Ecstatic Dance

So you want to be a DJ?

This training has everything you need to get started—from beginner-friendly technical skills to how to craft a transformative journey for dancers.

Sign Up Soon

_____________________________Welcome

Do you love music and yearn to share it, but feel overwhelmed by where to even begin to become a DJ?

Do you need space to learn and practice your mixing skills in a fun, supportive environment?

Welcome to the Ecstatic DJ Training! We’re thrilled you’re considering this live training.

If you’re here, you either:

  • Are a music fanatic and wonder if you can bring your love of music to dance floors everywhere
  • Are a dance or movement teacher who wants to enhance the life changing classes you create through epic music soundscapes with seamless transitions
  • And you may also dream of DJing at Ecstatic Dance to usher in this new era of change through dance

This is an incredible opportunity for learning! During the seven days, you will:

  • Learn from veteran Ecstatic Dance DJs and producers how to craft a journey
  • Hone your skill and practice your craft in a supportive environment among mentors and peers
  • Quickly understand important technical DJ skills and techniques
  • Learn to promote yourself effectively to get great gigs and full classes
  • Connect with new friends at a gorgeous eco resort

We want you to leave this training feeling like you have all the tools, knowledge and support you need to get started as a DJ, so we’ve made sure not to leave anything out. After the training, you’ll have what you need to mix like a pro at a variety of gigs.

some of our past students

WHO THIS IS FOR

This training is for you if…

  • You are highly motivated and ready to become a powerful DJ
  • You love music and want to share it with more people
  • You are absolutely committed to your own growth as a DJ
  • You’d like to take your DJing to the next level, and you need some time and strategic advice to learn how to do that
  • You’re excited about connecting with other like-minded music lovers in a retreat setting
  • You need some time to focus on learning a new skill while having fun
  • You want a training where you’ll also be DANCING!

If this is you, then join us and become the DJ you’ve always wanted to be.

What our students are saying…

“Thank you for growing an army of people aiming to raise consciousness through movement, dance and music. It is important and worth it.” – Tim Sae Koo | San Francisco, California, USA

“It was truly transformational for me, this is so much more than training to be a DJ. It is about stepping into your power and doing positive things in the world; not being afraid, unleashing creativity, working out your unique style and gifts that can be shared with the world. (Also I loved dancing everyday!)” -Iona | London, United Kingdom

“I largely enjoyed the training and learned so much. It is clear to me that this training was crafted with incredible skill, care and the intention to support us. Thank you Bernice, Donna and Team!” – Jana | London, United Kingdom

“Signing up for this training was the best decision of my life! It has not only given me a head start into the world of Ecstatic DJing, but also equipped me with the drive to create communities and learn to hold space.” -Amit | India

“In taking this training, I have discovered a creative practice that is JOYFUL- something that has eluded me for years. I feel good at it. I feel equipped with tools for play, and a drive to channel the momentum, inspiration and skills I gathered at this training into a regular practice of mixing music and crafting transformative sound journeys.” -Ashley Berry | Nevada City, California USA

“In many ways I got much more out of this training than I had thought. On a technical level, I learned more than I thought and I feel empowered to take it home and into my community. On a personal level, I didn’t expect such a deep journey. I appreciate how it was held and how space was created for it.” – Ralf | Calvia, Spain

“The experience was unbelievable…my soul and my heart realized that it is possible to have a loving community on this planet. (I feel) empowered to bring care and love in my community through music.” – Etienne Claverie | Paris, France

During the seven days of training, you’ll receive:

  • Live training with experienced international teachers and DJs.
  • Full custom Ecstatic DJ manual including: getting clear on why you want to be a DJ, what makes an Ecstatic DJ, how to create systems for success (finding, selecting and filing music), understanding your equipment, the Ecstatic Dance journey (phases, timing and transitions), how to develop and trust your unique flavor and expression, self care for DJs, how to get bookings, marketing yourself as a DJ, and more!
  • Expert mentorship from leaders in the field of music, DJing, producing, conscious dance facilitation, marketing, business and leadership
  • A private one-on-one coaching session with one of our expert teachers
  • Professional photoshoot, including head shots and pictures of you DJing so you can begin marketing yourself right away – a €200,00+ value!
  • Official Ecstatic DJ graduate certification
  • Private Ecstatic DJ Training Facebook group membership so you can have ongoing support from your peers
  • Structures that will keep you on track and get the support of accountability buddies and mentors
  • Experience creating a DJ set, including lots of hands-on practice

Important notes: You are responsible for your own airfare and all travel fees. The Ecstatic DJ Training is a non-refundable investment.

