Ecstatic Dance

Ecstatic Dance

Feel the rhythm, find your joy.

Our sober dance event invites you to move freely, connect deeply, and experience pure joy through music and movement.

Black and white image of mountain

What is Ecstatic DAnce?

Step into an atmosphere where wellness meets nightlife, blending the energy of a nightclub with the sacredness of a temple. In this space, the focus is on the present moment— no substances, no distractions, just you, the rhythm, and a community of like-minded souls. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or new to moving with intention, this is a place to release, rejuvenate, and feel fully alive. Come as you are, leave with a renewed sense of joy and connection.

Wood River Ecstatic Dance offers a modern and approachable perspective on ecstatic dance that features a variety of genres from Global Bass to Classical to EDM and more.

To learn more about Ecstatic Dance, click here.

Future Dates Announced Soon.

Meet the Team

  • Facilitator

    Gaia is the Lead Facilitator at Wood River Ecstatic Dance, bringing her wide variety of experience in ceremonial and healing spaces. Passionate about Cacao, dance, alternative and psychedelic medicine, and consciousness.

Allyson Gaia Hadley

  • Resident DJ

    A.R.S. 111 is the stage name of DJ and Producer Anthony Reese Schneider. Anthony has been a musician since the age of six, and from 2007-2010 was an Electro House DJ in Chicago- holding residencies throughout the city. In 2017, he found Ecstatic Dance and rediscovered his love for DJing, electronic music, dance, and movement exercises. To date, Anthony’s Ecstatic Fire Dance mixes have received over 20,000 streams from 49 different countries on Soundcloud.

    You can listen to his Ecstatic Dance DJ mixes on Soundcloud here.

A.R.S. 111

FAQs and Guidelines

    1. Substance Free - no one is allowed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is a sacred space where we encourage you to explore with a clear mind.

    2. Consent - no touching or dancing with anyone without receiving explicit consent from them.

    3. Phone Free - leave your cellphone at the door. No photos or videos are allowed to be taken during the experience.

    4. Shoe Free - kick off your shoes and experience the freedom of dancing barefoot.

    5. No Talking - there is no talking allowed on the dance floor. If you need to chat, take it outside. We’re here to dance.

  • No. Everyone is welcome exactly as they are, and there is no expectation to “be a good dancer”. In fact, the goal is to dance freely in whatever way that looks and feels like for you. There are no rules for how you dance as long as you aren’t interrupting someone else’s experience.

  • No. Ecstatic Dance is not choreographed, and you are free to move in whatever way you please so long as you aren’t disrupting someone else’s experience.

  • You should dress in comfortable clothing- something you can move freely in. It will likely get hot in the space, so some sort of active wear like you might wear to the gym or to a yoga class is ideal. Additionally, bring a water bottle!

  • Ecstatic Dance is a celebration of life, but not a party in the traditional sense. This is a substance free space, meaning no one is allowed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is also an intentional space, meaning we are gathering together with the same mentality and goal in mind. However, you will likely experience similar feelings of being at a raging dance party.

  • Yes, we like to play our music loud. You are welcome to bring ear plugs as needed.

  • Ecstatic Dance is designed to create a clear, focused environment where people can explore their emotions, body, and spirit without the influence of substances. The goal is to experience the natural high of movement and music.

Join The Family

Connect with us via email to stay updated about upcoming gatherings and events.