Dance Facilitator Training 2025 • ONLINE

Worldwide via Zoom

DT
Dance The Medicine
  • Email address verified
37 reviews
Mar 26 - Jun 25, 2025
Group size: 15 - 49
Dance Facilitator Training 2025 • ONLINE
Worldwide via Zoom

Dance The Medicine
  • Email address verified
37 reviews

Mar 26 - Jun 25, 2025
Group size: 15 - 49

About this trip

Learn the art of embodiment and develop somatic skills to confidently guide others deeper into their bodies, experiences, and communities through the transformative power of dance.

Have you ever attended a conscious dance event and wondered how such a powerful and cohesive feeling of community is created? This potent group field is due, in large part, to the somatic skills of an embodied facilitator. This role is called by many names: "Ceremony Leader'', "Space Holder" or "Dance Facilitator". Regardless of the name, the role is the same: guide dancers, in an embodied way, into a dance journey, stay present with them throughout, and guide them back out again by grounding and integrating the experience.


Our Dance Facilitator Training is a journey to find self-embodiment and bolster your inherent facilitation skills, allowing you to confidently step into the role of a trusted facilitator. In doing so, you pave the way for others to fully surrender to movement, reaping its liberating, healing, and connective effects. Within our vibrant learning community, you'll marry your existing skills with proven somatic tools in an atmosphere of fun, friendship, and support. You’ll join a diverse cohort of peers—from dancers to DJs, psychologists, yoga teachers, breathwork instructors, and facilitators of all kinds–all keen on integrating embodiment and somatic techniques into their professions.

Is our Online Dance Facilitator Training for you?

→ Are you a passionate dancer yearning to become more involved in the conscious dance scene? 

→ Do you possess mad leadership skills, but seek the embodiment training you need to confidently hold space and guide using dance?

→ Perhaps you're a seasoned dance facilitator looking to diversify your skills, be inspired, and find new opportunities?
→ Are you in the wellness or movement profession, eager to deepen your connection with dance and embodiment?
→ Or are you a psychologist or therapist curious about integrating movement-based practices into your sessions?

→ Have you been running conscious dance events like Ecstatic Dance and feel the need to enhance the overall experience for your dancers?

→ Or do you host events, eager to boost your facilitation skills to capture that distinct feeling of containment for which Ecstatic Dance is celebrated?


If the answer is YES to any of these questions, then join the DTM Dance Facilitator Training. You’ll learn to combine your own unique skill set with potent facilitation techniques and somatic tools designed to get people into their bodies, create transformative experiences, and build a sense of community and belonging.


What to Expect at our Online Dance Facilitator Training?
Our thoughtfully crafted 11-module training will take place on Wednesdays, where we’ll come together via Zoom for 11 interactive sessions starting March 26th, 2025 until June 25th, 2025 (No classes 16 Apr, 4 June & 18 June). We’ll divide our 3-hour sessions between lectures on the day's topic, dance and movement practices, small group discussions, interviews with special guests and exercises, while making sure there is time for Q&A.

You'll receive a 200+ page printable manual and workbook, rich with practical and theoretical knowledge, alongside spaces for your insights and those of your peers. Each module offers a homework task to enhance your understanding. Finish the course with the confidence to facilitate numerous dances, knowing that you will have the manual to return to for inspiration for years to come.

Times 

→ Central European Time (UTC+1) 18:00-21:00 (Madrid, Paris)

→ Western European Time (UTC+0) 17:00-20:00 (London, Lisbon)

→ Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5) 12:00-15:00 (New York, Toronto)

→ Pacific Standard Time (UTC-8) 9:00-12:00 (LA, Vancouver)

All sessions will be recorded and released within 48 hours to allow you to catch up on any missed sessions and stay on track with content and assignments.


This Live Training format is for you if...

→ You seek a vibrant learning cohort and future colleagues

→ You thrive when learning within a group setting

→ Your schedule is aligned with our live training hours

→ You value interaction with both instructors and fellow students

Step fully and confidently into your facilitator role and become part of a global family of passionate facilitators using dance, embodiment, and somatic techniques to foster connection and healing. 

The Curriculum

To effectively guide embodiment practices and somatic explorations requires expertise and understanding. Our curriculum, drawing from years of combined dance facilitation experiences—both successes and setbacks—is organised into 11 engaging modules. Merging theory with live demonstrations and hands-on practice, we’ll help you combine your skills with fresh ideas to craft unique facilitations, ceremonies or exercises. We include time for dancing, Q&A, exploring common challenges, while connecting with other facilitators from around the globe in a collective learning journey.


