THE EXPERIENCE

Embark on a rhythmic journey into the unknown at The First Dance of 2025, where each step invites you to rediscover joy, express authenticity, and consciously embrace the unfolding chapter ahead.

The First Dance of the year is a symbolic step into the unknown, a dance floor where past experiences are left behind, and a fresh chapter unfolds. It's an opportunity to set the tone for the coming months, embracing the transformative power of movement, music, and communal energy.

As we dance into the unknown of 2025, Rites of Dance becomes a unique space for individuals to shed inhibitions, rediscover their authentic selves, and reclaim a sense of joy and expression.

The communal atmosphere fosters a shared journey, amplifying the collective energy and creating a supportive environment for personal growth.

This event invites you to align your intentions with the rhythm of the new year, using dance as a tool for self-reflection, healing, and the exploration of untapped potential.

Attending the First Dance of 2025 is not just a celebration; it's a conscious choice to step into the future with authenticity, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Tickets on sale now including limited first and second release early bird options.

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.

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.

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!

ABOUT OUR CACAO

We serve AMARU (Serpent) Ceremonial Cacao which is grown, produced and supplied by SELENO HEALTH - THE MACA EXPERTS.

Seleno Health is a unique New Zealand-based natural health company that seamlessly merges ancient plant wisdom with modern scientific research.

In collaboration with indigenous farming families in Peru, Seleno Health not only shares shamanic teachings but also substantiates them through modern biochemical research. This endeavour aims to educate individuals on the vital connection to their food, the richness of indigenous plant wisdom, and the pathway to natural well-being.

At the heart of Seleno Health is Dr. Corin Storkey, Co-founder, and Co-Director. With over 15 years of expertise in medicinal antioxidant chemistry and a personal triumph over chronic fatigue syndrome, Dr. Storkey passionately established Seleno Health. His vision goes beyond conventional Western medical approaches, emphasising holistic health management.

Complementing this vision is Sally Huapaya, Co-director, and native Peruvian of Andean descent. Sally brings a unique blend of industrial engineering expertise and ancestral knowledge to the table. Together with Seleno Health, she orchestrates the creation of authentic Organic Farm-to-Table Maca and Cacao, respecting ancient traditions. Sally also spearheads social responsibility programs and facilitates Amazonian and Andean retreats in Peru.

Now, let's meet the extraordinary individuals behind the scenes. Florencio and Yraida, the Maca farmers, are true experts. They specialise in cultivating premium medicinal Maca using ancestral organic farming techniques. Their dedication goes beyond farming – it preserves ancient spiritual practices, infusing each batch with love, passion, and intention to heal.

Adding to this tapestry is Rolando, Cacao farmer extrodinaire from the Amazonian jungle. A pioneer in organic and fair-traded cacao production, Rolando champions social sustainability and environmental harmony. His dedication resonates with many farmers who bravely sow the world's finest cacao, hoping to transform lives through love, equality, justice, and a passion for biodiversity and the environment.

Together, the Seleno Health team honours indigenous traditions and fosters connections between people and sacred plant knowledge. Join us on this seamless journey towards well-being, rooted in authenticity, sustainability, and cultural respect.

Connect >>> https://www.selenohealth.com.a...

COMMUNITY HUB

There is a dedicated community hub at the back of the hall where you are invited to display any promo matierial you have for your upcoming offerings, events etc.

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.

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

*Not suitable for children, however, if you have a mature teenager that would like to attend, please reach out to discuss with us.

TICKETS

1st Round EB - $39 (10 only)

2nd Round EB - $49 (20 only)

General Admission - $59

Door - $70

*EB - Early Bird

*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.

*If you're struggling financially, reach out 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).

ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO COUNTRY

We acknowledge and respect the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which we gather, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.

We pay our deep respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging. We recognize their enduring connection to this beautiful land, its waters, and its cultural heritage.

As we come together on this land, we extend our gratitude for the wisdom, resilience, and cultural richness shared by the Yugambeh people.

May we stand together in unity and harmony, honouring the spirit of this country and the ancient traditions that continue to thrive.