Ecstatic Dance Oakland

- @ 19th St. BART, 1933 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612

Introduction / Overview

Ecstatic Dance Oakland is a vibrant and unique community gathering that provides a safe and sacred space for freeform, conscious dance. Located in a historic ballroom in downtown Oakland, this event is more than just a dance party; it's a movement and a meditative experience that invites participants to connect with themselves and others through spontaneous movement. With no choreography, no talking on the dance floor, and a substance-free environment, it creates a sanctuary for authentic self-expression. It is a place where people of all ages, from children to adults, can explore their emotions, release stress, and find a sense of community.

The core philosophy of Ecstatic Dance is to facilitate a journey of movement. The dance is set to a curated musical "wave" created by a skilled DJ, which starts with a slow tempo, builds to a high-energy peak, and then winds down to a state of stillness. This musical journey, combined with the absence of judgment and external distractions, allows dancers to let go of their inhibitions and move as they feel guided from within. This practice serves as a powerful form of meditation and emotional release, making it a valuable resource for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

What makes Ecstatic Dance Oakland particularly special is its deep-rooted history and strong community. As a reviewer mentioned, the experience of returning after 12 years and feeling "absolutely supported and encouraged to fully show up" is a testament to the community's enduring and welcoming spirit. It is a space where a variety of individuals, including those who are LGBTQ+ and transgender, feel seen, safe, and celebrated. This commitment to inclusivity is a cornerstone of the Ecstatic Dance philosophy, making it a true treasure in the Bay Area.

Location and Accessibility

Ecstatic Dance Oakland is held at a beautiful and historic ballroom located at 1933 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, USA. This address is conveniently situated at the 19th St. BART station, which makes it easily accessible for anyone using public transportation from various parts of the Bay Area, from San Francisco to the East Bay. The central location in downtown Oakland puts it in a vibrant hub of the city's arts and culture scene.

The venue itself is a key part of the experience, with its historic charm "oozing history" as a reviewer describes. It offers a spacious dance floor, which is often a suspended wooden floor, perfect for dancing barefoot. The space is well-equipped for the event, featuring tons of benches for resting, padded floor areas for stretching, and even a "shrine-like area" for quiet contemplation. The building also has a tea booth upstairs and a bar with food and snacks downstairs, providing ample space for socializing and re-fueling before and after the dance.

While the dance itself is barefoot, as is tradition for Ecstatic Dance, the event is open to everyone, including children. The convenience of the location, particularly its proximity to the BART station, and the offerings of the venue, make it highly accessible to a wide variety of people.

Services Offered

• Ecstatic Dance: The main offering is a two-hour freeform, conscious dance session led by a professional DJ who crafts a musical journey to facilitate movement and expression.
• Pre-Dance Classes: The event often includes optional pre-dance classes, such as yoga and contact improv, which help participants warm up their bodies and connect with others before the main dance begins.
• Sound Healing / Meditation: The dance journey typically concludes with a sound bath or meditation, providing a gentle transition and allowing dancers to integrate their experience.
• Community Space: The venue offers areas for sitting, stretching, and a lounge with a tea booth, encouraging social connection and a sense of community.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Ecstatic Dance Oakland welcomes volunteers who can assist with setup or breakdown in exchange for free admission to the dance.
• Food and Beverages: A bar with food and snacks is available for attendees, offering convenient options for nourishment.

Features / Highlights

• Freeform Dance: There are no specific steps or choreography, allowing for complete freedom of movement and self-expression.
• Substance-Free Environment: The dance is held without alcohol or drugs, which helps to create a safe and clear space for a natural ecstatic experience.
• Welcoming and Inclusive Community: The space is explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, fostering a culture of radical acceptance and respect.
• Historic Ballroom Venue: The dance takes place in a beautiful historic ballroom, providing a unique and inspiring backdrop for the experience.
• Live DJ Sets: Professional DJs curate a musical journey that guides the dancers through different rhythms and emotions.
• All-Ages Event: The dance is noted as being "good for kids," making it a family-friendly activity.
• Conveniently Located: Its location at the 19th St. BART station makes it easily accessible via public transport.

Contact Information

Address: @ 19th St. BART, 1933 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, USA

Phone: N/A (Contact is primarily via email or social media)

What is worth choosing

For California residents, particularly those in the Bay Area, Ecstatic Dance Oakland offers a truly unique and enriching experience that goes far beyond a typical dance night. What makes it especially worth choosing is its unwavering commitment to creating a safe and inclusive community. In a world where people often feel isolated or judged, this space provides a sanctuary where you can "fully show up" and be yourself without fear. The clear guidelines—no talking, no shoes, no substances—are not restrictive; rather, they are foundational to creating an environment of deep trust and freedom.

The experience itself is a powerful form of self-care. It combines the physical benefits of a workout with the emotional and mental release of a moving meditation. For anyone looking to reduce stress, boost confidence, or simply feel more connected to their body, this is an ideal practice. The added offerings of yoga and contact improv before the dance enhance the experience, providing a complete journey for the mind, body, and spirit.

Finally, the venue itself adds to the magic. Dancing in a beautiful, historic ballroom with a suspended wooden floor is a special experience that grounds the practice in a sense of place and history. The convenience of its location right at a BART station makes it highly accessible for people from all over the Bay. Whether you are a seasoned ecstatic dancer or someone who has never tried it, Ecstatic Dance Oakland provides a welcoming, high-quality, and transformative experience that is truly a treasure to the local community.

Ecstatic Dance Oakland

@ 19th St. BART, 1933 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, USA