Dancing Freedom in the Woods

As Autumn arrives and the nights draw in, the woods feel alive and potent.

Dancing amongst the trees, grounded in the earth beneath our feet, we move through whatever arises, connecting deeply with ourselves and others. Our silent headphones carry us into an immersive flow, while nature holds us in her shifting moods. 🌱

We close by gathering at the fire, a space for sharing, warmth and connection.

Our woodland glade is within walking distance of Hackney Wick station: exact details are shared with all attendees on the ticket confirmation email.

Arrive from 6.30pm for a 7pm start

After some initial guidance to help you to relax and tune into your body, you will be invited to dance freely on your own or with others - whatever feels good for you.

Drawing on organic, afro, melodic house and techno as well as softer sounds, the live DJ set will weave rich, emotive melodies with surging rhythms to help you shake off physical and emotional tensions and completely let go into the magic of the present moment, dancing with total freedom of movement and expression.

Afterwards, as darkness descends, you are welcome to gather around the fire.

When you're ready to leave, a pathway adorned with ribbons and lights will help you to find your way out of the woods.

As usual this is a fundraiser event: donate what feels right for you (guide price £10-20)

Profits will go to charities we care about including local food charities Made in Hackney and FEAST.

Next dances

Thu 4 Sep

Thu 25 Sep

More details below:

Timings

• 6.30pm arrival
• 7.00pm session starts
• 8.45pm gathering around the fire

Location

• Hackney Wick, exact location and guidance to find us are on the ticket confirmation

What to Bring

• Water bottle
• Comfortable layers suitable for movement and relaxation
• Waterproof jacket if showers are forecast
• Something to sit on
• Snacks for sharing, including perhaps a flask of hot drink
• Wearable lights and a torch
• Drums and other instruments are also welcome around the fire

Guidelines

• No phones during the dance
• No talking in the main dance area - move to the edges/trees for quite conversations
• You are free to dance in your own space or explore connection with others
• Be respectful of the boundaries of those around you and seek permission
• This is a conscious event: alcohol and drugs are not welcome
• Refunds may be requested up to 3 days before the event

Weather

• We hope for sunshine, but can't guarantee it!
• We dance through light showers but not persistent rain.
• Attendees will be messaged at 11am on the day to confirm if we are going ahead
• If we have to postpone or cancel you will be offered a full refund.

Photo and Video

• A few promotional shots will be captured sensitively during the event
• You will have the opportunity to request exclusion from these.

Taking responsibility

• Please take care of yourself and your belongings: you dance at your own risk
• We cannot be held responsible for any accidents or injuries
• If you are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms please do not attend.
• By signing up, you will confirm you have read and understood this notice.

Please message 07714088301with any issues and/or stay in touch by joining our Whatsapp group via this link:

Looking forward to dancing with you soon!

About your host: Jane Latham

Jane is on a mission to help people to feel - to fully embody the wonder of being human.

With almost 15 years of involvement in London’s ecstatic dance community, including 5 years facilitating her own events, she has a deep understanding of movement as a means of self-expression and transformation.

Jane’s passion for dance stems from the 90s, when she immersed herself in London's vibrant house music scene. This passion also led her to the legendary YMCA club in Soho, where, having qualified as an aerobics teacher, she used her evolving DJ skills to mix the soundtracks for her own lively, choreographed classes.

Over time, she embraced a more meditative lifestyle and trained in a gentle yet profound somatic awareness practice which emphasizes tuning in to physical and emotional sensations, fostering deeper connections with self and others. This practice, along with her work as a registered psychotherapist, informs her heart-led approach to ecstatic dance, where she is known to inspire nourishing, energising and joyful experiences.

As well as running these Dancing Freedom events, she has been a guest DJ for other event organisers such as Ecstatic Dance UK and the Psychedelic Society.

More info on other events and recordings of previous sets can be found here

https://linktr.ee/janelatham

❤

The world around you is only beautiful when you are at peace with the world within you 💫

Let's see what magic we can create together! ❤️✨