Light & Sound Ecstatic Dance with Eric Mandala and Zu Zen

Join us Sunday, October 6 for Eric Manadala's LAST performance in this region before he heads on tour.
Eric is an incredibly talented muli-instumentalist and music artist. He has played on many international stages and will be returning from a winter in Mexico just days before this Ecstatic Dace experience.
Eric and Zu put the "Ecstatic" in Ecstatic Dance and this is an experience you won't want to miss!!
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About Ecstatic Dance:
Ecstatic dance is an immersive free-form movement guided by a musical journey intentionally crafted to induce healing and self-discovery. This journey follows a wave-like progression: it begins with gentle rhythms, builds to a vibrant climax, and softly descends into tranquility. It's an inclusive practice where no prior dance experience or partner is required—only an openness to explore personal expression within a supportive environment.
The essence of ecstatic dance lies in its creation of a space devoid of judgment, conversation, and external distractions. Here, there are no observers, only participants fully engaged in the moment. It's the dance of introspection, where movement is uninhibited, driven not by aesthetics but by the authenticity of the moment, allowing individuals to lose themselves in the experience.As a profound inner and outer journey, ecstatic dance acts as a moving meditation, establishing a direct connection between body, mind, and spirit.
Participants are encouraged to let their body and intuition lead, using dance as a medium to release and transcend the stuck patterns of the body, emotions, and mind. It offers a stark contrast to mind-dominated interactions of typical social gatherings, focusing instead on genuine presence and connection.
Ecstatic dance champions the spirit of universal acceptance, empowering people from all walks of life to express themselves freely. The liberating atmosphere and the fearless movements of others inspire participants to dance without inhibition, embracing their unique rhythms. It's a celebration of individuality and unity, where everyone is recognized as a dancer and warmly welcomed into the fold. Through ecstatic dance, we find a powerful avenue for expression, healing, and connection, unearthing the pure joy of being utterly and authentically oneself.
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About Eric Mandala:
★Eric Mandala: Producer, Vocals, Guitar, Kora, Kamele N’goni (African Harps) & over 100 other instruments…
ERIC MANDALA: Ecstatic Dance Music Producer, Composer, Multi-Instrumentalist, Instrument Maker, Visionary, World traveler, Founder of "Mandala World Music" an international ethnic fusion world music group with people from all around the world. Co-Founder of “Spirit Travelers” An Electro/Tribal group. He has traveled around the world collaborating with 100's of artists under the name Mandala. His focus is to bring sacred styles of art and instrument together for a new fusion in this multi-cultural world. To spread the love through music and raise the collective consciousness of awareness & peace.

ERIC MANDALA has played on, produced, and recorded over 30 albums around the world. He has played Festivals around the world in 6 continents: Salvador Brazil Jazz Fest, Burning Man, Oregon Eclipse, Earth Dance, Bhakti, Mystic Island Fest, Mardi Gras, Carnival, Indidjinus Fest, Tribal Vision Fest, Dragonfly Fest, In the Light Fest, NZ: Luminate Fest, Australia: Kuranda Roots Fest, Solstice Fest, Canadian Eclipse Fest, Space Gathering Fest, Kaleidoscope Gathering Fest, Wiccan Fest, Naturopolis Fest, Y2K-X Live Looping Fest, The Fringe Festival, The Mad River Fest, Sonic Fest, Japan Tsumugi Fest, Kyoto International Fest, One Earth Fest, Yamauto Fest, 7 Colour Fest, THe Eden Festival , Peace Village Fest, Mataharythm Fest, Moon Circle Fest, Antaru Fest, Rakuon Rakujitsu Fest, United Cultures Fest, Earth Day Fest, Tanabe Connection Fest, Universal Language Fest, Live Life Fest, Tribal Revival Fest, C.K.S. Taiwan Lantern Fest, Dan Shui River Fest, Spring Scream Fest, Riverside Fest, Malioboro fair, Arma Museum, Parihaka Festival, Prana Festival, Shivaratri Fest, Tribal Gathering Panama & Cosmic Convergence Guatemala, Envision Costa Rica to name a few… He has shared the stage with such diverse artists as Shpongle, Ott, Bassnectar, Micheal Franti ,Ganga Giri, Mamady Keita, EOTO, String Cheese Incident, Beats Antique, Desert Dwellers, Mose, Adham Shaikh, Shimshai, Rising Appalachia, Chris Berry, Krishna Das, Jaya Lakshmi & Ananda, Entheogenic, David Starfire, Random Rab, The Human Experience, Kaminanda, Epizo Bangoura, Fantuzzi, Jah Levi, Dachambo, Delhi2Dublin, Androcell, Wild Marmalade & Richard Perry of Arcade Fire to name a few…