We work with Traktor Pro3 from Native Instruments. We teach on a Traktor Kontrol S2 Mk3.

Come with 20 of your favorite tracks to use to create a short Ecstatic Dance set.

Required Gear:

  • DJ Controller (Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2)
  • DJ Headphones
  • Laptop computer with Traktor software downloaded (Native Instruments Traktor Pro3)

If you buy a new S2 Mk3, the Pro3 software is included!

Meet the Team

  • Bernice Raabis
    Bernice Raabis

    Ecstatic Dance International

    Bernice Raabis
    Bernice Raabis
    Ecstatic Dance International

    Bernice has been a dancer all her life—the driving force behind becoming a successful DJ. After thousands of hours learning the skill of sourcing tracks, crafting soundscapes and perfecting transitions, she stepped into her career as an internationally touring DJ at Ecstatic Dances in Amsterdam, Breda, Nelson, Big Sur, Bellingham, and Oakland as well as Kooetnay Spirit Fest, Dance Camp North West, Esalen Institute, Womaginarium, and Gathering of the Tribes, among others.

    Bernice is a graduate of the Tamalpa Institute of San Francisco, where she studied dance as a therapeutic tool. She is a certified Soul Motion facilitator and has held a Dance Church in her hometown of Nelson BC in Canada since 2010.

    Website | Mixcloud

  • Donna Carroll
    Donna Carroll

    Ecstatic Dance International

    Donna Carroll
    Donna Carroll
    Ecstatic Dance International

    Dubbed “a leader and luminary in the in the global dance movement,” Donna utilizes her decade and a half of experience to lead people through innovative approaches to become thriving dance entrepreneurs. Donna is the CEO of Ecstatic Dance International, which provides trainings and retreats for Ecstatic Dance leaders, event producers, entrepreneurs, conscious dance founders, DJs and teachers. She is passionate about dance and has committed her life to empowering others to find freedom through freeform dance and movement.

    Donna is the creator and cofounder of Ecstatic Dance Oakland, the largest weekly conscious dance on the planet, bringing over 300 people together every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening in Oakland, California. Ecstatic Dance Oakland has been called, “a cross between a yoga class, a rave and a church service,” has been featured on NPR, in the Huffington Post, the SF Chronicle, the NY Times, Common Ground Magazine, and in a blockbuster movie starring the singer Pink.

    Website

  • DJ Polyesta
    DJ Polyesta

    Ecstatic DJ, Event Producer + Facilitator

    DJ Polyesta
    DJ Polyesta
    Ecstatic DJ, Event Producer + Facilitator

    Esta Polyesta is one of the most prominent DJs in Global Beats and World Music and one of the most international Ecstatic Dance DJ and Ceremony Leaders from the Netherlands.

    She discovered the magic of music at an early age, but when she discovered the magic of dance, the desire of becoming a DJ was born. In 2005 she started organizing dance meditations and DJing. Esta—a dancer, a traveler and seeker—loves to combine ethnic and ritualistic music with electronic beats.

    Esta is very active in the world music scene. In 2012, with a group of Womex delegates, she founded the Global Club Music Network, the GCMN. This is a worldwide platform that promotes electronic roots and ethnic music inside the community of, traditionally, very conservative Womex visitors and organizers of world music events. Womex is the biggest World Music showcase festival and trade fair in Europe. Before GCMN, there was hardly any attention for electronic music and party culture. The GCMN pushed for more space and as a result the Womex now has a proper DJ summit to the showcase program.She is a resident DJ at Ecstatic Dance Utrecht. She is a coordinator, ceremony leader and DJ at the ship Odessa in Amsterdam and organizer of Ecstatic Dance Ruigoord. She is a contributing DJ at Yogi Tunes and has been teaching people how to DJ for over a decade.

