umans have danced their Bodies and Spirits for 40 thousand years, individually and in tribal groups. Originally all dance was sacred: direct connection with Spirit in all its manifestations. They danced animals they hunted and that hunted them; the overwhelming powers of the elements; the mysterious circle of earth, sky and moon. Through dance, our ancestors came to know the Great Powers and developed intuitive and instinctive connections that made it possible to survive and thrive.

Spiritual dancing is a cross cultural phenomenon, a testament to its power and authenticity. Cultures from every continent simultaneously embraced unique dance forms based on the animals and elements of nature present within their domain. Their purpose in dancing was to "enter the consciousness" or "become the spirit" of the sun, moon, and various animal and plant life. Through these dance rituals they believed that the spirits within nature could empower them with abilities such as courage and compassion, as well as reveal insights into the future.

TranceDance draws upon this sacred heritage, and the thread of such intimate knowledge imprinted on our genetics over vast numbers of generations. The rhythm of music has drawn us into Spirit since our childhood. As the body moves, Spirit comes; when Spirit comes, Wisdom and Healing also enter. Behind the bandanna, everything becomes clear.

Class Description
Through a combination of focused intention, breathing, use of the bandanna and movement to rhythmic music, participants can experience a trance state and be transported into an alternate modality of awareness.

The first 30 minutes includes a discussion and orientation to TranceDance, followed by an extended dance behind the bandanna. Following the dance, the group gathers in the circle for optional sharing and to get "plugged back in" before leaving.
 

Facilitation
Learn more about TranceDance facilitation and possibilities for getting more invoived in the process on the TranceDance facilitation page.

TranceDance is offered every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at:

NiaSpace
Mind Body Soul Fitness
3212 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
512-443-3013
On the Web

$15 per person
NiaSpace class cards are accepted.

Facilitator
Gerry was trained in TranceDance facilitation by Wilbert Alix, and has facilitated TranceDance for 5 years in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. NiaSpace offers the longest-running ongoing TranceDance schedule in the U.S., since 1996.

Groups interested in sponsoring a TranceDance at NiaSpace or their location can contact Gerry for date availability.

More Information
Gerry Starnes, M.Ed.

Phone: 512-586-2736

 <•>
What kind of music do you dance to?
I use a lot of different music and sounds.
Here is a set I called Facing Truth, created in March, 2008..