Elements of Ecstasy

Elements of Ecstasy is taking a little break -- hope to be back on the dance floor with you in May or so -- check back here for updates, or sign up for my mailing list (see below) to be kept apprised... thanks! -Grace

what: a movement class.

Elements of Ecstasy is based on Soul Motion TM, a form of ecstatic dance developed by Vinn Marti.

Soul Motion is a way of moving the body -- alone in the dance of discovery, with another person in the dance of dialogue, with a community in the dance of discourse, and in connection with the Infinite in the dance divine. "Soul Motion is a movement ministry of conscious dance that accesses and embodies authentic presence," says Vinn. Each session is guided -- this is not a free-form dance jam. Yet, specific movements are not taught--this is not a technique class. It's a facilitated journey that seeks to engage your entire being -- including your spiritual dimension -- and all of the other beings present.

Soul Motion is an invitation to dive deep -- but there's nothing esoteric about it. It's simple. We work with the body, the breath, the music, and each other. This is a game that everybody can play.

taught by: Grace Llewellyn.

Grace is in a teacher-training program with her much-admired mentors, Vinn Marti and Zuza Engler. With their blessing, she offers this ongoing class while she completes the requirements for her own certification as a Soul Motion teacher.

Grace has loved to dance all her life, and has found the practice of Soul Motion particularly inspiring. She also enjoys Argentine tango (recovering addict), bellydancing (performs weekly at Cafe Maroc, was one of the four founders of MEDGE -- the Middle Eastern Dance Guild of Eugene), and all forms of ecstatic dance. (She's one of the four facilitators of Coalessence, Eugene's ecstatic dance jam -- join in on Sunday mornings at the WOW hall, 10:30-12, $7-$12.) Grace occasionally dabbles in salsa, and thinks Alseny Yansane's Guinean Saturday WOW Hall dance classes are among Eugene's hidden treasures (though she rarely manages to get there).

In her other life, Grace directs Not Back to School Camp, a gathering for unschooled teenagers, and occasionally signs copies of the cult classic she wrote in her 20s, The Teenage Liberation Handbook: how to quit school and get a real life and education.

For: you. if....

• you are an adult--or a teenager able to conduct yourself as an adult. (Parental permission may be required for minors. At this time, Elements of Ecstasy is not designed with children in mind, nor is childcare offered. These things may change in the future.)
  
  
• you are willing to take risks and explore -- physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually.
  
  
• you are able and willing to monitor the needs of your own body and emotions, and to respect others' boundaries.

(No previous dance experience necessary.)

where: the WOW Hall, 8th and Lincoln, in Eugene.

when: ongoing, Saturday mornings, 9:15-10:45 a.m. [Taking a break as of February 2010 -- will post here when class will resume... or sign up for my mailing list.]

Please arrive on time.

Drop-ins are welcome -- each session is self-contained and unique.

wear: comfortable clothing in which you can easily move.

how much: $5-$10 sliding scale.

Your first class is free.

Cash only, please.

why: because life is short.

Want to be updated with news about class?

Each week, an email goes out with news about the next session. You don't need this information to come to class -- just show up any time! But, if you'd like to be in the loop, sign up for the mailing list here. (Your email address will not be shared. Just use the word "subscribe" in your subject line.)

questions? Email Grace.

"Blooming most recklessly" -- it's a line from Rilke.