    Together with music partner Mashti, Esta produced remixes and tracks that were released on different labels. One of the tracks: Oum – Lik (Mashti and Polyesta remix) was published at the prestigious George V label of Buddha Bar.

    DJ Polyesta has played at Lowlands, Shoeless Open Air, Amsterdam Dance Event, Magneet Festival, Mysteryland, All Is One, Amsterdam Roots Festival, Berlin Film Festival, Landjuweel Festival, Paradiso, Club Lite, Melkweg, Hotel Arena, Tropen Theater, Ruigoord, De Toren, Noorderlicht, Little Buddha, Nomads and many others.

    Soundcloud | Facebook

  • OSARA
    OSARA

    Ecstatic DJ, Event Producer + Facilitator

    OSARA
    OSARA
    Ecstatic DJ, Event Producer + Facilitator

    Honoring the spirit of place and the ever changing energy of the cosmos, OSARA (Steve Anderson) takes you on an expansive and ecstatic journey inspired by the wisdom of mother nature and the healing power of dance. OSARA weaves songs and sounds from an eclectic mix of artists from all over the world, creating a unique blend of music to dance and journey with.

    OSARA discovered conscious dance in 2014. With a background in underground dance music, African drumming and sacred sound, he produced and DJ’d his first conscious dance in 2017. Since then, he has DJ’d and facilitated at some of the most famous festivals and organizations in the UK, including Buddhafield Festival, Colourfest, Spirit Fest, Movement Medicine, Pollen Tribe, and more. With his first London show and a new Ecstatic Dance collaboration in Bristol (UK) taking place, he’s fast becoming a recognized talent in the conscious dance and Ecstatic Dance scenes.

    Mixcloud | Facebook | Instagram

  • Raj Inder Dhillon (DJ Amritaji)
    Raj Inder Dhillon (DJ Amritaji)

    Ecstatic DJ + Facilitator

    Raj Inder Dhillon (DJ Amritaji)
    Raj Inder Dhillon (DJ Amritaji)
    Ecstatic DJ + Facilitator

    DJ Amritaji (Raj Inder Dhillon) has been spinning psychedelic worldbeat and bass music since 2007. Coming from her roots in psytrance, she has spent the last decade playing at electronic music events, festivals and Ecstatic Dances across the United States. Her unique style of weaving the traditional music of Eastern and indigenous cultures with electronic bass and dance music started with her love for sonic-induced states of trance after practicing traditional Sanskrit Kirtan. A lifelong musician, Amritaji is passionate about blending traditional and modern music, giving her audiences a distinct sonic experience of deep bass lines, Eastern melodies and uplifting grooves. Her passion is for creating sacred dance journeys to offer a sonic space for healing, free and authentic expression, and fun!

    She founded Ecstatic Dance Milwaukee and attended Ecstatic Dance Leadership Training in Oakland, CA in 2016. She currently lives in Salt Lake City, where she is a resident DJ and DJ trainer at Ecstatic Dance Salt Lake City.

    Website | Soundcloud

  • Robin Parrish
    Robin Parrish

    Ecstatic DJ, Event Producer + Facilitator

    Robin Parrish
    Robin Parrish
    Ecstatic DJ, Event Producer + Facilitator

    Robin Parrish is the co-founder and managing director of Ecstatic Dance Los Angeles, a thriving free-from dance community in southern California. He has been involved with event production, music and teaching for the past 20 years. Robin’s passion in life is creating experiences that evoke transformation, inspiration and insight in others in ways that bridge the mind-body connection and unleash the unique brilliance within. He does this through his work as a coach, DJ, musician, transformational event producer and training development consultant. Robin’s approach is one that pairs creative vision and heartfelt expression with diligent execution.

    Website | Soundcloud

  • Atticus Mooney
    Atticus Mooney

    Ecstatic DJ, Event Producer + Facilitator

    Atticus Mooney
    Atticus Mooney
    Ecstatic DJ, Event Producer + Facilitator

    Atticus is a movement artist and facilitator drawing inspiration from lifelong study of embodiment modalities including classical ballet, modern dance, yoga, Contact Improvisation, and many more. Her soul purpose is to empower individuals and communities through creative expression; reminding individuals of their innate creative intuition and autonomy. Atticus strives to build conscious connections through somatic experiencing, which she facilitates through dynamic DJ journeys, free form movement exploration, creativity workshops, yoga asana and sound bath meditations.

