Ecstatic Dance Birthday Celebration – Vilija Turns 40!

Admission will include ceremonial cacao coming from Guatemala from the company Holy Wow Cacao.

There will be a cacao blessing/activation before the start of the opening circle done by Karolina Mikos. Cacao is a powerful plant medicine, known for opening the heart which may help facilitate the flow of energy release during an ecstatic dance. Cacao consumption is completely optional and not required for participation. Cacao consumption is not advised for anyone taking pharmaceutical antidepressants, or anyone with epilepsy. It is also not advised for anyone with a heart condition to have more than a 40 gram or higher serving of pure cacao.

Immediately following will be the opening circle with discussion of guidelines and community engagement.

The opening circle will be led by DJ Big Heart  (aka Kohl Mayberry) Kohl started novice amateur DJing 20 years ago when he fell in love with electronic dance music. 7 years ago when Kohl had hit rock bottom and was in debilitating chronic physical pain with nowhere to turn, he stumbled upon an ecstatic dance. This dance completely cut Kohl wide open to the core and shook his entire being. He started dancing through his pain regularly both at home and in the community. Ecstatic dance has now become his obsession and he has participated in over 400 ecstatic dances. 5 years ago he started DJing ecstatic dances and in 2023 Kohl formed the organization now known as “Ecstatic Dance Batavia” where he started hosting and DJing ecstatic dances for the community to give back for the healing that he was gifted upon him and to share “the Gospel of ecstatic dance.”

The theme of the music is “Rising Phoenix” celebrating the 40th birthday of Vilija Paulius. 90 minutes of dance music will be shared by Kai Eros with guidance by DJ Big Heart .

The music is set in a wave format inviting everyone to experience different states, moods, and levels of consciousness. Consider staying present within the movement and letting your body move to the music. Ecstatic dance is a freeform focused movement practice for all. During our dance we will be invited to let go of judgement of ourselves and others, embrace whatever emotions arise, and feel free to move, shake, and groove however our bodies choose. We are invited to listen to our bodies and move in any way that we feel is authentic, safe, and personal for us. The dance space is free of consumption of alcohol and intoxicating substances as this creates a sober environment inviting dancers to come as they are. We step out of verbal conversation as well as the use of any cell phones or photography. During our dance we are silent/no talking (please have verbal conversations outside of the dance floor, thank you for your understanding).

When the music ends it will be followed by a sound healing by Yolanda Lozano. Yolanda is a facilitator for self-discovery using a simple approach in both language and sound therapy. Yolanda presents an opportunity for each participant to be empowered and offers encouragement to move through any challenges you may be experiencing. Yolanda is offering a gentle sound healing to end the ecstatic dance. She will use sounds of crystal and Tibetan bowls as well as other Earth instruments.

Immediately following the sound healing will be the community closing circle led by Kohl.

The goal is to wrap up the closing circle by 7:00 p.m CST.

As always-peace, much love, namaste.