Naked Ecstatic Dance: A Ritual of Embodied Freedom

Naked Ecstatic Dance is an invitation to return home to the body in its most natural form—free, unadorned, and deeply alive. In a lovingly held, non-sexual container, we gather as a community of conscious dancers to shed layers of shame, embody radical self-love, and celebrate the freedom of authentic expression.

This ritual is a practice of surrender and presence. Together, we create a safe, heart-centered space where every body is honored, and every movement remains sovereign—an authentic self-expression never imposed on another. In this field of trust, the vulnerability of being seen becomes a doorway to healing.

Here, nudity is not about sexuality, but about sovereignty: reclaiming the birthright to inhabit our own skin without judgment, comparison, disguise, objectification, or advances. In this freedom, the body is honored as a temple, dance becomes embodied prayer, and love becomes the rhythm that unites us.

Come as you are. Leave lighter, freer, and more deeply connected to yourself, to others, and to the great mystery that moves through us all.

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🌹 What to Expect

Elana Stern, founder of Tantra Collective, will open and close the sacred space with devotional presence—grounding us in meditation, intention setting, and integration. With reverence for ritual, she invites embodied transformation and deep remembrance through the sacred technologies of Tantra and collective ceremony.

Alex Akarta, co-organizer of NYC’s Decent Exposure, weaves clinical therapy with shamanic practices to guide the gentle and empowering disrobing ritual—releasing shame and inviting raw authenticity. Together with support angels, Elana and Alex hold a safe, heart-centered container for our journey into embodied freedom.

Our ecstatic dance will be led by NYC-born and raised DJ Hey Leonéx!, whose dance sets channel liberation, playfulness, and primal energy—igniting the dance floor as we move into sovereignty and authentic self-expression.

We then soften into stillness with a restorative sound bath before closing together in sacred reflection.

Event Flow:

🌿 Opening Sacred Circle – We arrive together, set intentions, and co-create the safe, heart-centered field.

🌬️ Embodiment Practice – Guided breath and movement to ground, connect, and awaken the body.

✨ Disrobing Ritual – A gentle, intentional, and empowering practice of releasing clothing and stepping into presence.

🎶 Ecstatic Dance Set – A DJ-led journey of freeform movement, where every dance a unique expression of spirit.

🔔 Sound Bath – A soothing immersion in sound to restore harmony, integrate the journey, and soften into stillness.

⭕️ Grounding & Closing Circle – Returning to sacred connection, reflection, and carrying the freedom of the dance into life.

💫 Expect to feel both liberated and deeply held, moving together in a community that welcomes you exactly as you are.

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🕊️ Sacred Agreements for Our Container

To honor the sanctity of this ritual and ensure every participant feels safe, free, and respected, we invite you to enter into these shared agreements. This is a consent-driven, non-sexual event with a zero-tolerance policy toward violations. By attending, you agree to uphold this sacred container.

1. Be Naked
   Nudity is at the heart of this ritual. Women may wear underwear bottoms if needed for comfort or hygiene; men are asked to be fully nude.

2. Come Without Agenda
   This is not a space for cruising, gawking, or seeking dates. Refrain from asking about relationship status, complimenting bodies, or approaching others with sexual intent.

3. The Arousal Question
   For men: if arousal arises, honor it with discretion—pause, breathe, or step aside until it passes. It is natural and not shameful, yet this space is not for sexual engagement.

4. Consent Always
   Ask before any physical contact, even a hug or a hand on the shoulder. When in doubt, choose clarity and respect.

5. Anonymity & Privacy
   What happens in the dance stays in the dance. If you see someone later, do not mention this space unless they choose to. Confidentiality is sacred.

6. No Photos, Phones, nor Talking
   Photography, video, and phone use are not permitted, and talking is not allowed on the dance floor. This protects privacy and invites presence.

7. Sober Space
   Please arrive and remain clear, sober, and present. Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave.

8. Respect Time
   Arrive on time. Once the opening circle begins, the container is sealed and no late entry is allowed.

9. Accountability & Care
   If you ever feel uncomfortable, speak with a facilitator. We are here to hold the container with compassion.

10. Respect the Container
    These agreements are sacred. Anyone unable to honor them may be asked to leave without refund.

