Friday Nights (Unitarian Church) @ Ecstatic Dance Brighton

Join us for Friday Nights @ Ecstatic Dance Brighton !

Come as you are and move as you feel in a safe, welcoming, and substance-free space.

Whether you're new to dance or a seasoned mover, this is your space to connect with your body, express freely, and be part of a growing community.

No steps to follow, no experience needed – just tasteful music, playful movement, and freedom to be you.

Everyone is welcome.

NEXT DANCES & DJs FOR 2025:

***This page is for booking the Unitarian Church location Dances Only, use the links to book the Brighthelm Centre Dances***

Friday 10th Oct : (Brighthelm Centre)Einki

Friday 17th Oct : (Brighthelm Centre)Sekrit

Friday 24th: (Unitarian Church ) Our Echo

Friday 31st Oct: (Brighthelm Centre)Shadow Rave - Bill Tribble - Day of the Dead Dress Up Theme

Friday 7th Nov : (Brighthelm Centre)Anna-Lisa

Friday 14th Nov: (Brighthelm Centre)Pixi Pete

Friday 21st Nov: (Brighthelm Centre)Amaya

Friday 28th Nov: (Unitarian Church) Wizardry

Friday 5th Dec: (Brighthelm Centre)Sekrit

Friday 12th Dec: (Brighthelm Centre)Anna-Lisa

Friday 19th Dec: (Brighthelm Centre)Gumbo (Luminous)

ABOUT THE SESSION:

Ecstatic Dance is based in the natural understanding that our bodies know how they need and want to move in order to heal, strengthen, release and be nourished. Our ancestors practised rhythmic dancing to drums and chanting for centuries. Ecstatic Dance is based in this ancient practice of tuning in to the free movement desired by your body to shake and awaken your being into higher states of awareness, to release stress and trauma and to reconnect with your inner truth, beauty and enjoyment of life.

Most sessions include:

• Opening Circle (Guidelines & Announcements)
• Guided Warm Up
• Unguided DJ set
• Relaxation / Live Sound Bath
• Closing circle (Thank Yous & Upcoming Dance Info)

You are not required to participate throughout and you are able to sit or lie down to rest at any point.

Community: The Ecstatic Dance community welcomes people of all ages/genders/religions/ethnicities. This is a cross-generational community, so often you will see dancers between the ages of 18-80 enjoying the space together. Most dances allow children to attend, but we recommend checking with your local facilitator before bringing a child! We are a non-denominational community, where we come together for the joy of moving and dancing together. This means that some people come simply for the exercise, some come for the social connection, and some come to use the dance as a form of therapy, emotional catharsis, spiritual practice, or prayer. Whatever your reason for wanting to move, you are welcome at Ecstatic Dance.

Space: Ecstatic Dance is a Freeform Conscious Dance. As soon as you enter the space, you are invited to let go of judgements and expectations, and allow yourself to feel you emotions, sensations, body, mind, and spirit. Because this is a safe space for movement and expression, we do request that you follow the three main guidelines: no shoes (and wear comfy clothes!), no booze (or any other drugs), no talking (body language only!). All freedom of expression is welcomed, and there is no ‘right and wrong’ here. Trust in the journey and move through everything that arises.

Music: At most dances, the soundscape is provided by professional DJ’s who mix the music and facilitate the journey. Most sets will include a variety of musical genres, sonic wave of all tempos, a full spectrum of emotions. At some dances you will find the vibe to be more organic and tribal, and at others more electronic, futuristic, or urban. No set is ever the same!

Consent: Many Dancers come to dance by themselves in the group. Some dancers also enjoy dancing with others, with or without physical contact. Below is a guide to help your experience at Ecstatic Dance.

The Practice

It is always a good idea to begin by dancing with yourself. Feel into how you are doing in this moment, and in your life in general. Set an intention for yourself & for the world at large at the beginning of the dance.

If you would like to dance with someone else, please make sure they are able to give their consent to dance with you before touching them or entering their field. If you are not sure, or their eyes are closed, it is a No. Please respect any No, and try not to take it personally.

How to say “No” nonverbally? Turn Away, Move Away, Hand(s) at Your Heart (prayer gesture)

How to say “Yes” nonverbally? Turn Toward, Move Closer, Extend a Hand (open palm)

PRACTICAL INFO:

Address

Unitarian Church

Parking

There is no parking at this venue.

Refunds/Exchanges

Tickets are not refundable unless the organisers cancel the event. You may sell your ticket on and change the name on the ticket yourself through Eventbrite. Or you may transfer your ticket yourself through your Eventbrite order.

If online sales sell out there will be a limited number of tickets available on the door.

What to Bring/Wear

Wear comfy clothes that you can move to and layers to keep warm/cool. We dance barefoot or in gripped socks.

Bring some water or a refreshing drink.

Photographs

There may be a few videos taken of the DJ/Facilitator and a few subtle shots of silhouetted dancers or feet. The aim is for dancers to not be identifiable in footage but to have something to capture the energy to use in promotions. If you are unable or prefer not to be in any footage please let someone on the team know. You can do this at any time including id we've shared something you feel is too recofnisable. Our aim is to allow dancers to drop into the dance space without worrying about how they look or move. There may be an optional group photo at the end.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Anna-Lisa Drew