path has unfolded across the cultural scenes of Istanbul and London for over a decade, through solo work and a range of collaborations. He is the co-founder of Holon Records, an independent label focused on ambient and ethnic electronica, and a band member of Manteio.

A practitioner and explorer of musical mysticism, his work is shaped by deep listening and the transcendental qualities of sound. Rooted in world music and tribal influences, as well as his Anatolian heritage, his music forms a synthesis of ancestral and futuristic expression. Through rhythm and texture, he creates immersive sonic environments that invite presence, introspection, and ritual. You can explore his music here.

At 'Origins' Tolga Tres will sheperd our journey through an immersive, eclectic, and groovy blend of ancestral rhythms, shamanic electronica, and hypnotic deep techno.

Tea Social & snacks by littlelunaskitchen

After the dance, stick around for our tea social - one of the best parts of the evening! There will be complimentary tea as well as snacks available to purchase, lovingly home made by littlelunaskitchen.

What is ECSTATICA?

ECSTATICA is an event, a community, and a vision based on the principles of Ecstatic Dance – a freeform movement practice where participants are taken on a journey through sound. The music starts off slow, gradually builds to a beautiful crescendo of celebratory and energetic rhythms, then gently brings you back down to earth. Unlike other forms of dance, you can move exactly how you want to. Ecstatic dance is all about embracing your true expression in a safe and non-judgemental space.

Often referred to as a "moving meditation," the music and environment encourage you to be with yourself. That's why there are no phones and no talking on the dance floor. Above all, Ecstatic Dance is about community - we dance together, and we have fun together.

To create the best atmosphere, we follow a few simple rules:

✨ No shoes (unless necessary)

✨ No phones

✨ No talking on the dance floor

✨ No intoxicants (drugs, alcohol, smoking) of any kind

Our facilitator will guide you through a warm-up to help you connect with your body and the space before the free-flow dance begins.

Do I need any dance experience?

None at all! Ecstatic Dance is unlike other forms of dance there are no "right" moves, no choreography, and no judgment. You can move however you feel, whether that's fast, slow, or even standing still. You can dance alone or with others (with consent). It’s a safe space where all bodies and all movements are welcome.

Why Cacao?

Cacao is a sacred plant to many Indigenous communities around the world, and the cacao drink has been used in ceremonial settings for centuries. At ECSTATICA, we consider both dance and cacao to be 'medicines' that help people open up and connect with one another, which is why they complement each other so well. It also provides an extra boost of energy for the dance!

Our cacao comes from a cooperative of farmers in the hills of northern Colombia, where the founder of ECSTATICA, Yasmin, spent several months. She saw firsthand how much care and love were poured into the production of cacao, from seed to bar - and is excited to share this with you.

TICKETS

Our 'Early Bird' and 'Dance & Cacao' tickets both include cacao in the price. Our 'Dance ticket' does not include cacao. Cacao can be purchased at the event at an additional cost, however there will be a limited amount so we recommend purchasing beforehand to avoid disappointment.

Discounted tickets

If the ticket is out of your price range for any reason, please send us an email at [email protected] and we can offer you a discount. You can also dance for free in exchange for support at the event by helping to set up/pack away. Please send us an email if you are interested, we would love to have you as part of the team!

TIMING

Doors open at 7:15 PM.

❗LATEST ENTRY is 7:35 PM. Late entry isn’t possible, as it disrupts the container we create through dance. Thank you!

We finish the dance around 9:45 PM but you are welcome to stay until 10:25 PM for our tea social.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

❗Please be aware that the event will feature colourful and occasionally flashing lights. While they will not be strong or strobe lights, they may still affect individuals sensitive to flashing visuals. If you have photosensitivity or epilepsy, please take necessary precautions.

❗Before we begin, the space may be cleansed with incense to create a harmonious energetic field. Incense may also be used at moments throughout the dance. Please let us know if you have any sensitivities to scent.

If you have any questions or requirements, feel free to send us a message anytime at [email protected] or on Instagram: @ecstatica.uk

We can't wait to see you there!

Big love,

Yasmin & the Ecstatica Team

Join our community on Instagram: @ecstatica.uk.

Check out our 'Ecstatica Life' blog & buy Cacao from our shop: www.ecstatica.uk

Info: Check in by 7:45PM latest - late entry isn’t possible in order to honour the container we’re creating together. Take some time to stretch, move, and settle into the space.

Info: Together, we'll connect to the heart of the cacao and our own. Then, we will spend a few moments reflecting on the dance's theme and setting our intentions.

Info: Our facilitator Yasmin will guide a warm-up to help ground you into your body and connect with others in the space.

Info: Time to let go - free-flow dance movement means moving in whatever way feel right for you. Live DJ set by the brilliant Tolga Tres - expect ancestral rhythms, shamanic electronica, and hypnotic deep techno.

Info: The last 10 minutes to land after the dance and come together to share our experiences. Dance finishes around 21:55.

Info: Stay around after the dance for complimentary tea and chit-chat.

Info: Latest exit time is 10:25pm - Thank you for dancing with us and we look forward to seeing you next time!

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