    Atticus has led 200-hour yoga teacher trainings in Central America, lived and studied with Mayan elders in Guatemala, completed Donna Carroll’s Ecstatic Dance Leadership Training (2017), embarked on the inaugural California Ecstatic Dance Bus Tour, performed and choreographed in countless dance pieces, and served as a dance and music incendiary in the Washington, DC community and beyond.

    Website

  • DJ Isza
    DJ Isza

    Ecstatic DJ, Event Producer + Facilitator

    DJ Isza
    DJ Isza
    Ecstatic DJ, Event Producer + Facilitator

    Isza is a resident DJ at Ecstatic Dance UK and a regular DJ at Ecstatic Dance Bristol. She has played some of the most forward-thinking festivals including Burning Man and Buddhafield, as well leading retreats in Ibiza. As a Movement Medicine apprentice teacher, she holds classes, workshops and ceremonies around the world.

    Drawing on the elements, connected breath-work and block-rocking beats, Isza combines technical DJ skill with deep physical and emotional healing, fostering a sense of freedom and deepening relationship with the self and others.

    Before stepping onto a conscious dance floor nearly 10 years ago, Isza was a dedicated raver. She promoted Drum n Bass and Hip Hop nights in London and carved out a 20-year career in the music industry working with artists and DJs, at various record labels and as a Producer at BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra.

    Isza is a sound technician and rigs up systems at numerous events including the Women’s Full Moon 5 Rhythms Dance and for teachers such as Kate Shela and Christian De Souza. She’s also a Sound Therapist and holds cacao ceremonies, both of which she combines with her offerings in dance.

    She’s trained at The School of Movement Medicine with Ya-Acov and Susannah Darling Khan, at The British Academy of Sound Therapy with Lyz Cooper, and at free parties and underground clubs.

    Mixcloud | Instagram | Facebook

  • Joel West
    Joel West

    DJ, Event Producer + Music Producer

    Joel West
    Joel West
    DJ, Event Producer + Music Producer

    Joel West is a DJ, producer, event promoter, actor, improvisor, and instructor based in Vancouver, Canada. Joel is a co-founder and organizer of Groundwerk, a monthly meet up for electronic musicians that has given first listens to 800+ new songs by over 150+ artists at 40+ events since launching in 2015.
    Joel is a multi-disciplinary instructor and facilitator with many years experience guiding and activating people in the mediums of DJing, music production, acting, and improv comedy.

    While Joel is no stranger to conscious events and full moon parties, he also is a resident at Gorgomish Afterhours in Vancouver and played at Amsterdam Dance Event in 2018.

    Joel has releases on Cuete, Nuevadark, Groundwerk, and East Van Digital. You can listen here and here.
    When not working with music, Joel works as an actor in film & TV.

    Website

  • Sabino Soares
    Sabino Soares

    Ecstatic Event Producer + Facilitator

    Sabino Soares
    Sabino Soares
    Ecstatic Event Producer + Facilitator

    As the producer of Ecstatic Dance Faro and Ecstatic Dance Lagos, Sabino is in service to the dance through producing, DJing and leading ceremony in his home country of Portugal. Sabino is an Ecstatic Dance Leadership 2018 graduate.

    The founder of Bkind Mindfulness Program, Sabino strives to bring quality, truth and joy to his community, believing that everyone has the power to contribute to each other’s lives in an uplifting way. After an early career as the head of the sports department at the University of Algarve, Sabino turned to dance as a way to integrate positivity, creativity and passion into his teaching.

    Sabino’s many successes include: working as president of an NGO for at-risk teenagers, teacher and trainer of mindfulness for children, national champion of ballroom dancing, as well as publisher of the mindfulness book, “STOP, RESPIRA, DECIDE!”. Currently, Sabino is working as a professor of mindfulness in the public school systems in Portugal.

