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.