💫 By honoring these agreements, we co-create a sanctuary where freedom, safety, and love can truly flourish.

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🔥 Your Facilitators

Alex Akarta (they/he) is a trauma-informed, transformational kink practitioner, certified through the Integrative Arts Institute. They also hold a BFA in psychology from New York University. Blending clinical therapy with shamanic practices and an embrace of sacred eros, Alex specializes in themes including relationship with the body, fear and shame release, growth through vulnerability, shamanic journeying, erotic reclamation, and soul retrieval. Through a collaborative healing process, Alex seeks to invite others to liberate the energy of fear, of shame, of guilt, into the energy of life. Learn more and connect at https://vulnerable.living.

Elana Stern (she/her) 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.

HEY LEONÉX! (he/him/himmy/you) is crafting experiences around freedom, play, and primal dance energy. Born and raised in New York his style is rooted in House Music, infused with R&B, Jazz, Street, Afro/Caribbean and Electronic flavor. A human on a mission to get the world dancing together. As the creator and resident DJ of XWE RADIO, he brings his signature style to listeners and shares the spotlight with other dope DJs.

HEY LEONÉX!’s DJ Journey started in 2022 when he enrolled into PHDJ School, within a month he knew he found his next calling. Since, he's been hooked and played in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Michigan, and Panama. This journey has had him play in a parade, rooftops, clubs, jungles, basements, block parties, buses and NYC FM Radio (WHCR 90.3 - House in Harlem Radio Show). 

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❓FAQs

Do I need any prior experience with Tantra, dance, or nudity?
Not at all. This ritual is about embodiment, sovereignty, authentic movement, and shameless self-love. No prior experience is needed—just an open heart and willingness to honor the container.

What kind of people attend?
Every conscious adult with the maturity to self-regulate and respect others is welcome here. Singles, couples, and friends of all genders, orientations, and backgrounds come together as a diverse community united by the desire for freedom and authentic expression.

Can I come alone or with a partner?
Come as you are—solo, with a friend, or with a partner. This is a sovereign journey into your own body and self-expression, witnessed and supported by community.

Is there an age restriction?
Yes. Participants must be 18 or older. This ensures the maturity and self-awareness needed to move freely and respectfully within the container.

What should I bring?

• A water bottle

• A cushion or pillow to sit upon

• A sarong or cover-up to sit on and to cover up for bathroom breaks

How should I prepare?

• Arrive freshly showered and free from perfumes, colognes, essential oils, or scented products—this honors the sensitivity of the space and each other’s nervous systems.

• Wash your hands upon arrival as a simple act of respect and care for our shared field.

Is it important to arrive on time?
Yes. Doors open at 6:30pm, and we begin promptly at 7pm. Once the opening circle begins, the container will be sealed and late entry is not possible. Please arrive early to ground yourself and honor the group.

Are any intoxicants or plant medicines allowed?
No. This is a sober event. The invitation is to be fully present, attuned, and clear in body, mind, and spirit.

Will there be intimacy during the ritual?
This is a clothing-free dance, but the space is non-sexual. While sharing nudity carries a natural intimacy, there will be no explicit partner engagement. Participants are asked to stay in their own body and expression, always with respect for others.

What if I get an erection?
It’s natural for arousal to arise. If it happens, simply step aside, breathe, or rest until it passes. The space is not for sexual interaction, and participants are trusted to meet this with maturity and care.

Is parking available?
There is limited street parking nearby. We encourage biking, ride-share, or SEPTA.

Where do I enter the venue?
Please enter through the left-side door inside the theater building lot.

Why do I need to provide my contact information?
We ask for your full name, email, and mobile number to send important event details and help maintain a safe, intentional space. Incomplete or false registrations may be canceled.

Can I buy a ticket at the door?
Advance registration is highly recommended. Our events often sell out, and pre-registration helps us prepare. If we reach capacity, a waitlist will be available.

What is the refund policy?
Tickets are non-refundable. Anyone who violates agreements or is asked to leave will not receive a refund.

What is the COVID protocol?
Masks are not required, but we ask you to arrive in good health and hygiene. Please wash your hands upon entry and stay home if you’re feeling unwell. Your care supports the well-being of all.