Module 01 • EMBODIMENT (26 Mar)

→ Explore the science of dance/movement and its intersection with the body-mind connection 

→ Learn why dance and music are so effective at creating meaningful community experiences and how to harness this potential

→ Uncover your unique leadership skill-set and create a plan to incorporate somatic methods and embodiment techniques.


Module 02 • CONTAINMENT (02 Apr)

→ Explore the role of facilitator; from the moment they walk into a venue until they walk back out again 

→ Move from the theoretical into the practical; discussing what is necessary to contain the spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual dance space in real life, tangible ways

→ No-nonsense methods to deal with the everyday joys and struggles which are common in conscious dances(e.g. how to encourage people to remain non-verbal)


Module 03 • HOMEBASE (09 Apr)

→ Explore the foundational role of facilitation, which is to hold a reverent opening and closing, while steering the collective experience during the dance journey.

→ Tangible skills to stay grounded and present even when things don’t go as planned.

→ Practical ways to prepare your facilitation ideas and create timelines 


One Session Break (16 Apr)


Module 04 • BODY EXPLORATION (23 Apr)

→ Introduction to DTM's 5 Pathways

→ Diving into Body Exploration, the most straightforward of the pathways

→ Ways to explicitly draw attention to body parts, movements, sensations, and impulses. AKA "getting dancers into the body".


Module 05 • PSYCHO-SOMATIC EXPLORATION (30 Apr) 

→ Explore the second pathway, integrating body and mind by embodying emotions and key themes through dance.

→ Using shared human experiences to encourage connection, coherence, and community

→ Linking emotions to sensations, postures and movements—the foundation of embodiment


Module 06 • VISUALISATION (07 May)

→ Tapping into the realm of imagination to move beyond time, space, and abilities
→ Visualization techniques that encourage dancers to translate their visions into expressive physical movement → Facilitation that ignites imagination, while leaving the perfect amount of space for dancer to fill in the blanks 


Module 07 • SOCIAL ACTIVATION (14 May)

→ Explore social activation, its vital role in collective action and the universal need for human connection

→ The comfortable and uncomfortable aspects of social activation, acknowledging the need for both in a healthy community.

→ Facilitators as community leaders to encourage non-political community action


Module 08 • RITUALISATION  (21 May) 

→ Demystifying the base meaning of the word "ritual" and applying it to the act of facilitation
→ Using gestures, words, actions, and/or objects within sequences to create meaningful experiences and connection between community members
→ Getting real, and learning to ritualize without religious, dogma or cultural appropriation


Module 09 • INTEGRATION 01 (28 May)

→ Review past concepts with discussion and Q&A for integration

→ Extra foundational principles and frequently asked questions

→ Brainstorming facilitation ideas a group


A one session break (4 June)

→ Time to go out into the world and get some facilitation experience


Module 10 • INTEGRATION 02 (11 Jun)

→ Return after some time away to discuss progress and share stories

→ SPECIAL GUESTS! We'll provide a panel of seasoned dance facilitators to share insights and stories

→ Enhance your facilitation skills by filling in the gaps and addressing unexplored topics 


A one session break (18 Jun)


Module 11 • ONWARD — (25 June) (graduation)

→ Final tips and words of wisdom

→ Chance to ask any unanswered questions 

→ Graduation ritual and certification as DTM facilitators.♡

The Team

BERNICE RAABIS • Founder of Dance The Medicine

Having begun humbly in the Kootenay Mountains of Western Canada, Bernice is now a respected mentor for Conscious Dance Leaders across the globe. Her journey started with hosting Dance Church for over ten years, where she harnessed her expertise from training in various disciplines, including Soul Motion, Movement Based Expressive Therapy (The Life Art Process), and Relational Somatic Therapy. These were brought together to nurture her local multi-generational dance community, which flourished and surpassed even her most ambitious expectations. 


In 2016, she stretched her wings co-founding Ecstatic Dance International, facilitating successful leadership trainings in the US, the Netherlands, Guatemala, and Portugal. Driven to incorporate DJ and dance facilitation skills into available trainings, she used the name of her unique practice, and founded Dance The Medicine, a collective of accomplished conscious dance professionals determined to infect the world with dance.  


While Bernice loves DJing and creating transformative events, her deepest fulfilment comes from facilitating deep somatic processes using a combination of dance, art, and ritual; to help dancers find freedom through connection to self, community and humanity. 



