The Heartbeat of Ecstatic Dance with Sheena Medicina

Join host Matthew Nelson as he welcomes Christina Sasser, an ecstatic dance DJ and event producer from Portland, Oregon. In this episode, Christina shares her journey from lifelong dancer to DJ, creating and holding spaces like Ecstatic Dance Portland and the Medicina Camp Out. They delve into the principles of ecstatic dance, its powerful impact on community and personal transformation, and the unique challenges and joys of DJing for this dynamic, improvisational practice. They also explore the intersection of music, dance, and psychedelics as a tool for healing and transformation. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or new to ecstatic dance, this episode offers deep insights into the world of conscious movement. 00:00 Introduction to the Brave Space Podcast 01:01 Christina Sasser's Dance Journey 03:42 Ecstatic Dance: Principles and Practices 05:46 Origins and Evolution of Ecstatic Dance 08:33 The Power of Bass in Dance 18:15 Creating a Coherent Dance Community 24:29 The Importance of a Good Dance Floor 26:34 Holding Space and Building a Team 29:40 Balancing Respect and Accessibility in Ecstatic Dance 30:48 The Emotional Labor of Holding Space 31:54 Navigating Drama in Ecstatic Dance Communities 33:15 The Power of Community and Team Support 34:34 Facilitating Large Dance Events 35:08 Setting Boundaries as a Facilitator 37:10 Creating Safe and Transformative Spaces 44:26 The Challenges of Being an Ecstatic Dance DJ 51:36 The Role of Psychedelics in Dance and Music 57:13 The Healing Power of Breathwork 59:22 Connecting Through Dance and Music Want to connect more deeply with your own body in ecstatic flow? Try my free masterclass on Building Sensual Intelligence: https://be.bravespaceembodiment.com/start