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“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” —Martha Graham .
SECOND ANNUAL SPIRITUS MEN'S DANCE
(Open to all ages)
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Join us on a 4 hour journey to tap into your body, heart, energy, and soul as we explore movement in all its forms in a safe, judgment free space. This 4 hour men’s circle, workshop, somatic exploration, and ecstatic dance for men is near and dear to our hearts since dance was the catalyst for deep transformation and growth for DJ Big Heart and me. When we learn to tap into our bodies and connect deeply with what is alive within them, we gain the confidence, wisdom, and remembering on how to move in life without fear and shame, to feel our feelings, to release old stories, to call in new dreams and aspirations, and to love our perfect bodies exactly as they are. When we release these stories and fears, we open ourselves up to transformation and the new versions of us that are waiting to be born!
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But for so many men, shame and insecurity has kept us trapped in the shadows of our very own perfect bodies and souls.
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Have you ever felt shame or been shamed for your body or how you move your body?
Have you been told you could not dance?
Have you told yourself you could not dance?
Have you compared yourself to others who could dance?
Have you told yourself that you have “two left feet?”
Have you ever stayed on the outskirts of the dance floor due to fear of being judged?
Have you been mocked, ridiculed, or made fun of by how you dance or move your body?
Have you ever felt not good enough to dance?
Do you feel or have you felt dissociated or disconnected to your body?
Do you wish you could dance with others?
Do you want to connect deeper to your own body?
Do you have a hard time knowing what you feel, how you feel, or where you feel it in your body?
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If any of these apply to you or have applied to you, we invite you to explore with us the depths of heart, body, and soul in a safe container where all parts of you are welcome and full expression is encouraged.
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5:45p-Doors open (Please be on time)
6-7p Embodiment practice-Utilize breath, movement, sound, and visualizations to learn how to drop into your body and feel what’s alive (Still feeling into a potential cacao activation for this event)
7-8p-Basic movement, ecstatic dance, and contact dance practice
8-9:30p-Ecstatic dance with DJ Big Heart❤️ (aka Kohl Mayberry)
9:30-10p-Sharing circle
*Please stay until 10 to keep the container sacred
**This is a non-sexual yet intimate exploration of movement with yourself and potentially others. Do not come if you are looking for a hook up.
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There will be an opening ecstatic dance circle with discussion of guidelines for the ecstatic dance. After the opening circle DJ Big Heart ❤️ (aka Kohl Mayberry) will be sharing 90 minutes of ecstatic dance music. The music is set in a wave format inviting everyone to experience different states, moods, and levels of consciousness. Ecstatic dance is a freeform focused movement practice for all. During our dance we will be invited to let go of judgement of ourselves and others, embrace whatever emotions arise, and feel free to move, shake, and groove however our bodies choose.
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What to bring:
Water bottle
Loose fitting clothing
Blindfolds or eye masks (Part of our practice will be learning to be comfortable in our own bodies without seeking approval or comparing ourselves with others)
Item for altar (Something that reminds you why you are coming, a photo of you as a child, flowers, etc.)
Suggested exchange $40-60
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*Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. Please contact Kohl or Matthew if you would like to help at the event in order to cover your admission price.
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Matthew Stackowicz is an embodiment alchemist weaving breath, visualization, movement, shamanic practice, reiki, embodiment, and dance into all he does. He hosts regular men’s circles, contact beyond contact dance practices, shamanic journeys, retreats, and community embodiment endeavors in Chicago, Indiana, and around the world. He gently and artfully guides others into connecting with the deepest parts of themselves to heal, grow, and transform so they can navigate the world and bring about change in their fullest truth and authenticity.
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Kohl Mayberry aka DJ Big Heart ❤️ started novice amateur DJing 20 years ago when he fell in love with electronic dance music.
7 years ago when Kohl had hit rock bottom and was in debilitating chronic physical pain with nowhere to turn, he stumbled upon an ecstatic dance. This dance completely cut Kohl wide open to the core and shook his entire being. He started dancing through his pain regularly both at home and in the community. Ecstatic dance has now become his obsession and he has participated in over 400 ecstatic dances. 5 years ago he started DJing ecstatic dances and in 2023 Kohl formed the organization now known as “Ecstatic Dance Batavia” where he started hosting and DJing ecstatic dances for the community to give back for the healing that he was gifted upon him and to share “the Gospel of Ecstatic Dance.”
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Second Unitarian Church of Chicago, 656 W Barry Ave,Chicago,IL,United States
