Gerry Starnes - Trance Dance in Austin

Trance Dance in Austin

Humans have danced their Bodies and Spirits for 70,000 years, individually and in tribal groups. Originally all dance was sacred – a 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.

Ritual Trance Dance 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.

Upcoming Public Dances
November 5 ~ 8:00 to 9:45 pm
December 3 ~ 8:00 to 9:45 pm
$20 / person
You can pay at the door, but save time and register now!
Pay with PayPal

Location
Flow Yoga Westgage
4477 S Lamar Blvd #420
Austin, TX 78745
Map and Website

Facilitator
Gerry was trained in Trance Dance facilitation by Wilbert Alix, and has facilitated Trance Dance since 2000 in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Gerry coordinated the longest-running ongoing Trance Dance schedule in the world between 1996 and 2020, prior to the pandemic.

Join the email list!

TRANCE DANCE INTENSIVE DANCESHOP

DATES: TO BE DETERMINED

Join Gerry Starnes, M.Ed., Natale Institute certified Trance Dance facilitator, to learn more about Ritual Trance Dance and take your dance deeper in this 1-1/2 day immersive Trance Dance experience. Participate in teaching and discussion around the physical and psychological effects of rhythm and movement and plunge into multiple dances throughout the weekend.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

We will begin promptly at 10:00 am on Saturday and end at noon on Sunday. I'm asking that everyone who can please stay on the grounds overnight to help hold the container, and so that we can begin early on Sunday. Here is the tentative schedule:

	Day One
	10:00 am	Brief check-in and introduction
	11:00	First dance and discussion
		Break to roam the grounds and have snacks
	2:00 pm	Second dance and discussion
		Break to rest, roam the grounds, have snacks
	5:00 pm	Third dance and discussion
	7:00 pm	Light catered meal
	8:00 pm	Activity (to be determined)
	10:00 pm	Fire ceremony
		Free time and sleep until morning

	Day Two
	8:00 am	Free time, check-in during light breakfast
	9:00 am	Farewell dance and discussion
	Noon	Departure

This Trance DanceShop intensive will be held at Lotus Bend Retreat and Development Center in Menchaca, TX. More information will be provided to registered attendees. Early registration is $425, payable through PayPal. This includes instruction, facilitated dances, exercises, access to the grounds (intentional spaces, labyrinth, and more), overnight accommodations at Lotus Bend, a light meal on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, and snacks. Please register early. Registration is limited.

Trance Dance Leadership Training
Attendance to three intensives provides the background needed for those interested in leading Trance Dance. In these workshops, you will receive advanced instruction tailored to your experience level and participation in addition to the regular workshop program. After the second workshop, you will be eligible to assist Gerry in facilitating dances as a spotter in public dances.

	Workshop 1	Trance Dance Intensive
	Workshop 2	The Art of Spotting
	Workshop 3	The Art and Science of Facilitation

REGISTER TODAY!
Registration is limited to 10

THE RITUAL TRANCE DANCE EXPERIENCE

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 few minutes includes a discussion and orientation to Trance Dance, 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.

All participants wear bandanas or blindfolds. For safety, the facilitator and trained and experienced spotters will not be blindfolded and are dedicated to creating a safe space for your dance.