Spring Equinox Dance with Mira Khanya
Schedule
Sun Mar 17 2024 at 02:00 pm to 05:30 pm
Location
40 Duke Street,Brighton and Hove,BN1 1AG,GB | Brighton, EN
Experience the power of Dance as Ceremony in this special event honouring the coming of Spring!Surrender yourself to the transformative essence of dance, ritual and the heart-expanding qualities of Cacao at this special event with Mira, hosted by Ecstatic Dance Brighton!
Embark on a collective journey held with gentle guidance, soulful self-discovery, and captivating music, to foster a sense of community, togetherness, and co-created harmony.
As Winter gives way to Spring, we tune into the ever-changing flow of life, planting the seeds of our intentions and welcoming the vitality of the season to fuel our aspirations.
With deep intention, we dance freely, unlocking the body, heart, and mind to receive insights and inspiration. Embracing a profound sense of compassionate presence, we connect with ourselves, each other, and the intricate web of life. Honoring the interconnectedness of all beings, we extend love to our relations across time.
In celebration of this special season, we harness the potent medicine of Cacao. Revered by Central American ancestors as a health elixir and ceremonial medicine, Cacao has stood the test of time in promoting the healing of the mental, physical, and spiritual realms. Together, we set intentions and savor a meticulously prepared cup of ceremonial cacao.
This event is a slightly shorter version of Mira's signature full 4 hour dance ceremonies.
The Journey
Step into an inspirational and beautiful historic building in the centre of the Laines in Brighton.
We welcome you with smudging to clear the aura and with half an hour to land and meet each other in the space. We begin promptly at 230pm with a Cacao Ceremony and dropping into our intentions with a sacred opening of the dance floor. With a symbolic central altar in the middle of the dance floor and Mira guides us with care and passion into an individual and collective deep dance journey. We close with meditative sound healing.
Mira's dances are unique and potent! We are so happy to be welcoming Mira to Brighton for the first time!
Flow
2pm Arrive & Relax into the Space
230pm Opening the Space & Cacao Ceremony
3pm Movement Medicine®
5pm Closing the Space
Please note if you prefer not to drink Cacao you can choose the herbal tea option at checkout. More information about cacao and health indicators in the guidelines further down.
Location
Fabrica
40 Duke Street Brighton, UK BN1 1AG
Entrance is at street level with fully accessible gender-neutral toilets. Baby changing available.
Our Front of House team are on hand to help with any additional access needs so please do approach them if you need any assistance during your visit.
If you require further assistance for accessibility or would like to know more about Fabrica, please contact us by calling 01273 778646
Parking
Unfortunately there is no parking at the venue. We encourage you to use public transport or lift share. The nearest parking is at... The nearest train station is Brighton. There are numerous buses that stop near the venue.
What to Bring
A bottle of water, a mat or blanket for relaxation.
What to Wear
Comfy layers to move your whole body in. You may want to wear white or spring colours or something to honour the time of year.
EDBTN Core Principles
BE PRESENT.
NO PHONES. NO CAMERAS.
BE EMBODIED.
NO TALKING.
BE CLEAR.
NO ALCOHOL, NO RECREATIONAL DRUGS.
BE CONSENSUAL.
SEEK A YES. WELCOME A NO.
BE HERE.
NO OUTSIDE SHOES.
BE FREE.
DANCE HOW YOU WANT. NO JUDGEMENT.
FOR FULL GUIDELINES SEE FURTHER INFORMATION BELOW
ABOUT MIRA
A passionate advocate of movement as a transformative and healing practice, Mira brings a wealth of experience and creativity to each journey. Her multidisciplinary background spans visual and performing arts, meditation, shamanic journeys, butoh, and therapeutic work, among other fields. Her deep connection with dance led her to complete an apprenticeship and training program under the guidance of the founders of the School of Movement Medicine ®. Today, she not only serves as a mentor for the school and creates independent work but also collaborates with Medicine Festival, Ecstatic Dance UK, Bristol & Brighton, Kaylo and other organisations - crafting immersive and meditative dance journeys. Originally from South Africa, Mira enjoys weaving tribal rhythms, ethno-electronica, medicine songs, sacred sounds and various other genres into an evocative set. An honouring and celebration of soul stirring sounds from around the globe.
TESTIMONIALS FROM MIRA'S DANCES!
