For the love of: ecstatic dance

A new daytime dance craze is bringing together spirituality, physicality and a whole lot of fun.

Sunday mornings are typically reserved for lazy breakfasts or completing household chores. However, on May 28, 2026, I joined over 100 other participants at The Bath House in Hackney Wick, east London. We were there to engage in ecstatic dancing, a practice designed to help us sweat out the accumulated stresses of the past week.

Ecstatic dance events are growing in popularity across the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. These gatherings function as a hybrid between a rave, a mindful meditation session, and a rigorous workout. Mobile DJs provide the musical beats, while participants span a wide range of ages. You might find young families, flexible twenty-somethings, and older adults all moving together. While these events are often hosted in community centers, some gyms are also joining the trend. For example, David Lloyd Clubs now offer classes called 'spirit dance meditation.'

At its core, ecstatic dance is about inclusivity, mindfulness, and emotional expression through movement. A key rule is the absence of alcohol. Richard Batts, the co-founder of Ecstatic Dance UK, which organizes the event I attended, shares a simple rhyme to explain the culture: "No booze, shoes, no chit chat." This means participants do not wear shoes, do not drink alcohol, and avoid casual conversation during the dance.

This practice serves as a joyful alternative to late-night partying. Traditional nightlife often leaves people feeling groggy, low on energy, and emotionally drained. For parents or individuals who have chosen a sober lifestyle, spending a Sunday morning shaking out the week's tensions can feel like an unusual and refreshing treat. However, it can also feel uncomfortable for beginners.

"People are sober – it can feel very edgy," says Batts. He explains that this discomfort is a natural part of the experience. "You might feel really silly doing this, and that’s okay. If you don’t want to do it, then don’t. But lean in if you can."

The modern practice of ecstatic dance has roots in the '5Rhythms' style, which was developed in the 1960s and 1970s. This free-form practice centers on exploring one’s inner emotional landscape. The movement moves through five distinct stages: flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical, and stillness. Each stage allows participants to express different feelings through their bodies.

Valerie Chartrand, a regular participant at Ecstatic Dance UK’s weekly events at The Bath House, describes the experience as a form of engaged, interactive movement therapy. Chartrand had previously been turned off by the structured and serious nature of conventional dance classes. She sought an activity that would allow her to exercise and dance freely while also processing emotions through movement.

"When I’m doing it, it’s absolutely wonderful, very liberating, very freeing. You get that dancer’s high," Chartrand says. "For days afterwards I feel I’m in a better state of mental health." She also notes that as an introvert, she appreciates not feeling the pressure to make conversation. Yet, she finds that the shared activity still provides a strong sense of social connectedness.

Batts explains that the combination of mental health benefits and social connectivity is what made these events extremely popular during the pandemic. When lockdowns were implemented, the organizers moved everything outdoors. Following government guidelines, people were permitted to dance in groups of six in public spaces.

"It was a legal, healthy, fun dance practice outside in nature," says Batts. "Some people would literally say, ‘this has saved my life’."

About 50 minutes into my own ecstatic dance experience, we approached the 'chaos' stage. Limbs and hips swirled and swayed around me. It was that intoxicating point in the DJ’s set when the music was on the cusp of a crescendo. Any minute, the crowd was going to explode in pandemonium.

Then it happened. A man wearing glittery fish-scale armbands spun past me. A pregnant woman in spandex veered vivaciously to my left. Delicious endorphins filled my brain. The energy was electric, a collective release of tension and joy.

For days afterwards I feel I’m in a better state of mental health

I took a break to sip a 'ceremonial cacao' bought from an onsite vendor. This warm, chocolatey drink has South American origins and is made from minimally processed whole cacao beans. It is known for its "activation properties to enable you to be a bit more heart-open or present before you enter a dance," according to Paulina Angel Davey, executive assistant for Ecstatic Dance UK. The drink is sometimes available infused with cannabidiol (CBD) or blue lotus flower to counteract the stimulating effects of the cacao.

Reinvigorated, I returned to the dance room. I noticed a woman and a man, each with a baby strapped to their front, bopping gently beside me. This scene highlights another key appeal of ecstatic dance.

"It is intergenerational and it’s multicultural, and I think there is something quite special about that," says Davey. "You can celebrate and be in full expression, across generations, cultures and backgrounds."

This diversity is what makes the movement so powerful. It creates a space where people from all walks of life can connect without the barriers of language, age, or social status. The emphasis is on personal expression within a supportive community. Whether you are a parent with a baby in a carrier, a retired senior, or a young professional, the dance floor welcomes you.

The practice also challenges traditional ideas about dance. You do not need to know specific steps or have a partner. The focus is on listening to your body and moving in a way that feels authentic. This freedom allows people to let go of self-judgment and embrace vulnerability. It is a form of active meditation that combines physical exertion with emotional release.

For many, the lack of shoes is a significant part of the experience. Dancing barefoot helps participants feel more grounded and connected to the floor. It removes a layer of separation between the body and the environment. This physical connection enhances the sense of presence and mindfulness that defines the practice.

The community aspect is equally important. By removing alcohol and conversation, the event eliminates the social pressures that often accompany nightlife. Participants are free to be themselves without worrying about what others think. This creates a safe space for emotional expression and healing.

As the music slowed and the final stage of stillness approached, the energy in the room shifted. The frantic movements settled into gentle swaying. People stood quietly, breathing deeply and absorbing the sense of peace. The shared experience created a subtle bond among strangers. For many, leaving the room felt like emerging from a shared dream.

Ecstatic dance offers a unique opportunity to reset. It provides a healthy outlet for stress and a way to connect with others in a meaningful way. In a world that is often fast-paced and disconnected, these gatherings remind us of the power of movement and community. They show us that joy can be found in simplicity, and that we are all capable of expressing our true selves through dance.