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. Live training 27 April-03 May, 2019. Odemira, Portugal.

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_____________________________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 yoga 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 the first training of its kind! 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
  • Relax deeply and 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 any type of gig.

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 slow down, relax, and have 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.

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

  • Live training with experienced international teachers and DJs including: Bernice Raabis, Donna Carroll, DJ Dakini, DJ Polyesta, DJ OSARA, DJ Amritaji, DJ Robin Parrish, DJ Atticus Mooney, Sabino Soares, and more.
  • 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 recommended)
  • Dj Headphones
  • Computer with Traktor software downloaded (Native Instruments Traktor Pro3 recommended)

Meet the Team

  • Bernice Raabis
    Bernice Raabis

    Co-Founder, Ecstatic Dance International

    Bernice Raabis
    Bernice Raabis
    Co-Founder, 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.

    Bernice is the co-founder of Ecstatic Dance International, which provides trainings and retreats for Ecstatic Dance leaders, event producers, entrepreneurs, conscious dance founders, DJs and teachers.

    Website | Mixcloud

  • Donna Carroll
    Donna Carroll

    Co-Founder, Ecstatic Dance International

    Donna Carroll
    Donna Carroll
    Co-Founder, 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 co-founder 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 Dakini
    DJ Dakini

    Ecstatic DJ + Music Producer

    DJ Dakini
    DJ Dakini
    Ecstatic DJ + Music Producer
    International Dj Dakini is renowned globally for her refined ear and impeccable taste in music. An underground festival culture pioneer, she has been a pivotal part of global electronic music festival culture since the turn of the millennium. She is one of Australia’s most renowned underground female djs, with a global following & fan base…and now resides in California, USA.

    This connoisseur of cutting edge electronic music delights upon following sound as it evolves & has played numerous genres during her career. Dakini currently specializes in “ancient future bass” and frequents the festival and ecstatic dance circuits of California and beyond. Currently playing all over the world, she is known to move any dance floor with an infectious deep bass line & tribal sounds at festivals such as: Symbiosis Gathering, Lightning In A Bottle, Burning Man, Rainbow Serpent Festival & more.

    Dakini works as a facilitator of transformational spaces whether behind the decks or behind the scenes of some of the world’s best festivals. She is known worldwide for her bass & chill mixes on Soundcloud that have gone viral online, and she has released a remix on Desert Trax collaborating with Deya Dova and Temple Step Project.

    Catch Dj Dakini at magical festivals, ecstatic dance events & intentional gatherings around the world.

    SoundCloud | Facebook

  • OSARA
    OSARA

    Ecstatic DJ + Facilitator

    OSARA
    OSARA
    Ecstatic DJ + 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.

    Soundcloud | Mixcloud | Facebook | Instagram

  • DJ Polyesta
    DJ Polyesta

    Ecstatic DJ + Ceremony Leader

    DJ Polyesta
    DJ Polyesta
    Ecstatic DJ + Ceremony Leader

    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

  • Raj Inder Dhillon
    Raj Inder Dhillon

    Ecstatic DJ + Facilitator

    Raj Inder Dhillon
    Raj Inder Dhillon
    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 + Facilitator

    Robin Parrish
    Robin Parrish
    Ecstatic DJ + 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 + Facilitator

    Atticus Mooney
    Atticus Mooney
    Ecstatic DJ + 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

  • Sabino Soares
    Sabino Soares

    Ecstatic DJ + Facilitator

    Sabino Soares
    Sabino Soares
    Ecstatic DJ + 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.

  • Joel Pelletier
    Joel Pelletier

    Photographer

    Joel Pelletier
    Joel Pelletier
    Photographer

    Joel Pelletier is a  graphic designer and photographer based in the Kootenays, British Columbia, Canada. Joel’s pursuit of digital images has taken him on adventures almost continuously for over a decade. The visual drama and artistry of his photographs are born of a keen eye for the many moods of people, nature, a lifelong passion for the wilderness and model photography. This passion shines throughout Joel’s work and has attracted a wide global audience.

    Website

  • 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

_____________________________Information

Dates

27 April - 3 May, 2019

Location

Zmar Eco Resort | Herdade-A-de-Mateus | S. Salvador 7630 | Odemira | Portugal

Investment

€1150-€1500

Depending on accommodation type desired. Includes lodging + all meals for seven days and six nights.

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 includes accommodation and all meals for seven days and six nights. Please CLICK HERE for the different options. The total price is payable in one single payment to Zmar Eco Resort in € (EUR).

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 airport. Arrange your flight so it arrives before 12:00 on 27 April and departs after 18:00 on 3 May. Zmar cannot receive participants after 20:00, so please arrange your transport to arrive before this time.

We’ll also 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.

By Train:

  1. Go to Lisboa-Oriente train station.
  2. Buy a ticket to Santa Clara-Saboia.
  3. Take a taxi from Santa Clara-Saboia to Zmar Eco Resort (€15).
  4. You will need to arrange a taxi beforehand, as there are no taxis waiting at the train station.

By Bus:

  1. Take a taxi to the bus station Terminal Rodoviário de Sete Rios (€16).
  2. Buy an online ticket on the Rede Expressos website or directly at the bus station to Odemira.
  3. Take a taxi from Odemira to Zmar Eco Resort (€13).

By Taxi:

We recommend booking with these taxi drivers. The trip will take about 2 1/2 hours.

  • Daniel +351 918 613 535
  • Paulo +351 927144 285
  • Octavio +351 924453459
  • Nelson +351 914904681

By Car:

Book your rental car at www.portugal-auto-rentals.com. The trip will take about 2 1/2 hours. Google maps link.

Scholarship Opportunity

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 the first Ecstatic DJ Training scholarships. There are two full scholarships* available at this time (€1300 Euros/each), generously offered from our Ecstatic Dance Oakland donor and supporter, Tyler Norris.

We have opened the application process for the scholarships and will be accepting applications until February 22nd. At that time, our international team of five female identified Ecstatic DJs will rate each application and choose the two with the highest rating to be awarded the scholarships. Your scholarship application will be kept in confidence—only the five women on the scholarship selection team will be reading it.

If you are a female identified aspiring DJ with a proven financial need, please apply! We are looking for individuals who have a track record of creating positive change in their community with a diversity of life experience. It is important to us the chosen individuals embody the Ecstatic DJ values of integrity, leadership, embodiment, a growth mindset, and a love of music with a vision to become a leader in the conscious dance movement.

*Scholarships include tuition, room and board. They do not include necessary DJ equipment or travel to and from the training.

CLICK HERE to apply by February 22, 2019.

_____________________________Sign Up Now

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