what's the essence of So You Think You Can Trance
Nick Taylor has a rare gift in his ability to feel the crowd on a
deeper level and take them to ecstatic places through his music. The
music becomes energy...initially gently massaging the body into
movement releasing the tensions of the day, expanding consciousness.
Exploring the lower chakras with connections to self, others & the
world , ebbing and flowing from the sensual to the grounded, from the
earthy to the watery, from the simple to the complex. This energy
builds toward a state of purification often expressed as Chaos. Chaos
is connected to our solar plexus. It is a gateway to awakening the body
cellular memory through shaking out...going wild on the dancefloor,
letting it all go. At this point the music may do different things to
different people. It may trigger your shadow, it may take you for an
ecstatic ride, it may repulse you. Whatever the response...make an
intention to hang with the tension ... it is more useful to stay on the
dance floor and ride it out. Shaking out activates all the body's
cellular memories and allows any stagnation to consciously shift out
making room for your intent (the one you set in the circle) to settle
into your being.
Then the music moves into a heart space- a mixture of feel good
tunes & deep ecstatic dance grooves, sometimes even
wild ecstatic dance grooves. This is a great time for embodiment....
this means dancing into your heart and being at one with your intent.
No separation...pure bliss...this is a magical part of the dance
journey.
At this stage you may find yourself wanting to connect with others
through sharing dance with them or experiencing states of universal
awakening & healing or many other myriad of sensations & states
of being.
After the heart we are ready to experience the upper chakras through
the release of more intense music into lighter beats that
will eventually lead you to integration… a time to
gather your energy and unwind and recap on your dance journey to
reflect through the night to honour where you are in the present
moment.
This brings us to the closing circle. This reconnects the group,
gives a place to collectively send healing energy created on the dance
floor out to the globe & the people we may feel need it from our
outer world. It also re-grounds us and bonds the group.
These of course, are all just perspectives that come from one school
of thought. If you are well practised in your own discipline of
transformational dance or dance healing then allow your interpretation
to lead. Within a structure held by intent only and not facilitated
it gives a lot of flexibility for the dancer to find their own
path.
Your intuition is your greatest guide. However in saying that the
most important aspect regardless of what your discipline is ... is to
be present from beginning to end. There is a lounge to relax in
if you need a break, it is better to do this than leave when you are
feeling less connected to a stage in the music. Hanging with the
tension is a great discipline to practice especially as you ride the
waves of transformation in your dance journey.
And remember your feedback, comments & support are always
welcome. We listen and we respond from the heart. That is why this is
your community event. Help keep it alive and growing by contributing
your dancer energy to the dancefloor at Durrumbul every Wed night.
Blessings
Ljudan & Nick
OUR BLOG
RECOVERY BREAK from 18th Nov 2009 - 30th Jan 2010 (we are waiting
for Nick to heal from his injuries).
18th
Nov - cancelled as Nick has had a burn injury and doctor has ordered
him to keep his feet up until he can walk again.
4th NOV back out at our old fav
venue- DURRUMBUL HALL the perfect summer venue. It was a very active
dancefloor the journey started very dynamic and went into a deep
extended chaos.The night was opened with a graceful warm up by Tim
Loughnan (of Soul in Motion) and ended with a beautiful warm down by
Sainttina De Moleay. Ljudan opened the circle, held space during the
night but left early due to baby committments. Ljudan is very grateful
to have such a supportive dance community
16th
Oct SYTYCT at the Shed again... another rocking night. Nicks set was
ecletic yet seamless and the journey ended perfectly with the group
relaxing on the floor and soaking up the earth vibes.
26th
Sept wild honey SYTYCT at the SHED was rocking. The dancers were raw
and wild and going deep deep deep into their personal journeys.
1st July - the Michel Jackson Tribute went very well. The warm-up
was fun, joyous and very very active. Lots of smiles as we remembered
his influence on our own lives on the dancefloor.