ALEX SEVILLA • Resident DJ @ Ecstatic Dance Madrid & Co-teacher @ DTM DJ School

After more than two decades behind the decks as club DJ, Alex stumbled upon conscious dance. This encounter reshaped not only his personal life but also his profession. He soon traded in his career as a computer engineer to become a conscious dance entrepreneur, sharing his passion for dance, music, and consciousness with the world. Stepping into his new life, to become a resident DJ at Templo del Baile, a monthly conscious club in his hometown Madrid, regularly attended by over 200 dancers. Two years later, an invitation to play Ecstatic Dance Madrid, enabled him to take his sets to the next level.

During the pandemic, it became Alex’ mission to help the worldwide Ecstatic Dance community by navigating the technical challenges of live-streaming dance and music events as we all struggled to fulfil our need to dance during lockdown. Post-restrictions, he facilitated in-person dancing again by offering donation-based sessions in the streets of Spain, giving birth to a monthly gathering known as La Plaga del Baile (The Plague of Dance) In May 2020, Dance The Medicine recognized Alex’ talent and generous nature recruiting him as a teacher and tech guru during their first Ecstatic DJ Conference. He has been with us ever since, lucky DTM!


ESTA POLYESTA • Co-teacher @ DTM, Global Ecstatic Dance DJ & Dance Facilitator, Event Organizer & Resident DJ @ Ecstatic Dance Amsterdam & Ecstatic Dance Goa 

Introducing Esta, your globe-trotting full time professional DJ and ceremony leader from Amsterdam. While she found her passion for music and dance early in life, she waited until 2005 to share her talent with the world. Nearly two decades later, Esta is celebrated for her significant influence on global beats, world music, and Ecstatic Dance, extending her reach from Russia to Thailand, USA to India, and beyond. Her playful facilitation and adventurous sets invite expression, connection, and joy have enchanted crowds worldwide. 


Esta's expertise isn't confined to the decks; Her versatile skill set includes ritual design, music production, and Trance Dance facilitation. She showed her entrepreneurial prowess by pioneering Ecstatic Dance at Odessa and co-organising both Ecstatic Dance Amsterdam and Ecstatic Dance Ruigoord. She further shapes the Ecstatic Dance scene by offering 1-on-1 mentorship of emerging DJs and conscious leaders and teaching in several DTM trainings.

Esta's collaboration with DTM stretches back to the very first live DJ Training when she was hired as DJ Coach after Bernice stumbled across her play on a pirate ship. As one of DTM's first team members, she's been instrumental in shaping its identity as professional, fun, and supportive, and remains a crucial team member until this day.


FABIO FREDDI (DJRonin) • Leadership Coach, Ecstatic Dance DJ & Facilitator & Founder of Ecstatic Dance Italy 

Fabio, aka DJRonin, began his DJ journey at just age 16, rising quickly to become a turntablist in national and international scratch competitions, even making it as a world finalist at the DMC London 2004. He spent a decade producing music for prominent Italian hip hop artists, gaining professional DJing experience and recognition.

In 2010, an existential crisis sparked an awakening, prompting Fabio to see music not merely as entertainment but as a potent healing and transformative force. This led him on a self-discovery path, diving deep into rhythm, transpersonal psychology, and shamanism. He trained in various traditions across Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, eventually discovering Ecstatic Dance in 2012.


Integrating his passion for DJing with his newly found spiritual insights, Fabio developed a unique approach to fostering transformation and awareness through music and dance. His journey with DTM began in 2018, deepening his knowledge of conscious dance and leading to the establishment of Ecstatic Dance Italy a year later.


Since 2020, Fabio has served as a DTM coach, helping individuals worldwide blend their intuitive power with technical DJing skills, emphasizing the transformative potential of music. His unique blend of spiritual insight, musical talent, and psychological understanding underpin his effective mentoring and inspiring approach.



IONA MCNIEL • DJ, Authentic Relating Facilitator, Event Organizer & Founder of Ecstatic Playground London
In her passionate journey to foster authentic and embodied connections between people,  Iona has sculpted a vibrant path steeped in dance and community engagement. This path became intertwined with dance more significantly in 2018 when she participated in the Ecstatic DJ Training in Portugal, followed by the Online Dance Facilitator Training. Her belief in the transformative power of dance, not only as a tool for self-development, but also community building, solidified during her Dance Movement Psychotherapy studies at Goldsmiths University.

During the pandemic, Iona's creativity combined with her resilience led her to host a series of online dance events and from the confines of kitchens, bedrooms, and gardens, people globally found comfort in her uplifting tunes and vivacious personality. Her vibrant sessions, ranging from Morning Gloryville's popular sober raves to 'Pop-up boogie' parties, even earned her a spot on a BBC News segment discussing her notable Madonna zoom party.