When performing he uses live looping & plays over 100 ethnic and modern instruments from around the world with his Electronica Production. He sings in Universal Language mixing ancient tongues and ethnic styles of vocals with modern sound scat poetry. He builds & plays African harps like the Kora & Kamale N’goni.
Eric Mandala Ecstatic Dance Live instrument Electro Chakra balancing set: https://ericmandala.bandcamp.com/album/eric-mandala-elements
Eric Mandala Reggae set:
https://altar.bandcamp.com/album/warriors-of-light-unite
Eric Mandala Downtempo Psy/Step Set: https://altar.bandcamp.com/album/origin
For more info please check these links:
https://www.facebook.com/ericmandalapublic/
https://linktr.ee/ericmandala
https://www.youtube.com/user/ericmandala
https://www.instagram.com/ericmandala/
http://ericmandala.bandcamp.com/music
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About Zu Zen:
As a frequency weaver, Zu Zen has been playing with sound vibrations for four decades. Specializing in playing the violin and didgeridoo, she has collaborated with musicians from around the globe.With a background in classical music, she ventured into Klezmer, gypsy, Celtic, Indian and other styles of ethnic fiddling. Covering many countries, performances with different artists range from large electronic music festivals, to ecstatic dances, to moving caravans of sound healing, to sacred kirtan music, and creating soundscapes for yoga, Breathwork, nidra, contact improv dance, supporting ceremonies, elevating experiences at spas in steam rooms and saunas and exploring deep trance with groups in caves through didgeridoo and throat singing. No matter the backdrop or audience, her vibrations are a transmission from deep silence cultivated from continuous practice in meditation. May we meet in this space where the creation of sound and movement unite.
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DANCE TEMPLE GUIDELINES (PLEASE READ)
THE FLOW:
Please arrive on time so that we may all journey together. We begin in silence and we end in silence. Upon entering the dance space, come into silence and sync in. When the set is complete, please remain in silence until guided otherwise or into a closing circle.
DANCING AND CONSENT
If you'd like to dance with someone be mindful of consent via body language and eye contact. A person's willingness to dance and exchange energy may change throughout the dance and from week to week. At any time, you or the person you are dancing with may choose to close the dance by moving away or bowing with hands in prayer.
TALKING
There is no talking on the dance floor. Limiting talking supports dancers to drop into the experience more fully. If you would like or need to have a conversation, please do so in the foyer. If you witness a conversation happening, you are welcome to gently remind people of this request (with a gesture).
KIDS
Parents are asked to kindly monitor their kids and keep them close (at arm's reach). If it's quiet (especially during opening and closing meditation and circle), and your kids aren't - please see that they are guided into relative silence. Otherwise we ask you to take them outside or to the foyer so as not to distract others from the proceedings.
PHYSICAL BOUNDARIES
Please respect each others space. Be mindful of your own needs and boundaries and feel free to communicate them. Be mindful of the needs of others. If unsure, ask before engaging in physical touch such as hugs and other physical touch.
ENERGETIC BOUNDARIES
Ecstatic Dance may result in a heightened sense of awareness and energetic sensitivity. Please be mindful of this and refrain from staring, watching or scanning other dancers. If unsure, ask yourself “where is my awareness and energy, now”? If it’s with someone else, call your energy and awareness back to your body.
CELL PHONE USE
Please refrain from using your cellphone on the dance floor, If you want or need to use your device, please do so in the foyer.
SWEATING
If you come and intend to sweat (like REALLY sweat), please bring a towel and clean the space around you from time to time - if the floor is wet from your sweat, stop, wipe off and clean up. Then, resume!!
SCENT-FREE SPACE
Please refrain from wearing perfumes.
SCREAMING
While sounds and cathartic releases are invited, we ask that you be mindful of the dancers in the space. Ongoing sounds and screaming can distract other dancers from their practice.
FOOTWEAR
Please dance barefoot or wear indoor shoes in the dance space.
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HERE'S MORE OF WHAT DANCE TEMPLE OFFERS:
Practice freedom of expression through movement, while respecting and being aware of those around you.

• Tune into an eclectic selection of musical flavours from a revolving lineup of experienced facilitators.

• Inspire and explore new ways to move your body.

• Explore the altar space for contemplation, reflection and intention setting.

• Learn to enter into a state of trance without the use of substances (no drugs or alcohol please).

• Non denominational opening and closing (can be in the form of a prayer, meditation or circle).

• Minimal facilitation.You are free to move as you wish.We celebrate and honour gender diversity in our community.
In Closing:

Please arrive early or on time so that we may all journey together.Bring a water bottle.Breathe.Take care of yourself, others and the environment.Wear comfortable clothing for movement.Be prepared to sweat.
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We acknowledge with deep respect that we gather on unceded Algonquin Anishinabe Territory.We are deeply grateful to live, work, dance and play on this land.

Host or Publisher Katie Bigras