Moving Mandala Ecstatic Dance Journey: The Awakening
Description
Moving Mandala: The Awakening
Ecstatic Dance Journey in the Sanctuary
As winter begins to loosen its grip, we gather inside the breathtaking sanctuary of Trinity Memorial Church—a soaring, stained-glass temple of light—to move with what is stirring awake through the ancient language of movement, breath, and rhythm.
This is Moving Mandala: The Awakening—an ecstatic dance journey shaped by the wisdom of the mandala:
the circle as a living field,
the center as the heart,
and each dancer as a luminous point within a shared awakening whole.
🌅 THE THEME—THE AWAKENING
This moment—on the threshold of spring, as the Fire Horse year begins—invites us to listen inward to sense what is ready to emerge.
This dance invites you to awaken from within—
to soften what has been dormant,
to feel what is stirring beneath the surface,
and to welcome what is asking to come alive as we move toward spring.
💫 THE JOURNEY
Your evening unfolds as a ceremonial arc:
Arrive & Settle—Doors open 7:30pm
You’ll be warmly welcomed by Brian Urbiztondo and Matthew Golben as you check in and cross the threshold into the sanctuary—glowing with festive light and immersive mandala projections—inviting you to gently attune to the field.Arrive early to connect and mingle over warm, heart-opening elixirs and sensuous vegan treats from Jaya Kava and Butterfly Heart. Nourish the body with myofascial release offered by licensed massage therapist Ellis Kantrowitz, supporting you in softening, opening, and preparing for the journey ahead.
Opening Circle—8pm
We gather in a shared center—breath connecting us, intention anchoring us, the mandala activating beneath us. Together, we step into the field of awakening.Warm-Up + Ecstatic Dance Journey
We begin with a guided warm-up led by Elana Stern—Tantra Guide and founder of Tantra Collective and ONE LOVE HUB—with live musical accompaniment by Matthew Beck, gently guiding you out of the mind and into the body to awaken presence and spirit.From there, we flow seamlessly into a full ecstatic dance journey guided by the musical wizardry of Timmayo the Grateful, enriched with live instrumentation woven throughout. The sound unfolds in waves—earthy, celestial, tribal, and ecstatic—inviting deep embodiment and expressive freedom.
Move as your body longs to move. Dance as medicine. Dance as prayer. Dance as release. Dance as awakening. There are no steps to follow and no right way—only the truth your body already knows.
Sound Bath & Closing
We descend gently into a field of healing sound and grounding live music by Matthew Beck, with vocal offerings by Krystina Vázquez—allowing what has awakened through the dance to soften, settle, and take root.
The dance journey is amplified by an RCF sound system by Vortextual, illuminating visuals by Brian MunGavin-Mraz, cozy corner by Whitefeather, and a sacred altar by Ade—bringing the mandala to life through sound, light, artistry, and prayer.
🙏 HOW TO PREPARE
To honor the container and your own awakening:
Wear red or orange clothing to honor the Fire Horse that feels comfortable for full-body movement—think vibrant, expressive, and free.
Arrive bathed, in clean clothing, and scent-free (no perfume, oils, strong fragrances, or body odor) to respect the space and the sensitivities of others.
Bring water bottle & water, your own cup, and reusable wares to support a low-waste gathering.
Take a moment before arriving to tune into your intention—what is beginning to awaken in you as the Fire Horse year unfolds and spring approaches?
💃🏻 ECSTATIC DANCE GUIDELINES
Ecstatic dance is a freeform, nonverbal movement journey. The invitation is to dance however your body wants to move. This is a space of freedom, safety, and collective respect.
We welcome you into this temple with a few simple agreements:
No talking on the dance floor
Let the body speak. Let the music carry the conversation.Move however you feel
Fast, slow, grounded, wild—your dance is your medicine.Respect every body
This is a consent-based container.. If you wish to dance with someone, offer with presence—a gesture, eye contact, a smile.
If they choose not to engage, honor the “no” with grace.
A simple bow with hands at heart (🙏) is a beautiful way to decline or close a dance.Phones away—no cameras, no recording
This is a sacred, present-time space. Let yourself—and everyone around you—be fully free.Alcohol & substance-free space
This is a sober space. We rise from within with clarity and the energy of awakening.Shirts stay on for all genders
This is a family-friendly sacred container—the dance floor is our mandala, and we keep the temple clothed.Shoes off
Feel the earth beneath you, the pulse of the music, and the presence of the collective. (Exceptions for clean, indoor-only shoes if needed for support.)Family-friendly container
Adults self-regulate, and parents help children stay mindful of fellow dancers and the shared space.
To protect the safety of the space, anyone who does not honor these guidelines may be asked to leave without a refund. Thank you for upholding the integrity of the dance.
💌 THE INVITATION
Come move what’s stirring within you.
Come awaken together, in community.