During the dance journey Nick was equally astounding, with a very
uplifting body of music mixed smoothly with some more old MJ favs. The
night ended with a very emotional song by Jackson. We were all in
tribute of silence after the last track.
17th June- the winter has set in and this week we had the honour of
Tim Loughnan of 'soul in motion' Melbourne doing the warm- up. Then
Nick played a very dancey set to keep us all moving on the dance floor
physically, and spiritually. The dance floor was particularly full of
explosive dynamic dancers.
3rd June- It was a rocking night. A welcome comeback after the
intensity of all the stormy weather. The dance journey set was
definitely one of Nick's best. Yet that could be completely subjective,
because each week has a unique flavour and a depth that is equally
touching. Hmmm...there is always something for everyone.
20th May Due to the appalling weather conditions we had to cancel at
the last minute. Good thing really or we would have been without power
and possibly all bogged in the carpark.
6th May It was a very rewarding night for the dancers as well as
Nick & I. We added the new bonus of a structured warm up adapted
from Shiva Rea's Yoga Trance Dance led by Ljudan (that's me) from
7-7.30pm. This ensured we were all warm, limber and body blessed before
the opening circle at 7.30pm. Although this week the numbers were less
- everything else was more. The muisc was more flowing in true dance
journey style, the dancers were more satisfied on the dance floor. In
fact everyone that entered stayed until the very end. This is
definitely a sign of the magic working. Then we all (except a few)
huddled up out of the cold for hot pumpkin soup & fresh bread with
a cup of delicious sugarcane chai, after the closing circle. All in all
it was the a fantastic night and we except the word to spread and the
numbers to grow expedentially. This is your community event so come
along and add your energy to the growing phenomena of 'so you think you
can trance.'
22nd April .On our third So You Think You Can Trance, feeling into
the groove... moved by the new moon energy. It was a great turn out
with a lot of familiar faces (already) on the dancefloor. The new faces
were mostly male- that is quite impressive as most conscious dance is
fairly female dominated. Nick gave us a very different set this
week...very eclectic and dancey , perfect for busting the moves on the
dancefloor. He made sure everyone had a great dance. Excellent to see
the numbers building and the word of mouth doing its thang!
8th April. What can I say...WOW WOW WOW... Nick was a metamorphis
phenomena. Not only did he build the bridge between the music and the
dancer but he had us all crossing it into the deep cosmic state of the
dance journey world. Thanks to all of you who had faith in vision and
came back. Thanks to those of you who gave it a go for the first time.
I can feel it in my bones that this conscious dance intensive is much
needed in this area and openly welcomed.
25 March. Our inaugural So You Think You Can Trance was met by an
unexpectedly large crowd. Nick had the dancefloor shaking with beats to
make your heart pulse and your mind go into a trance space. Considering
he has made a shift from the global danceparty and club scene into
conscious dance he did remarkably well. Admittedly he says its a new
kettle of fish and will work at the balance of blending those worldy
tunes into the mix to balance the intensity. Bringing life back into
Durrumbul Hall was a real pleasure. Those earthy walls hold so many
memories of great dances that have occurred in that hall. We look
forward to adding more memories.
Your
Testimonials
Thank you and Nick for last night. Really enjoyed a great experience
of both lightness and fun with some strong and powerful things moving
in me too. Look forward to seeing how it develops and unfolds over
time.
Leanne (jeweller) 26-3-09
Thanks 4 a most wonderful trance dance evening! Been dancing in my
sleep, listening 2 the musice again & again, whirling in my head,
woke up still ecstatic.
Liz Kerley (dance therapist) 9-4-09
Thanking you for a gorgeous opportunity for a top dance last wed.
Had a ball!! Cant wait for another.
Cyd Saunders (Artist) 29-3-09
Thanks for great dance to Ljudan and Nick.
Tim (psychologist) 23-4-09
We would love to add your comments to our page to give people your
insight into the evening. For those who would like to post your
comments please send to our email
soyouthinkyoucantrance@gmail.com
or text to 0407 396 159.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a conscious dance intensive?
