The dance wave is a form of ecstatic dance characterized as 90 minutes of speechless improvisational dance based somewhat on the 5 Rhythms Ecstatic Dance concept of Gabrielle Roth. This can be either solo dancing, partner dancing, contact improvisation, or ad lib group. The experience can be meditative or spiritually oriented for some individuals. Dancers of all ages are welcome and there typically is no talking during the dance. Dance opening circle begins somewhere between 6:30 to 7:30 PM depending upon the location and time of year. Donations of $5-20 recommended, but usually not required. No one will be refused for lack of funds. Funds go towards the costs of holding weekly dances, a contact improvisation scholarship fund, or charitable donations rather than the volunteer organizers. Dance occurs at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh (usually Clara Barton Room, sometimes Founders Hall). Dance sometimes occurs outdoors at Pullen Park (across the street from the aquatic center), Raleigh Rose Garden, Wooten Meadow Park, Dorothea Dix Park (Big Field or Spring Hill Park & Ride), or other outdoor locations. Dance sometimes occurs on Fridays (usually at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh Main Sanctuary) instead of Thursdays. Dance when outdoors is weather dependent, but will usually occur during light rain. This event listing will often be updated a few days before to reflect the location and opening circle time as information becomes available. See Raleigh Ecstatic Dance Facebook group on the event day for latest information on exact location and times since they can change last minute.
6/5 Sales at door, but preferred if buy EventBrite tickets here
Raleigh Ecstatic Dance is excited to host DJ Shango — a renowned, professional DJ who established himself in Philadelphia, Jersey, as well as the ecstatic dance scene in Washington DC, and has taken the stage at many key festivals (including Burning Man, Love Burn, and Interfusion).
6:45pm – DOORS OPEN
7:00pm – OPENING CIRCLE
7:10pm – CACAO CEREMONY (w/Yanina Chicas)
7:25pm – CHAKRA ACTIVATION WARM-UP (w/Leigh Jacobs)
7:40pm – DJ SET (w/DJ SHANGO)
9:10pm – SHANGO BINAURAL BEATS
9:25pm – CLOSING CIRCLE
9:45pm – CLOSE CONTAINER
Subsidized: $15
(for those that require financial assistance)
(allows for RED to cover costs and put on future events)
(being a “supporter” helps subsidize the lower registration tier and makes this offering accessible to those in need of financial assitance, thank you!)
(pay for you and a friend!)
Please pay the highest ticket level that you can comfortably afford! Money from participants will go towards event space rental, cacao, and compensating the collaborators. Covering costs also allows for us to continue to grow and provide new and sustainable offerings to our community!
Raleigh Ecstatic Dance has set aside a limited number of volunteer opporunties in lieu of payment. This mainly will involve assitance in preparing the space, running the welcome desk and checking tickets, and helping with the passing of cacao. Please reach out to Gino Lerebours or Alexander Gillette if you are interested in volunteering to attend the event!
Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
Location: Unitarian Universialist Fellowship of Raleigh (Main Sanctuary)
CACAO CEREMONY guides participants on a journey of the heart, faciliating open connection and the awakening of the innermost self through a guided honoring and acknowledgement of the elements and four directions. Ceremonial cacao will be served and accompanied by guided breathwork and rhythmic beats of shamanic drums.
DJ SHANGO (live DJ) is a sonic alchemist weaving ancestral rhythms with deep, immersive electronic beats. Rooted in Afro-diasporic tradition and elevated by tribal house, Afro-house, and global bass, his sets are not just music — they are ritual experiences. With a sound that awakens the body and stirs the soul, DJ Shango creates transformative dance floors where ancient energy meets modern rhythm. Whether commanding the stage at high-vibe festivals, luxury wellness retreats, or elite nightlife venues, he brings a powerful fusion of culture, spirit, and sound. For those seeking more than just a DJ — but a curated, high-vibrational experience — DJ Shango delivers unforgettable journeys through music.