“Yet another beautiful ceremony. Mira holds a fiercely loving space where you feel both held and supported but also encouraged to take responsibility for yourself... I danced deeply with my joy and with my grief and with an utter reverence for the magic of this gift of life.” - Rosanna “The Spring Equinox Ceremony was an immersive, contained co-created and full sensory movement based ceremonial journey. Mira sensitively and intuitively wove the threads of the Movement Medicine practice. I highly recommend her work, it is safe, permissive, and nourishing at the deepest level.” - Dance Movement Psychotherapist, UKCP, ADMP “I can't put into words how much I loved this. Mira and her team weave magic, creating an amazing heart-opening, connecting, illuminating, fun, and nourishing experience.” - Matt “This was the most incredible experience of personal and collective prayer through movement and dance.” - Yaeli “An incredibly beautiful and masterfully held ceremony.” - Anonymous “Beautiful, transformative - expertly and sensitively held by Mira. A safe, expansive, empowering, and healing space. SO grateful.” - Lydia “Mira's solstice dance was the most fabulous conscious dance I've ever been to. Healing, nurturing, expansive, and exhilarating. Just awesome. Thank you.” - John “I loved every mesmerising second... tears, laughter, joy, and total respect... keep spreading your art!” - Katie
Guidelines
Welcome to our dance community. We believe that by creating a safe and inclusive environment, everyone can fully engage and experience the benefits and depth of this work. That’s why we kindly ask you to agree to the following guidelines:
Substance-Free Space
Please refrain from consuming any drugs, alcohol or other substances before or during the event. The dance itself is the medicine.
Communication
During the dance, we ask that you refrain from chatting to help us maintain a collective focus & intention without distraction. Please whisper if you need to communicate with others.
Wellbeing
Take responsibility for your own body and wellbeing. Adjust your dance according to any injuries or physical limitations you may have and remain aware of others and your surroundings. Let’s practice self care.
Boundaries
Be mindful of physical contact and always respect and honour your own and others’ boundaries. Be confidential, and whatever we share during verbal sharing sessions stays in the room.
Community
We are dedicated to cultivating a safe space where community-minded, warm, welcoming and supportive connections can flourish. We welcome adults of all levels of experience with this practice, spanning various ages, all sexual orientations, gender identities, ethnicities, diverse abilities and backgrounds. We value the richness that arises from the unique contributions each individual brings to our collective tapestry of shared experiences. While we aim for inclusivity, we encourage anyone with specific accessibility concerns to get in touch. Please feel free to email [email protected] with any inquiries, and we will do our best to ensure a supportive and inclusive experience for all.
Support
If you feel unsure or uncomfortable for any reason, or if you have hurt yourself, please come speak to a member of our crew. We are here to support you.
Recording
For everyone’s comfort, we request that participants do not take photos or videos during the dance. However, at a certain moment, a crew member may take a discreet video or a few photos from a distance to capture the collective energy of the group. These images are not intended to focus on any individual, but rather to document the group as a whole. If you prefer not to be included, please let a crew member know at the end, and we will honour your request.
Punctuality
Please check your travel route and travel times beforehand and plan accordingly. Always good to arrive a few minutes early.
Commitment
Please commit to stay for the entire journey. We invite you to use the practice to move through whatever emotions may arise – Movement is the Medicine. Your presence matters, and leaving early impacts not only your own journey but also the group.
Clothing
Wear comfortable clothes for moving. Please keep your body clothed with tops and bottoms, and let’s find the liberation in the dance. Layers is recommended to help regulate body temperature. Remove heavy jewellery and watches that may cause injury to yourself or others.
Footwear
We dance barefoot. If you need to wear shoes, please ensure they are shoes with non-slip soles and have not been worn outside. Avoid dancing in socks that may cause you to slip.
Belongings
Please keep track of your belongings and be responsible for them. Ensure that you take everything with you when you leave.
Hydration
Stay hydrated and bring a reusable water bottle.
Cacao
Our events sometimes include ceremonial cacao.
Cacao is a stimulant containing naturally occurring compounds including theobromine. If you have high blood pressure, heart conditions, a history of stroke, take certain medications like SSRI or MAO inhibitor antidepressants, are pregnant or breast-feeding, suffer from migraines, or are allergic to chocolate or caffeine – consult with your healthcare provider before the event. Remember, our movement is the medicine, and you will still benefit from the dance even without cacao or with a smaller amount.
Booking on Behalf of Someone Else
When booking a ticket on behalf of someone else, you are responsible for ensuring they have read and agree to the guidelines and have received the confirmation email and take necessary action – including relating to cacao.