  • Stephen John Cook
    Stephen John Cook

    AV Tech

    Stephen John Cook
    Stephen John Cook
    AV Tech

    Stephen has been involved in the arts from a young age. Starting out in musical theatre in Yorkshire, he continued to study Drama at Winchester University whilst also branching out into Photography at Southern Oregon University. After graduating, Stephen began teaching drama and English abroad in Italy and China, before returning to the UK and starting a freelance business Stephen John Cook Photography. His work has allowed him to travel and photography festivals and events throughout the UK as well as Prague and Canada. Stephen is currently working as a Technician back at Winchester University.

    Website | Instagram

  • Cristina Ciobanu
    Cristina Ciobanu

    Student Liason

    Cristina Ciobanu
    Cristina Ciobanu
    Student Liason

    Born in Romania, Cristina combines talent, kindness, respect, tenacity and intuition to create and share magic. Organized, reliable, persuasive and outgoing, she trained herself to become a mindful customer service guru as she is consistently delivering the highest quality care in her many fields of work.

    A hard working truth seeker, Cristina is known for her upbeat but highly diligent nature. She prides herself on her ability to multitask, learn quickly and solve problems with ease, all while maintaining a calm and peaceful demeanor. She possesses a deep passion for arts, languages and meaningful human interactions, and loves bringing people together in a playful and joyful vibe.

    With an addiction to traveling and an attitude of fun, she is a true inspiration for those around her. Cristina speaks six languages and is currently learning several more. She is a recent graduate of the Ecstatic Dance Event Producer Training.

    Contact Cristina at cristina@ecstaticdance.com

  • Angela Dennis
    Angela Dennis

    Photographer

    Angela Dennis
    Angela Dennis
    Photographer

    Angela Dennis is a professional photographer and cultural producer based in the UK.  She moved to London in 2007 after graduating from a degree in Photography to assist some of London’s best commercial and editorial photographers. Experienced in the studio and on location, Angela has worked with many of London’s premier studios and shooting teams, as well as in high-end professional photo crews around the world. Angela has a broad experience of commissioned work including portraiture, lifestyle, events, and fashion. Clients include Dove, Wella, Absolut, British Red Cross, Oxfam, VICE, Starseeds,  Synchronicity Earth, and Invisible Dust. Angela shares her expertise in the photography industry through workshops with young people and community groups, regularly collaborating with charities and NGO’s.  She is also a life-long dancer, practicing yogi and somatic explorer.

    Website

_____________________________Information

Dates

Coming Soon

Location

Coming Soon

Investment

TBC

Our home for the training is Zmar Eco Resort. Situated on 81 hectares of land near Odemira on the Alentejo coast of western Portugal, it is fully equipped with modern lodging and is known for its ecological awareness.

Accommodation

The price of the training is all-inclusive, and includes accommodation and all meals for seven days and six nights.

Food

The training includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Zmar offers healthy meals using fresh ingredients from local producers in order to stimulate the regional economy and reduce CO2 emissions caused by transportation—and to offer the best of the Alentejo region of Portugal.

Traveling to Zmar Eco Resort

We recommend you fly into the Lisbon or Faro airports. Ground transportation will take between 2-4 hours to reach Zmar from either airport. We’ll put you in touch with other participants from the training through the private Facebook group, where you’ll have a chance to arrange ride shares.

Scholarships

Two of our main guiding principles at Ecstatic Dance International are inclusivity and diversity. As a women owned and operated business, we do our best to support other female identified leaders. We recognize, at times, the need for additional resources in order to bring financially challenged female identified leaders to our trainings. We’re thrilled to share Ecstatic DJ Training scholarships. Two full scholarships will be awarded, generously offered from our Ecstatic Dance Oakland donor and supporter, Tyler Norris.

We will be accepting scholarship applications soon. Our international team of female identified Ecstatic DJs will rate each application and choose the two with the highest rating to be awarded the scholarships.

  • My music world has expanded dramatically!

    Kit

  • Absolutely life changing!

    Zach

  • I feel excited and thankful for so much more than I could have imagined.

    Mirna

  • I feel ready to start forging my path to share the joy of dance as a tool for connection and transformation.

    Mavi

_____________________________Sign Up

Begin your journey to becoming the DJ you've always wanted to be.

Sign Up Soon
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