Come step into the mandala and dance what’s ready to blossom.
Moving Mandala: The Awakening
A night to stir, soften, and come alive—together, in the sanctuary of the circle.
Lineup
Timmayo the Grateful, Host & DJ
Timmayo the Grateful is a Philly native and a true wizard of his craft—an artist who feels most at home guiding dance-floor journeys that dissolve boundaries and awaken the soul. Rooted in Philly’s hip-hop and house scenes, he grew up immersed in movement culture: battling with breakdance and house crews, practicing in parks, teaching kids to dance as a way to keep them inspired and off the streets, and contributing to events alongside local legends like King Britt, members of The Roots, and other underground pioneers. His path has since carried him far and wide—from didgeridoo ceremonies with Aboriginal elders in the Outback to studying sound with maestros in Peru’s Sacred Valley, to curating ecstatic dance events on Lake Atitlán. First introduced to ecstatic dance more than ten years ago in the Bay Area, he has been a devoted practitioner and facilitator ever since, helping create and DJ Ecstatic Dance Puerto Rico and producing pop-up dances throughout Guatemala. A multi-instrumentalist, skydiver, massage therapist, and occasional yoga teacher, Timmayo brings a lifetime of movement, mysticism, and musical exploration to every set. He’s studied with artists such as Mose, Yemanjo, Captain Planet, and Scott Nice, continually evolving his sound as the digital landscape shifts. As Master of Ceremonies, he seamlessly weaves global textures and rhythmic worlds—entrancing dancers into flow states where dreams feel tangible and magic moves through the room. Arrive for the warm-up to fully sync into the experience. This is a journey you won’t want to miss.
Elana Stern, Host & Facilitator
Elana Stern is a devoted guide in Tantra Yoga, walking the path of love and supporting individuals, couples, and groups in cultivating sacred connection, embodied presence, and lasting transformation. She was drawn to meditation as a teenager, studied Eastern Philosophy and Religion academically, trained with celebrity fitness icons in NYC, and earned Yoga Teacher certifications in both Vinyasa Yoga (Cindy Lee lineage) and Restorative Yoga. Her foundation is further enriched by training in Tibetan Buddhist, Transcendental, Vipassana, Mindfulness, and Sonic Meditation modalities, as well as Pranayama breathwork and Reiki techniques. Her journey expanded through advanced certification with Yoga Chitta—a Black-owned yoga school serving the BIPOC community-where she mentors yoga teacher trainees. After a life-altering kundalini awakening opened the portal to deeper energetic and tantric realms, she became a certified facilitator of Tao Tantra Arts (Mantak Chia and Osho lineages) and a graduate of the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA). With a vision for evolving consciousness in Philadelphia, Elana founded the Tantra Collective—producing monthly offerings for embodied spiritual connection—and ONE LOVE HUB, the city's co-created community for conscious events. With decades of practice in movement, meditation, and energy healing, Elana's teaching bridges the physical and the spiritual. She invites you into a deeper relationship with your body, your breath, your heart, and each other—where love becomes the path home to your divine nature.
Matthew Beck, Warmup & South Bath Musician
Matthew Beck is an Intuitive Reader, Energy Healer, and Sound Bath Facilitator who creates soundscapes with live-looped flutes, guitar, percussion, bowls, rattles, spoken word and recordings from nature. He weaves music with the intention to transport listeners below the surface into their ethereal nature, essence and formless dimensions within the body. In addition to his healing practice, Matthew runs the creative agency, Elevate Living Courses where he has supported over 400 healers, therapists, organizations, and spiritual teachers in developing their businesses and professional trainings.
Krystina Vázquez, South Bath Vocalist
Krystina Vázquez weaves a meditative musical journey of somatic healing and self-discovery. Drawing from a deep connection of the music as medicine and guiding listeners into a space of healing at the core. Her sound bath integrates soothing vibrations from quartz crystal singing bowls, vocal harmony through a loop station, some percussion instruments, and an overall ethereal experience, blending both beauty and magic.
Jaya Kava, Alcohol-Free Elixirs
Jaya Kava began as a heartfelt, community-rooted project founded by Jen Hombach, born from backyard gatherings and speakeasies for yogis and seekers. Formerly a beloved local kava lounge and plant-based café in Queen Village, Jaya Kava has since evolved into a mobile pop-up and a cherished presence at conscious gatherings across the Philadelphia region—offering warm, heart-opening elixirs as an intentional, alcohol-free way to arrive grounded, open, and connected. Since its very inception, Jaya Kava has been nourishing our community with care and devotion—supporting dancers in arriving grounded, open-hearted, and fully embodied.
