SJ Ecstatic Dance Experiment

Name: SJ Ecstatic Dance Experiment
Start: 2026-01-09T18:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-01-09T22:00:00-05:00
Location: Studio 67 Medford

Schedule

Fri Jan 09 2026 at 06:00 pm to 10:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Studio 67 Medford | Medford, NJ

For the experienced and the curious, this gathering marks the beginning of a much-needed ecstatic dance chapter in Southern Jersey.
Ecstatic dance began in the 1970s and continues to reach more people every day. What people once knew intuitively, science now reflects back to us: moving the body freely and releasing stored tension can support healing on a deeper level. There is no right way to dance here. No steps to memorize, no style to match, no rhythm you must follow. This is not a performance space. It is an invitation to listen to your body and move in the ways that feel true for you.
This gathering is beginner-friendly and welcoming to those brand new to ecstatic dance. Choice is central to the experience. You are always free to slow down, pause, step outside, sit or lie down, or simply witness the room. Participation looks different for everyone, and all of it belongs.
This dance is intentional by design. Each evening begins with a warm-up to arrive in the body together, unfolds into a guided music journey, and closes with a gentle landing before returning to the world.
Event flow and timing
6:00pm Doors open
6:30pm Warm-up begins
7:15pm Opening circle, community guidelines, and start of the dance journey
7:15–9:30pm Ecstatic dance with closing circle
Ecstatic dance guidelines
To support a grounded, respectful, and safe space for everyone, we share the following agreements:
• No shoes on the dance floor
• No talking on the dance floor
• No photos or videos on the dance floor
• This is a sober space (no substances)
• Dance however you want while staying aware of yourself and others
• Consent and boundaries matter and will be discussed before the dance
Warm-up with Veronica Carpenter
The evening begins with an intuitive yoga warm-up led by Veronica of Blissful Butterfly Yoga. This offering is designed to help you come home to your body before the dance begins. Veronica will check in with who is present and guide the experience based on the collective energy, experience levels, and needs in the room. Expect grounding, breathwork, intention setting, accessible movement, playful freedom, and time to settle. No experience necessary. All levels and bodies are welcome.
About Veronica
Veronica Carpenter is a yoga therapist, self-love cheerleader, and the heart behind Blissful Butterfly Yoga. Teaching since 2007, her work is shaped by her lived experience healing from developmental trauma, anxiety, depression, and disconnection from self. With a background in psychology and over 20 years working in relationship-based therapy and caregiving for children, Veronica brings a trauma-informed, warm, playful, and compassionate presence to the spaces she holds. Her approach is practical, accessible, and rooted in choice, consent, and meeting yourself exactly where you are.
The music journey with DJ Indigo
The core of the dance is the music journey, led by DJ Indigo. Indigo is a budding artist with a deep understanding of the journey one must take to blossom. The music works with the collective. Unlike a concert, there is a wind-up that builds, peaks, and crescendos, bringing people with it and being guided by those in the room.
The closing
The evening ends with a soft release. The music slows, and participants are invited to gradually lower themselves to the ground, resting on their backs as the journey comes to completion. The closing may be guided through sound healing or remain free-form, with the DJ shaping the final atmosphere. This time allows space to integrate and catch your breath before being released back into the world.
Community notes
This is a sober, kid-friendly event and a woman-curated space. Consent and boundaries will be discussed during the opening circle, and support team members will be present throughout the evening to offer care, grounding, and guidance if anything arises.
This gathering is an experiment between Abbey, Blissful Butterfly Yoga, and DJ Indigo. Studio67 is a home for artists and enthusiasts alike. Whether this is your first ecstatic dance or one of many, you are welcome exactly as you are.