Conscious dance is dance with a purpose in a sacred space without
the influence of substances and external distractions of the outer
world. In a class format it is usually facilitated/guided by a
professional facilitator that directs the dancers through a specific
map that leads one through a process of awakening (this can come in
many shapes and forms- self realisation, healing, ecstasy, planetary
love, stress release, rejuvenation...).
A conscious dance intensive* is a format developed by Ljudan
Michaelis and Nick Taylor. It comes as a result of years of dancing and
DJing at Dance Parties all over the planet and needing to create a
place where the magical intensity and connection to spirit and
community is there without the influences of the party culture.
Nick brings his expertise of taking the dancer on a deep inner
journey using the inherent map of the alchemy of ecstasy. It is
somewhat similar to the ebbs and flows of lovemaking, the union of the
masculine and feminine principles. There is a build up, a release, more
of a build up, a plateau, an expansion, chaos, orgasmic ecstasy,
recharging, stillness. And depending on the intent for the night not
necessarily in that order and always with a few surprises thrown in
amongst it. So where in most cases the facilitator has a strong
influence in creating the map it is the DJ who is guiding the map
through his music. The facilitator is there holding the sacred space
and continually clearing and releasing the energy to allow a seamless
flow for the dancers journey to unveil itself. *Please be aware that
there are many similar formats that exist in the world of conscious
dance.
Can children come?
This is an adults healing space. Heavy energies can be released
during a dance journey and they like to gravitate toward the lightness
of kids. Please enjoy the evening without your children. We are hoping
to create a creche within the community so no one misses out due to
lack of childcare. Email us if you think this would be useful for you.
Why no drugs, no alcohol, no smoking?
It's about a clear space for you to dance as an alternative to the
usual dance environment of clubs or parties. People want to have a
place to go to where they can dance without the heavy vibration of
alcohol & substance use in the atmosphere. Make it a fun challenge
for yourself and arrive clear headed and see how you go. Let the dance
be what gets you high.
Do we really have to dance the whole time?
Dance Journey's are not all about dancing. There are times when you
may be meditating, exploring different forms of movement, singing,
chanting, drawing (pencils & paper next to the altar), play a
musical instrument, writing. When you need to leave the dance floor
explore these other options rather than leave the venue. It is to your
benefit to stay for the completion of the intensive. The space is there
for you to be supported in. Commit yourself to the journey by
surrendering to the sacred space and honourng your own needs. The
facilitator is on the dancefloor to assist in anyway if you require
her. Feel free to have a break or a rest in our verandah chill lounge
area if you wish to recuperate.
Is this a party?
No, this is a conscious dance intensive which has a non- invasive
facilitated and structured format.
Do I have to have a background in dance journey work such as
kundalini dance or another conscious dance style?
No, but it helps. It does gives you more tools to go deeper with.
You can always take yourself along to an open class. Check out the
calendar on www.consciousdancenetwork.com.au
But don't let this stop you. The group energy and the music can
always carry you into journey naturally. You may even discover your own
personal map.
Is it Trance Music?
'So You Think You Can Trance' is NOT trance music in the doof doof
version. Although there is music that is definitely off the dance party
dancefloor. It is afterall the world Nick has been immersed in for the
last 20years. The trance comes from the dancers ability to navigate
through the music with their breath & movement to reach altered
states. The music is an eclectic mix of global tunes, local dance music
(ie: ganga giri, oka), world music, drum n bass, dancey new age, dance
mixes of old favs etc etc. The journey leads you through the alchemical
map to ecstasy.
What are the dates for these fortnights?
'So You Think You Can Trance' is on every fortnight starting with
the 25 March 09. Here are the next dates until August.
3rd June 2009
17th June 2009
1st July 2009
15th July 2009
29th July 2009
Baby is due on the 10th August so shall keep you posted as to who
will take over Ljudan's role in 'So You Think You Can Trance'
Respect
the sacred space by dancing without drugs or alcohol