dance freedom

- 47 Washington Park, Newton, MA 02460

Dance Freedom is a unique and long-standing institution within the Massachusetts dance community, offering an experience that transcends traditional dance instruction. This isn't your typical ballroom or ballet studio; it's a practice of liberation through movement, a space for ecstatic, freeform, and shamanic dance. For decades, Dance Freedom has provided a sacred space—not in a religious sense, but as a precious ritual—where individuals can come together to celebrate humanity, community, and the power of movement as a healing force. It’s an environment where there is no choreography, no "right" or "wrong" way to move, and no judgment. Instead, participants are invited to connect with their bodies, their hearts, and the music in a way that is profoundly personal and transformative. For those in the Boston and Greater Massachusetts area looking for a deeply authentic and expressive form of movement, Dance Freedom offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

Dance Freedom is located at 47 Washington Park, Newton, MA 02460. Its location in the Newtonville neighborhood provides a convenient and accessible spot for individuals throughout the Greater Boston area. While the main address is in Newton, Dance Freedom and its associated group, Dance Friday, also hold in-person dances and events at various other locations, including in Cambridge and Arlington, to make their unique offerings available to a wider community. This flexibility in location ensures that many can participate. The spirit of Dance Freedom is more about the experience than a single physical location, but its Newton address serves as a home base for a community that is always on the move, celebrating dance in various spaces around the city. For those attending, it is advisable to check their website or community pages for the most up-to-date location for specific events.

Dance Freedom is not a traditional dance school with a set curriculum of styles like ballet or hip hop. Instead, it offers a form of wellness and self-exploration through a specific, structured practice. The primary service offered is the ecstatic dance session, which typically includes the following components:

• Freeform and Ecstatic Dance: The core of the experience is freestyle movement. Participants are encouraged to move however the music inspires them, with no set steps or choreography. This freeform approach allows for spontaneous self-expression and intuitive movement, which can be both liberating and healing.

• Conscious Movement and Healing: The practice is described as a somatic and shamanic dance practice. It is designed to support the emergence of "living oneness" and to help participants connect to their inner selves and the world around them. The movement is a vehicle for transformation, healing, and self-discovery.

• Community and Connection: Sessions often include an opening and closing circle. These circles provide an opportunity for community building and shared reflection. Participants can share brief thoughts or experiences, helping to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose. This focus on connection is a key part of the Dance Freedom philosophy, which sees itself as a collective of beings doing the work together.

• Varied Music and DJs: The music is an essential element of the experience. Dance Freedom works with a devoted crew of DJs who curate sets from "all eras and styles" to create an inspiring and transformative soundscape. The music is chosen to guide the movement, taking participants on a journey through different rhythms and energies.

• Virtual and In-Person Options: In recent years, Dance Freedom has adapted to offer both in-person and online classes. This provides greater flexibility for participants, allowing them to join the dance community from the comfort of their own home. It’s a testament to the community's commitment to staying connected regardless of physical location.

What makes Dance Freedom a unique and compelling experience is its non-traditional and deeply personal approach to movement. The features that set it apart are centered on its philosophy of freedom and self-expression.

• A Culture of Non-Judgment: Dance Freedom has three core rules that define its practice: "We Dance Barefoot," "We Dance Without Words," and "We Dance As We Are." These rules create a safe and accepting environment where participants are free from the pressure of judgment and social expectations. The lack of words allows dancers to communicate and connect through body language, fostering a deeper level of non-verbal understanding.

• Focus on the Inner Journey: This is a practice of "inner exploration and connection." The dance is not about performance; it's about the individual's journey. It's an opportunity to clear the mind, release emotions, and connect with a deeper sense of self. The practice is seen as a way to receive "information from the Celestial Realms" and to ground that wisdom through the body.

• Building a Lasting Community: Dance Freedom has been active since the 1960s, making it one of the longest-running freeform dance jams in the country. This longevity has fostered a strong and dedicated community. Participants often describe it as a group of people "who love to dance" and who feel "welcoming, accepting."

• Inclusive and Accessible: The practice is designed to be accessible to "any person of any age, size, color or creed." This radical inclusivity is a key highlight, ensuring that a diverse range of people can benefit from the healing and transformative power of freeform dance. The "donation based" model for some events also makes it more financially accessible.

• Holistic Wellness: Dance Freedom's approach is holistic, blending movement with elements of healing and self-empowerment. The experience is designed to be a vehicle for the expression of joy, creativity, healing, and spiritual transformation, offering more than just a physical workout.

For the most current schedule and event details, you can contact Dance Freedom directly.

Address: 47 Washington Park, Newton, MA 02460, USA

Phone: (617) 243-9774

For residents in the Greater Boston area, choosing a dance experience can be a deeply personal decision, and Dance Freedom offers something truly unique and worthwhile. Unlike a traditional dance studio where the focus is on mastering specific steps and routines, Dance Freedom provides a space for true self-expression and liberation. For those who may feel intimidated by choreographed dance, this is an ideal alternative. The non-judgmental atmosphere, where "you can’t get it wrong," removes the pressure to perform and allows individuals to connect with music and their bodies in an authentic way. The practice is about the journey, not the destination, making it a fulfilling experience for everyone, regardless of their prior dance experience.

The sense of community is another powerful reason to choose Dance Freedom. This is a place where participants feel supported and accepted, as they are all engaged in a shared practice of transformation and connection. The "community sharing" and closing circles create a strong bond among participants, fostering a sense of belonging that is rare to find. Furthermore, the holistic approach to wellness, which combines movement with healing and personal growth, makes this much more than a simple exercise class. It is a way to de-stress, explore emotions, and connect with a deeper part of oneself. The long-standing history of the organization also speaks volumes, as it has been a consistent source of joy and healing for decades. The flexibility of offering both in-person and virtual classes makes it easy to participate no matter your schedule or location. For anyone in Massachusetts seeking a movement practice that is centered on authenticity, community, and personal growth, Dance Freedom is a highly recommended and transformative experience that is truly a "precious ritual" for the soul.

dance freedom

47 Washington Park, Newton, MA 02460, USA