Rites of Dance - VALHALLA: A Viking Experience

THE EXPERIENCE

Brave warriors, hear my call! 

Rites of Dance "Valhalla" returns for its FIFTH consecutive year.

With renewed energy and passion, we promise an even bigger and better experience than ever before, building on the unforgettable moments from previous years.

In these troubled times, when our world is plagued by challenges and uncertainty, the spirit of the Warrior is desperately needed. For it takes not only strength and courage to endure, but also joy, play, dance and connection.

As the sun sets and the stars rise, we shall gather upon the expansive earth, surrounded by towering Gum Trees. At the hour of ceremony, we shall connect with our inner selves, our kin, and the great Mother Earth, as we pay homage to the sky above.

You're invited to adorn yourself in your finest Viking garb and let your Warrior spirit soar as we transform the lush green grass into one hell of a sacred dance floor.

This shall be a celebration to rival all others, one that would make even the toughest of Viking warriors proud. You will feel the raw, untamed power of the Warrior coursing through your veins, as you dance and celebrate beneath the stars.

This is a night unlike any other, a celebration of life and victory, of endurance and strength. It is a night where the valiant shall be honoured, and where we shall draw strength from the legacy of our ancestors, channeling the fierce spirit of our pagan heritage.

This experience is an invitation for all to unite, forming new bonds of friendship and brother/sisterhood. Together, we shall celebrate our shared humanity as we indulge in laughter, music, and the joy of life, all while immersing ourselves in the warm embrace of the gods.

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SCHEDULE

4:30pm

- Gates Open

- Afternoon DJ Set

6:00pm

- Opening Ceremony

- Fire Performance 

7:00pm

- Dance Journey

9:00pm

- Closing Performance

9:30

- Closing Ceremony

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FOOD

TBA

DRINKS & ELIXIRS

TBA

(not included in ticket price)

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WHAT IS RITES OF DANCE?

Rites of Dance is a conscious dance event designed to blend the energy of a club experience with a deeper, more intentional atmosphere.

Imagine stepping into a space where the music moves you, yet you are free from the toxic energy often found in the nightlife scene, and instead, you’re immersed in a sanctuary of freedom, expression, and connection.

This is not just about dancing though, it’s a journey—a rite of passage through movement, music, and self-expression.

Here, you can explore sober dancing with a live DJ mixing beats you’d find in a club—bass-heavy electronic tracks, tribal rhythms and ambient soundscapes—accompanied by a live drummer, Rites of Dance offers a fully immersive experience that goes beyond the surface.

Here, you are invited to explore sober dancing, to feel the intensity and joy of movement without the need for substances or chaotic surroundings. It’s about going deep, feeling the full spectrum of the human experience—from the murky depths of life's chaos to the ecstatic highs of cosmic connection.

The space invites you to express yourself fully, to move without judgment or expectation, and to experience the freedom of being truly present in your body.

Whether you're seeking an alternative to the nightlife scene or a deeper connection with yourself and others, Rites of Dance creates a bridge to a deeper connection with music, community, and yourself.

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ABOUT THE MUSIC

At Rites of Dance, music is the central force and it is as diverse and dynamic as the journey itself, blending the energy and beats you might expect in a club environment with a deeper, more intentional feel.

You’ll hear everything from bass-heavy EDM, trap, and drum and bass to techno, house, and tribal rhythms, mixed with downtempo, atmospheric soundscapes, and even nostalgic dance tunes thrown in on occasion.

The music ranges from heavy, driving bass to ethereal ambient soundscapes, creating an emotional and energetic experience that taps into the full spectrum of human feeling.

Our approach is about pushing creative limits, and going to places other conscious dance events won’t.

The sets are carefully constructed to take participants on a transformative journey, with the energy rising and falling throughout the night—it pulls you into the depths and then lifts you back into lightness, allowing you to dive deep into your own experience, guided by the music through moments of intensity and release.

A live drummer accompanies the DJ, weaving in primal rhythms on the djembe, dun duns, and bongos, amplifying the energy and bringing a raw, tribal element to the electronic beats. The synergy between the music and live drumming creates a deeply immersive atmosphere, amplifying the energy and pulling you deeper into the experience. 

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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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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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TICKETS

Up to 12yo - free

13yo - 17yo - $20

Early Bird - First Release - $39 

Early Bird - Second Release - $49 

Early Bird - Third Release - $59 

General Admission - $69

Door - $80

*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).

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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, honoring the spirit of this country and the ancient traditions that continue to thrive.