THE EXPERIENCE

RITES OF THE HEART - AN INITIATION INTO LOVE

The initiation into the heart is a journey of transformation, a deep and powerful process of opening oneself up to the full spectrum of human emotions. It requires courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to embrace both the light and the shadow aspects of oneself.

To be initiated into the heart is to be initiated into the mystery of love, and to understand that love is not just a feeling but a force that moves us and connects us to one another. It is to recognise that the heart is not just an organ that pumps blood, but the seat of the soul, the place where we experience the deepest longings and desires of our being.

The initiation into the heart is not an easy path, but it is a necessary one for those who seek to live fully and authentically. It requires us to confront our fears, our doubts, and our wounds. To heal the past and to embrace the present with all its challenges and opportunities.

Yet, through this process, we discover a deeper sense of connection to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us. We learn to live from the heart, to listen to its guidance, and to trust in its wisdom. We find a new sense of purpose and meaning in life, and we are able to love more deeply and fully than we ever thought possible.

The initiation into the heart is a journey that never ends, for there is always more to discover, more to explore, and more to love. But it is a journey that is worth taking, for it leads us to the very essence of who we are and to the source of all that is good and true in this world.

Rites of the Heart is an immersive journey through the different facets of the human heart. From the raw passion of young love to the deep wisdom of old age, this experience will take you on a mesmerising exploration of the heart's many moods and emotions.

So join us March 31st at Tugun Hall for Rites of the Heart and deepen into all things LOVE.

Tickets on sale now including limited 1st and 2nd round early birds.

Doors open at 6:30pm and we will begin shortly thereafter with an opening, short and sharp Cacao ceremony to ground in, one hell of a dance journey and a sound healing/integration to finish with before we circle up and close.

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WHAT IS RITES OF DANCE?

Rites of Dance is a dance floor initiation experience, a rite of passage through music, dance, movement, and expression. It is about healing IN community.

RECLAIM YOUR VOICE.

RECLAIM YOUR JOY.

RECLAIM YOUR EXPRESSION.

RECLAIM YOURSELF!

Since the earliest moments of our known history, dance has played a role in ancient rituals, spiritual gatherings and social events. It is believed by many historians that these dances are one of the essential factors of the development of early human civilisations, and for many ancient civilisations, dance served as an irreplaceable way of expressing human thought and emotion.

“When we close our eyes to dance, we open another eye to a different reality, we can then be moved by a greater, more powerful force.” – Paulo Coelho, The Witch of Portobello.

Rites of Dance isn’t just about music and dance, it’s about community, and creating a space for connection and belonging. We all have an inherent need to feel like we belong and this need must be nourished if we are to thrive.

Even though we gather as community, this is a solo experience for the dancer. We invite you to come into your own space, close down your eyes and allow the music and our guidance to move you so you may better understand your body and how to express it.

You will be fully supported throughout the evening and you will learn new skills which you can take home and implement into your own embodiment practise.

Rites of Dance isn't some fluffy, love and light spiritual dance event. We go there, like REALLY go there. Into the murky, dark depths of the Earth, through the chaos and uncertainty of everyday life and up into the expansive, ecstatic highs of the cosmos, we go there and you will FEEL IT ALL!

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RITES OF DANCE VALUES

- Safety

- Trust

- Permission

- Authentic Expression

- Connection

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IMPORTANT INFO/WHAT TO BRING

You’re in for a big night and it’s good to be prepared.

Please bring:

- Drinking water

- Sweat towel

- Light, comfortable clothes and something warm to wear as the night cools

- Cash/card for purchases

- Cushion/pillow to sit on

- Yoga mat/something to lie on for the sound integration (and something warm to wear)

*Strictly no drugs or alcohol.

*No previous experience needed.

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MEET YOUR FACILITATOR

MARK SANKHARA

Saṅkhāra is an ancient Buddhist term meaning formation and fabrication, the process of fashioning and the fashioned things that result. It is a term that could be used to describe the way the man himself works a crowd, ‘fashioning’ the atmosphere on dance floors into an irresistible and energetic experience, full of - but by no means limited to - alluring mid tempo, bass heavy, tribal, funk-induced, melodic pieces.

Saṅkhāra is a gifted soundscape artist and is passionate about taking people on a journey inward and outside of oneself, deep into the womb of earth and upwards into the heavens of the cosmos, experiencing an explosion into the soul's expression.

Saṅkhāra’s sets consist of an infusion of many different genres and styles, focusing heavily on Tribal and World beats. His intention is not just to get you tapping your feet and nodding your head, but to have you dancing until your feet fall off and you’re no longer able to stand!

Saṅkhāra is a NZ-born Gold Coast-based DJ who has played in various clubs, competitions, parties, weddings, and conscious dance events in NZ and Australia over the past decade. He obtained a Diploma in Audio Engineering in 05/06 and has been playing guitar for over 20 years. He is also passionate about men's work and runs and facilitates men's workshops and is also a Spiral Practitioner.

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TICKETS

Early Bird - First Release - $39

Early Bird - Second Release - $49

General Admission - $59

Door - $70

*The only difference with ticket options is the price, all tickets grant you access to the entirety of the event. The next round of EB tickets starts when the previous one sells out.

*Concessions available if you're struggling financially. Get in touch and we will work something out - money shouldn't be an issue stopping you from attending.

*There's also an option to donate further if you're feeling abundant.

REFUNDS

No refunds, but you’re welcome to on-sell or gift your ticket if you can no longer make it or keep as credit for a future event (valid for 6 months).