FAQs
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat unites a diverse community of dedicated ecstatic dancers for an immersive gathering of adults (ages 18+). We welcome people of all ages, races, body types, gender identities, and sexual orientations, with participants ranging from former ballerinas and martial artists to yogis and those who once thought, "I'm not a dancer," until they found the freedom of a space with no right or wrong way to move. As this is a deep-dive event, it is intended for those with a shared foundation in ecstatic dance or similar practices, which allows us to create a powerful and connected container together.
Can I come for part of the retreat at a discount? Is it okay if I arrive late to the retreat?
Retreat registration is all-or-none. There are no part-time options.
Everyone is required to arrive in time for the opening orientation at 7:15pm on Friday—no exceptions. That is an important session to establish the culture of the retreat.
What kind of music can I expect at the Ecstatic Dance sessions? Is it electronic?
We are part of the lineage at ecstaticdance.org, which is steeped in Global Bass Music culture.
What is Global Bass Music? There are dozens of genres and sub-genres coming out of the "Bass Music" scene. Bass Music is produced digitally, with distinctive rhythmic and sub-bass elements to be felt deeply in the body during dance. Some Bass Music has a definitively electronic feel (such as house, techno, trap, dubstep, or glitch hop), while other genres can feel a lot more like studio-recorded music with added digital production spice (such as tribal, electro-swing, future-cumbia, ghetto-funk, psybient, or future-soul). And Bass Music from any genre may often include recorded vocals or samples of live instruments. The advances in audio technology over the past decade have certainly blurred the lines in music production, to the point where the term "electronic" is not particularly useful for describing the way music sounds.
Why are the indoor dance sessions barefoot? What if I need to wear shoes?
Ecstatic Dance and Contact Improv are done barefoot because we love the feel of connecting to the earth with our feet directly on the wood floor. Street shoes are not permitted for reasons of safety (so bare feet don't get stepped on) and hygiene (we don't want to dance barefoot on whatever gets tracked in from the street). Some people need arch support, and are permitted to use special soft-soled dance shoes that are worn only indoors. Some folks like to wear dance paws (do a Google Search) or grippy socks.
Is this some sort of sex or tantra retreat?
Not at all! As a community we are sex positive and body positive—and some of the retreat sessions offer the possibility of touch or affection— but there will be no genital contact or sex play in any of the retreat sessions or public spaces—that type of activity is only welcome in the privacy of lodging spaces.
Are children permitted to attend this retreat?
While we love and celebrate children in our community, this retreat is intentionally designed as an adults-only (18+) experience. First and foremost, our schedule is built around deep, meditative work that requires a quiet, distraction-free container for the benefit of all participants (as the venue lacks alternative indoor spaces for kids to hang out). Separately, our limited capacity means we must prioritize every spot for adult participants who are committing to the full, immersive experience. Additionally, while we recognize that many families comfortably navigate Breitenbush's clothing-optional environment, creating a space that supports adults' freedom to be vulnerable and uninhibited, while also ensuring the complete comfort and safety of any children present, is beyond the scope of what our team can support. We deeply appreciate your understanding as we co-create this specific and sacred container for deep adult work.
Is Ecstatic Dance religious or affiliated with a church?
Many people find Ecstatic Dance to be a deeply spiritual experience, but it is not in any way associated with a religion or church.
This retreat unites a diverse community of dedicated ecstatic dancers for an immersive gathering of adults (ages 18+). We welcome people of all ages, races, body types, gender identities, and sexual orientations, with participants ranging from former ballerinas and martial artists to yogis and those who once thought, "I'm not a dancer," until they found the freedom of a space with no right or wrong way to move. As this is a deep-dive event, it is intended for those with a shared foundation in ecstatic dance or similar practices, which allows us to create a powerful and connected container together.
Can I come for part of the retreat at a discount? Is it okay if I arrive late to the retreat?
Retreat registration is all-or-none. There are no part-time options.
Everyone is required to arrive in time for the opening orientation at 7:15pm on Friday—no exceptions. That is an important session to establish the culture of the retreat.
What kind of music can I expect at the Ecstatic Dance sessions? Is it electronic?
We are part of the lineage at ecstaticdance.org, which is steeped in Global Bass Music culture.
What is Global Bass Music? There are dozens of genres and sub-genres coming out of the "Bass Music" scene. Bass Music is produced digitally, with distinctive rhythmic and sub-bass elements to be felt deeply in the body during dance. Some Bass Music has a definitively electronic feel (such as house, techno, trap, dubstep, or glitch hop), while other genres can feel a lot more like studio-recorded music with added digital production spice (such as tribal, electro-swing, future-cumbia, ghetto-funk, psybient, or future-soul). And Bass Music from any genre may often include recorded vocals or samples of live instruments. The advances in audio technology over the past decade have certainly blurred the lines in music production, to the point where the term "electronic" is not particularly useful for describing the way music sounds.
Why are the indoor dance sessions barefoot? What if I need to wear shoes?
Ecstatic Dance and Contact Improv are done barefoot because we love the feel of connecting to the earth with our feet directly on the wood floor. Street shoes are not permitted for reasons of safety (so bare feet don't get stepped on) and hygiene (we don't want to dance barefoot on whatever gets tracked in from the street). Some people need arch support, and are permitted to use special soft-soled dance shoes that are worn only indoors. Some folks like to wear dance paws (do a Google Search) or grippy socks.
Is this some sort of sex or tantra retreat?
Not at all! As a community we are sex positive and body positive—and some of the retreat sessions offer the possibility of touch or affection— but there will be no genital contact or sex play in any of the retreat sessions or public spaces—that type of activity is only welcome in the privacy of lodging spaces.
Are children permitted to attend this retreat?
While we love and celebrate children in our community, this retreat is intentionally designed as an adults-only (18+) experience. First and foremost, our schedule is built around deep, meditative work that requires a quiet, distraction-free container for the benefit of all participants (as the venue lacks alternative indoor spaces for kids to hang out). Separately, our limited capacity means we must prioritize every spot for adult participants who are committing to the full, immersive experience. Additionally, while we recognize that many families comfortably navigate Breitenbush's clothing-optional environment, creating a space that supports adults' freedom to be vulnerable and uninhibited, while also ensuring the complete comfort and safety of any children present, is beyond the scope of what our team can support. We deeply appreciate your understanding as we co-create this specific and sacred container for deep adult work.
Is Ecstatic Dance religious or affiliated with a church?
Many people find Ecstatic Dance to be a deeply spiritual experience, but it is not in any way associated with a religion or church.
|
Quick Links |
Contact Us
For questions or further information,
please email: |
All website content is Copyright © 2017-2025 Ecstatic Dance Immersion™