Embodied Rhythm: The art and influence of live musicianship in Ecstatic Dance

Abstract

This written work is an artistic study, that looks into the emerging culture of Ecstatic Dance, which started in Hawaii in 2000 and mixes free-form movement, community building, and a wide range of music. The focus is on my related musicianship, as well as the dance's presence in Finland, where it remains relatively obscure in academic discourse and media coverage. As a Finnish Ecstatic Dance DJ, performer, and facilitator with several years of experience, I offer a unique insider view. The goal is to explore and define the subtleties of Ecstatic Dance and how it differs from other dance styles and typical clubbing scenes, as well as how I operate as a rare live musician in the Ecstatic Dance scene.

In addition to my own observations, the study is based on a literature review that looks at the history of Ecstatic Dance and how it is practised today using secondary data analysis. The artistic study looks into what makes Ecstatic Dance unique, the skills and traits that have helped me to gain proficiency in this scene, and how this involvement has affected my other musical and artistic activities. The following chapters use first-hand experience to further capture the nuances of Ecstatic Dance and place personal perceptions into the bigger picture of this phenomenon globally. In the conclusions chapter I explain how my relationship with pre-planning and improvisations has evolved as a live musician, and the subtle nuances one should consider in order to thrive as an Ecstatic Dance performer. I will also shed light to my current view and understanding of what Ecstatic Dance is and what it can be. The goal is to share understanding about the culture of Ecstatic Dance and provide easier access for participants and musicians alike.

Keywords: ecstatic dance, trance, altered states of consciousness, dance, live musicianship, intuition, intention, full-improvisation, live electronics, live looping, spirituality