So what exactly is Ritmo en Libertad (Freedom Rhythms)?

It’s a form of Trance Dance.

And what exactly do you mean by Trance Dance?

Well, it’s hard to explain and words can't really do it justice. But I’ll try.

Human beings began dancing in tribes as a means of self-expression, social bonding, ritual and spiritual connection. Although every culture has developed dance in its own unique way, many of the developments of modern day dancing have forgotten those primitive, tribal aspects of dance. Although Trance Dance is defined and practiced differently depending on the “school” it comes from, the main idea is to give people the opportunity to connect to themselves, their community and the Divine, through dance. Trance is simply the word we use to define what happens when our minds loose their grip on us, and we let our bodies be moved by the music.

And how do we achieve that?

We start with the appropriate set and setting: a clean, open space; no cigarettes or booze; people dressed festively and comfortable; and, a collective intention of dancing, rather than talking or watching.  There is a Trance Dance leader or facilitator who serves as the DJ for the event, and leads people through special exercises that help everyone “get in the mood”. That means they allow everyone to feel comfortable in their own skin, and at ease within the community of dancers surrounding them. There is also live drumming accompanying the music, which makes it easier to feel and become one the rhythms. Some people have an easier time letting go, while others have to "work" toward it. Thus, this first stage of the Trance Dance helps everyone loosen up and get into their bodies, allowing a wider range of self-expression.

The second stage is simply to let yourself go and dance. It happens gradually for most people. The more you do it, the easier it is to get into your body to the point where you forget who you are. Yet, by the end of the dancing experience, most people have had their fare share of freedom from their minds and a sense of liberation through their bodies.

The third stage happens during the last 30 minutes, when we all lie on the floor, and there is a guided breathing and meditation session that helps with the integration of the experience .Because the mind and the body have been engaged in such an intense way for a while, meditative states happen much more easily and they tend to be more satisfying.

The outcome?

Pure bliss. Most people are used to dancing in a way that partially connects them with others in the dance floor. But when you get to the point when you are being “danced” by the music, and that your only task is to let go and feel connected to everything through the music… then there’s absolute ecstasy! The “trance” aspect becomes obvious and important, and we all become mystics in our own right.

Ready?

Notes:

1) Wear comfortable clothing (it's ok to look festive and nice, but make sure it's comfortable). We'll be dancing barefoot, but if you have dance shoes, that's fine!

2) It's OK to bring children over 6 years old (so long as they can stay quiet while we meditate on our backs).

3) You don't have to dance in any particular way. There is no good or bad way to do it, only your own way. However, you can't come to just sit and watch, this wouldn't make it comfortable for everyone else.

4) We ask that you please come on time, it will benefit you and everyone else having the experience.

5) If you've never done it, or are still curious, you can click here to read more. We'll be waiting for you. And you might have the time of your life!