THE EXPERIENCE

Brave warriors, hear my call!

Rites of Dance "Valhalla" returns for its fourth 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.

SCHEDULE

4:30pm

- Gates Open

- Afternoon DJ Set (Shian Love)

6:00pm

- Opening Ceremony (Mark Sankhara, Emanuel St Clare)

- Fire Performance (Stefan Van, Ahimsa Kendal)

7:00pm

- Dance Journey (Mark Sankhara)

9:00pm

- Closing Performance (Jade Soul)

9:30

- Closing Ceremony

FOOD

Oki Food

DRINKS & ELIXIRS

Tribal Moon Cacao

(not included in ticket price)

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!

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

TICKETS

Up to 12yo - free

13yo - 17yo - $20

Early Bird - First Release - $39 (SOLD OUT)

Early Bird - Second Release - $49 (SOLD OUT)

Early Bird - Third Release - $59 (SOLD OUT)

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).

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.