Butterfly Heart, Vegan Nourishment & Treats
Brian Stark is the heart behind Butterfly Heart, creating nourishing, plant-based cuisine made with love to bring about joy. His passion for cooking began at age five, when his mother—who ran a home bakery—taught him the fundamentals of baking. He grew up watching his grandfather manage a restaurant, sneaking into the kitchen to observe the chefs, and learning from his grandmother while captivated by PBS icons like Julia Child. With over 30 years in the culinary world—beginning professionally in his early teens, well before formal culinary school training—Brian has always known cooking was his calling. For him, food is more than sustenance; it is an offering. He is deeply grateful for the opportunity to nourish community, support healing and connection, and bring warmth to the dance floor. His plant-based creations are crafted with care, creativity, and reverence—thoughtfully prepared, healthy, and planet-conscious meals made straight from the heart.
Ellis Kantrowitz, Myomassage
Ellis Kantrowitz is a licensed massage therapist specializing in myofascial release and has been practicing bodywork since 2012. He integrates techniques from around the world, including perinatal, deep tissue, and sports massage; Reiki, cupping, gua sha, intuitive massage, and active isolated stretching. He also offers astrological counsel and holds two 200-hour yoga teacher trainings, with a deep connection to the eight-limb path. Ellis is passionate about teaching, continual learning, and helping people access their truth through deeper, more embodied connection with their bodies. Men’s work, mental health advocacy, nature and permaculture, racial justice, and equality are central to Ellis’s life and values. He is also a professional singer-songwriter and performer who shares messages of awareness and activism through music and community engagement. During Moving Mandala, Ellis offers Myomassage to support dancers in softening, opening, and preparing the body for movement—helping you arrive more fully, release more freely, and integrate the journey with greater ease.
FAQs
- What is ecstatic dance?
Ecstatic dance is a freeform, nonverbal movement journey. The invitation is to dance however your body wants to move. Please see the community guidelines above for the essence of the practice.
- Do I need prior dance experience?
Not at all. This dance journey is about embodiment, sovereignty, authentic movement, and freedom of expression. No experience is needed—just an open heart and a willingness to honor the container.
- What kind of people attend?
This is an inclusive space for a diverse, conscious community of humans of all genders, orientations, and backgrounds. Singles, couples, families, and friends gather here with a shared desire for movement, presence, and authentic expression.
- Can I come alone or with a partner?
Come solo, with friends, or with a partner. This is a sovereign journey into your own body, held by the support of community.
- Is there an age restriction?
This is a family-friendly event; all ages are welcome. Children under 10 are free. Adults with children are asked to be mindful of dancers, guidelines, and the space. All adults are invited to self-regulate and move with awareness and respect.
- What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement—red or orange tones to honor the Fire Horse
Expect to be barefoot (exceptions for clean, indoor-only shoes if needed for support; no outdoor shoes in the sanctuary)
Bring a water bottle & water
Bring your own cup and reusable wares to support a low-waste gathering
- How should I prepare?
Arrive freshly showered and scent-free—no perfumes, colognes, essential oils, scented products, or strong body odor—to honor sensitivities and support nervous system comfort for all.
- Is it important to arrive on time?
Yes. Doors open at 7:30pm, and Opening Circle begins at 8pm. The warm-up and dance set are part of a continuous journey, and we invite you to experience it from the start.
- Is alcohol or intoxicants allowed?
No. This is a sober event. The invitation is to be clear, present, and attuned in body, mind, and spirit.
- Will there be food and drinks at the dance?
Yes. Arrive early to enjoy light, nourishing snacks and heart-warming elixirs. Our friends at Jaya Kava will be serving warm, heart-opening non-alcoholic drinks, and Butterfly Heart will offer nourishing vegan, gluten-free dishes and sensuous plant-based treats available for purchase.
To support a low-waste gathering, we warmly encourage you to bring your own cup and reusable wares.
- Is parking available?
Trinity is located in a charming residential section of Center City Philadelphia at 22nd & Spruce Streets. Limited street parking and nearby paid garages are available. Please observe posted signs; avoid leaving valuables visible; and consider ride-share, public transit, or biking. Closest garages are: E-Z Park, 2101 Chestnut Street and 1924 Chestnut Street (215-733-0700).
- Where do I enter the venue?
Please enter through the glass doors on Spruce Street, just west of the corner of 22nd Street.
- Can I buy a ticket at the door?
Advance registration is strongly recommended, as our events often sell out and pre-registration allows us to prepare the space with care. If tickets remain available, you may register at the door by completing the purchase online using your mobile device. Once capacity is reached, a waitlist will be offered.
- Why do you ask for my contact information?
Your name, email, and mobile number help us send important event details and maintain a safe, intentional space. Incomplete or inaccurate registrations may be canceled.
- What is the refund policy?
Tickets are non-refundable. Anyone asked to leave for violating guidelines will not receive a refund.
- What is the COVID protocol?
Masks are optional. Please arrive in good health, wash your hands upon entry, and stay home if you’re unwell. Your care supports the well-being of all.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
