Events
Ecstatic dance caldas – 25 de Abril 2026
On April 25, 2026, a national holiday and Freedom Day in Portugal, from 4 PM to 8 PM, the Centro Social e Recreativo in Foz do Arelho opens its doors for a unique celebration. We will honor the freedom to be and to feel through conscious movement and voice vibration, with the sea as our horizon.
Our space in Foz do Arelho is spacious and bright, located just 10 minutes from Caldas da Rainha. The perfect setting for an afternoon of total surrender!
PROGRAM (Indicative):
16h00 – Doors Open & Community Connection
16h30 – Welcome Circle
16h45 – Move 2 Connect (Warm-up) with Lurdes Salgado
17h15 – Ecstatic Dance with B-File
18h45 – Medicine Singing Circle com Dan Água
19h45 – Closing Circle
20h00 – End
FACILITATORS & PRACTICES
Lurdes Salgado [Move 2 Connect & Warm Up]
Lurdes Salgado is a Psychocorporal Therapist and has been leading therapeutic movement groups for several years, creating spaces for self-discovery and deep reconnection with the body. Through somatic practices and emotional regulation, she will lead the warm-up, inviting you to ground, feel, and create internal space to experience the journey with more presence and awareness.
Instagram | Facebook | Website | Linktree
B-File (Bernardo Rodrigues) [Ecstatic Dance Wave]
B-File (Bernardo Rodrigues) is the founder & resident DJ of Ecstatic Dance Coimbra. He has always been captivated by the power and energy of electronic music. In 2019, he embarked on a transformative journey through the discovery of Ecstatic Dance – a profound practice that harnesses the magic of conscious movement to evoke trance-like states, pure & authentic ecstasy and deep emotional release and expansion. This awakening reshaped his musical expression, infusing his sets with a vibrant, organic essence. Crafting immersive soundscapes that blend diverse genres, anchored by deep, resonant basslines and uplifting grooves, each journey is an invitation to surrender to the rhythm, embrace the unexpected and expand through the boundless possibilities of sound.
Instagram | SoundCloud | Linktree
Dan Água [Medicine Singing Circle]
Dan Água, founder of Gota de Alma, is a certified group facilitator, Kambo practitioner, NLP master and musician. Água specialises in working with voice, whether singing or speaking up and having verbal communication. He supports individuals in liberating their authentic expression and empowered communication to bring greater sovereignty, clarity and harmony into their lives and into life itself.
GUIDELINES
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Non-verbal space: By letting go of words, we dive deeper into our journey.
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Barefoot: To feel the earth beneath us and stay grounded.
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Consciousness (Alcohol & Substance Free): Please refrain from intoxicants to be fully present. This is an alcohol and drug-free event.
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Presence: Phones away to truly connect with the experience.
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Consent: Consent is key. Always get a « yes » before dancing with someone.
LOCALISATION & ROOM
Where is the event taking place?
Our journey will be held at the Centro Social e Recreativo da Foz do Arelho. This beautiful venue is located right by the coast, offering the perfect atmosphere for a transformative experience.
Address: Largo do Arraial, 2500-457 Foz do Arelho, Portugal.
How to get there? You can find the exact location and get directions via Google Maps by clicking the link below:
About the Space: The room is spacious and welcoming, designed to allow everyone to move freely and comfortably. You can also check out the venue’s community page for more local information: Centro Social Facebook Page.
REGISTRATION
FAQ
I’ve never done Ecstatic Dance before and I’m not a "good" dancer. Can I still join?
Of course ! Ecstatic Dance is not about how you look, but how you feel. There are no steps to learn and no rhythm to follow perfectly. It is a « free-form » dance where your body moves however it wants. In fact, not knowing « how to dance » is often an advantage because you have no habits to break!
Is it awkward? I’m afraid of being judged by others.
It’s a common fear, but the reality is the opposite. We follow a strict « No Judgment » culture. Because everyone is focused on their own internal journey, no one is watching you. We also have a « No Talking » rule on the dance floor, which removes the social pressure of « performing » and allows everyone to feel safe in their own bubble.
What exactly happens during the session? Is there a teacher?
While there isn’t a « dance teacher » giving steps, the journey is expertly guided by a Facilitator and a DJ. We start with a « Landing » or « Warm-up » to get into our bodies, followed by an opening circle. The music then builds in waves, allowing you to release tension, and we always finish with a « Savasana » (relaxation) and a closing circle to integrate the experience.
I’m quite shy. What if I just want to sit down?
That is perfectly fine. The dance floor is a space for freedom. If at any point you feel overwhelmed or tired, you can sit, stretch, or even lie down on the floor. You are encouraged to listen to your body’s needs above all else.
Why is there a "No Talking" rule?
Talking engages the « rational » part of our brain. By staying silent, we allow the « feeling » part of the brain to take over. This helps you reach a state of « flow » or « ecstasy » (a natural high) much faster. It also prevents the dance floor from becoming a « chat room, » keeping the focus on the music and movement.
What should I wear? Is there a dress code?
Wear anything that allows you to move freely! Leggings, loose pants, or a comfortable T-shirt are perfect. We dance barefoot to feel a better connection with the ground (though socks are okay if you prefer). Just bring a bottle of water and perhaps a warm sweater for the relaxation at the end.
Is this a religious or "hippy" thing?
Not at all. While the experience can feel spiritual for some, it is based on the simple, scientific benefits of movement, music, and community. It’s a tool for stress release, physical exercise, and mental clarity. People from all walks of life—doctors, students, parents—join us to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with themselves.
Can I come alone?
Yes of course, actually many people people do! You’ll find that even if you arrive alone, you’ll feel a deep sense of connection with the group by the end of the session.
As a woman, will I feel safe in this environment?
Safety is our top priority. Our space is substance-free (no alcohol or drugs), which completely changes the energy compared to a nightclub. The environment is respectful, conscious, and held by a team of facilitators who ensure that the space remains a « sacred container » where everyone’s boundaries are respected.
10. Do I have to dance with other people?
No, and in fact, most people dance alone. Ecstatic Dance is primarily an internal, personal journey. You will see that the vast majority of dancers stay in their own space, eyes closed or focused inward, exploring their own movement.
However, the floor is also a space for human connection. If you feel a natural impulse to dance with someone else, you are welcome to do so as long as it is consensual. This is usually initiated through clear eye contact or a simple gesture. If someone invites you to dance and you prefer to stay alone, simply bring your hands to your heart (the Namaste gesture) and give a small nod to say, « Thank you, but I’m enjoying my own space right now. » Your boundaries are always respected.
11. Is this an alcohol-friendly event?
No. Ecstatic Dance is a strictly substance-free environment. We believe in the power of « natural highs » through music and movement. This means no alcohol, no drugs, and no smoking. By staying sober, we create a clear, safe, and authentic space where everyone can fully connect with themselves and others without any external influence. Most people find that the experience is even more intense and liberating when experienced with total clarity!
12. What is your refund policy?
We understand that life happens. You can request a full refund up to 24 hours before the start of the event. Please note that after this 24-hour window, we are unable to process refunds as the event logistics and facilitator costs are already finalized. If you cannot make it at the last minute, you are always welcome to gift or sell your ticket to a friend!
