Spring Has Sprung. A celebration of renewal, hope, gratitude, joy, and community.

For the experienced and the curious, these gatherings mark the beginning of a much-needed ecstatic dance chapter in South Jersey. What many once knew intuitively, science now reflects back to us: when we move our bodies freely and release stored tension, we create space for deeper healing.

There is no right way to dance here. No steps to memorize, no style to match, no rhythm you have to follow. This is not a performance space. It’s an invitation to listen inward and move in the ways that feel true for you.

These gatherings are beginner-friendly and welcoming to those brand new to ecstatic dance. Choice is at the center of the experience. You are always free to slow down, pause, step outside, sit or lie down, or simply witness. Participation looks different for everyone, and all of it belongs.

To support a grounded, respectful, and safe space, we share a few simple agreements:
• No shoes on the dance floor (unless medically necessary)
• No talking on the dance floor
• No photos or videos on the dance floor
• This is a sober space
• Move freely while staying aware of yourself and others
• Consent and boundaries matter and will be honored

Evening Flow:
6:00 PM – Doors Open
6:30–6:45 PM – Opening Circle with Abbey Fyre
6:45–7:15 PM – Warm-Up with Gina Savacool
7:15–8:45 PM – Dance Wave with DJ LightRay
8:45–9:15 PM – Sound Healing with Simcha Rachel Guttenplan & Carly Brand
9:15–9:30 PM – Closing Circle with Veronica Carpenter

The amazing crew bringing this experience to you:

Gina Savacool is a sacred groover, movement artist, yoga instructor, Soulmatic Ceremonialist, and energy medicine practitioner. Her background includes modern dance and somatic movement, with a BFA in Dance from The Ohio State University. Rooted in her own healing journey, her approach is grounded in ceremony, using movement as a pathway to connection, gratitude, and wholeness. She is based in Hamilton, NJ, where she offers sessions, classes, and community experiences through her sanctuary, Milkweed Medicine.

DJ LightRay is a lifelong drummer and percussionist who weaves Afro House, Tribal Bass, and sacred rhythms into immersive dancefloor journeys. Blending live percussion with electronic elements, his sets are both primal and expansive, created to move energy and awaken the body through rhythm and sound.
https://bit.ly/m/lightray

Carly Brand is a John Barnes–trained Myofascial Release practitioner, sound healer, and event creator. She co-founded the Harmonic Earth festival and leads workshops and immersive experiences that help people reconnect with their bodies, unlock their gifts, and remember how to play and connect.

Simcha Rachel Guttenplan is a healing artist, sacred sound keeper, and creator devoted to weaving sound, ceremony, and expressive practices. Her work blends modalities such as Kundalini, Kabbalah, Theta Healing, and Reiki, creating spaces for deep inner connection through vibration and voice.

A community altar and squishy chill space will be lovingly set up by Veronica Carpenter of Blissful Butterfly Yoga, Yoga Therapist and Self-Love Cheerleader, offering a shared space for intention, reflection, and connection.

John Guilfoy of You're Worth It Wellness will be there to offer chair massages and reiki!

Community notes: This is a sober, kid-friendly event and a woman-curated space. Consent and boundaries will be discussed during the opening circle, and support team members will be present throughout the evening for grounding and care if needed.

These gatherings are a co-creation between Abbey Fyre and Veronica Carpenter of Blissful Butterfly Yoga. Whether this is your first ecstatic dance or one of many, you are welcome exactly as you are.

Contact the host of SJ Ecstatic Dance!