Ticketing
Tickets are non-refundable but transferable to another person for the same dance. You can arrange this yourself and the new attendee gives the name of the original ticket holder or presents the code at the door.
About EDBTN
Founded in 2023, Ecstatic Dance Brighton aims to create a hub for Ecstatic Dance experiences for Brighton Dancers. With twice monthly sessions at the Brighthelm Centre and regular outdoor sessions we aim to bring a variety of respected and diverse DJs and Facilitators with high quality sound and in inspiring settings.
www.ecstaticdancebrighton.co.uk
For this event we are delighted to host Mira who has trained in Movement Medicine® - a conscious dance practice similar to Ecstatic Dance. See the text below for more information.
WHAT IS MOVEMENT MEDICINE®?
Movement Medicine ®is a practice which directs our awareness to our movement, thoughts and feelings, supporting us to get more in touch with who we really are. It is an active and embodied meditation practice, opening the way to deep internal reflection. Through the dance we are invited on a journey of personal empowerment, relationship with community and connection with the creative life force within and around us. Ya’Acov and Susannah Darling Khan, founded the School of Movement Medicine®, integrating their experience with a lineage of practices such as 5Rhythms, Gestalt Psychotherapy, Family Constellations and shamanism.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
A warm welcome to everyone – whatever your background, culture, age, gender or experience, or whether you think you can dance or not. Movement Medicine® offers a safe and supportive space to dance freely, encouraging your true and unique expression. No steps to learn, no right or wrong.
An invitation to journey within an immersive environment held with captivating music and clear guidance. A space to creatively engage with whatever is present in your life through the wisdom of the moving body. Dancing with ourselves and at times with each other, within the safe container we create together. Collectively deepening our connection to Life.
Dancers in the class may have a range of experience – from first-timers to those with years of practice. Our difference is honoured. The invitation is to explore my suggestions through movement and at the same time to follow what is right for you, respecting your own guidance.
Each time we step onto the dance floor we are different and so each class offers new possibilities. Sessions may feel comfortable, transformative and enjoyable. Or it may bring up challenging feelings such as resistance or difficulty in getting out of our thoughts etc. Sometimes emotions can arise as we move and release what we are holding inside our bodies. This is a natural process. The invitation is to explore this creatively and expand our movement vocabularies. By staying present and connected through the awareness of breath and the physical sensation in the moving body, we can experience this energy in motion changing from moment to moment.
Participants may explore different qualities and ways of expression – ranging from dancing with a more inward focus to big and expressive movements. We practice respecting ourselves and each other. When we dance with others, the invitation is to stay connected to your own dance while being present to the shared experience. The more we give, the more we can receive.
At the end of the class there is space for us to enjoy a cup of tea together. Feel free to share and ask any questions you may have.
HOW DOES MOVEMENT BECOME MEDICINE?
A creative dance practice like Movement Medicine®, has a positive impact on one’s physiological and psychological wellbeing. Recent studies shows how dance helps develop and strengthen new neural connections, improving brain health. It increases levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin and improves balance, stability, flexibility and much more.
The dance opens the way for new and creative possibilities. Rather than becoming identified with a specific emotion or attaching to fixed beliefs or ways of being – we simply bring whatever energy is present in our life, into movement. The power of the dance and our awareness combined, can transform how we feel on the inside and how we relate to the world around us.
As we begin to access our own emotional and physical intelligence and connect to our inner guidance, we begin to trust, that what is needed, is already inside us. The more we connect to our power, the more we recognise that we have choice and this can be deeply liberating.
In the dance we can release that which is counterproductive in our lives and consciously invite that which nurtures and strengthens us. We can dance our dreams and gather momentum and courage to make our unique contribution to life.
Feelings of separateness from others, can also transform through the dance. As we work with the Movement Medicine® practices, it brings us into a direct experience of community. It offers a safe space to explore the dance of giving and receiving and deepen our sense of connection, belonging and value.
Dancing with our awareness rooted inside the presence of the moving body, the practice becomes an embodied meditation connecting us to something bigger than ourselves. It supports us in restoring balance and cultivating a sense of peace within, between and around us. Moving with the awareness of the interconnected web of life, we can then dedicate this energy for the benefit of all.
Where is it happening?
40 Duke Street,Brighton and Hove,BN1 1AG,GB, 40 Duke Street, Brighton, BN1 1, United Kingdom,Brighton and Hove
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