As the world gradually embraced normalcy, Iona founded Ecstatic Playground, a lively conscious dance event renowned for its playful twists and authentic connections. As a beloved facilitator of Ecstatic Dance, Authentic Relating, and Embodied Games, she now conducts a range of workshops at esteemed festivals like Wilderness. Moreover, she contributes her nick for creating connection and spreading joy through dance as a special guest at the DTM Dance Facilitator Training.

Testimonials from Graduates

"This training is for the big visionaries, event organisers, and executives of dance programs out there. It takes you through step by step how to create an Ecstatic Dance event. The best part is, you’re surrounded by super rad people who truly believe in the vision as much as you do, and who feel alive in sharing that vision. I feel absolutely honoured to be a part of this amazing group of dancers, organisers, and beautiful human beings. Showing up with my whole heart, it changed me, and I feel like I’ve grown a lot."

→ Carol Boccaccio • Canada


"Dance the Medicine prepared me with the tools to grow as an Ecstatic Dance leader and warrior! The container held, even online, was potent and full of space to explore the building blocks for the foundation of my dance. It was an honour to be a part of this community of conscious dance leaders. I now feel fully equipped to go out and infect my communities with the medicine of Dance!

→ Elissa Eskridge • Costa Rica


"This online training has come at the right time, just when I felt the call to share the awesomeness of conscious dance with my people, after such a crazy year. I am amazed by the connections I have made during this training and the quality of its content, which was more than I expected."

→ Dounia Acef - Morocco



FAQ

→ Will I receive a certification?  Only those taking the training live via Zoom will be certified and receive a certificate. We do not certify those who take the course self-paced, as we have no way of knowing whether they have completed the course and homework. If this is an issue for you, please contact us, so we can discuss it.

 

→ Will this training cover DJing?
We have one module dedicated exclusively to music (what music is appropriate for conscious dance events? What structure is used to create a conscious dance musical journey? Etc.), but it is NOT a DJ Training, and we won't cover any of the technical aspects of DJ-ing. We do offer Online DJ Training for both beginner and Intermediate students. If you prefer to learn DJ skills, join us for our IN-PERSON INTERMEDIATE DJ TRAINING, ONLINE ECSTATIC DJ TRAINING, ONLINE BEGINNER ECSTATIC DJ TRAINING, or ONLINE INTERMEDIATE ECSTATIC DJ TRAINING.  


→ For how long will the recordings be available? 

The videos will be uploaded online and available for a period of 9 months from the day the training begins.


→ I'm not sure which path is right for me. Can you please advise me? 

Absolutely! Simply send us a message here on WeTravel or email us at info@dancethemedicine.com


→ Are there any software requirements for the training? 

No, neither the live training nor self-led have any software requirements. Please note, for the live training you are required to have a high-speed internet connection.

 

→ What's your cancellation & refund policy? In case of cancellation from your side, we don't offer any refunds, regardless of the reason.


What’s included

  • 11 Extensive Modules
    A comprehensive curriculum based on years of experience to give you the confidence to fully step into your role as Dance Facilitator
  • Interactive Live Zooms
    3-hour live classes (total 33 hours), break-out groups, and Q&A sessions with other students from around the globe
  • Digital Manual
    200+ page DTM Dance Facilitator Manual & Workbook in PDF format for you to print
  • Assignments
    11 assignments to keep you engaged and put your knowledge to practise
  • Dancing
    Fun dance sessions with live DJs
  • Small Groups
    You'll be sorted into small, geographically-based groups and meet each session for engaging discussions and to ultimately build lasting connections, serving as post-training support.
  • SPECIAL GUESTS
    Appearances from experienced dance facilitators, sharing their knowledge and answering questions
  • Video Recordings
    Video recordings - Released after 48 hours, so you watch the classes you missed
  • Graduation Certificate
    Sent by email for you to print
  • Community WhatsApp Group
    To continue discussions, share resources, and network with your classmates during and after the training.

Available Packages

ONLINE TRAINING l Golden Ticket
Deposit:€150

DTM always offers the first three spaces in each training at the lowest price. In this case 300 of regular pricing!

€1,095
Deposit:€150
ONLINE TRAINING l Early Bird Discount
Deposit:€150
Available until January 11, 2025

Sign up by the 10th of January and get 200 off regular pricing.

€1,195
Deposit:€150
ONLINE TRAINING | Live Zoom Sessions
Deposit:€150

→ The full experience: Live classes, interactive breakout groups, somatic based activities and comprehensive Q&A sessions

→ 11 content-packed modules, offering a total of 33 hours of learning

→ A robust +200-page manual complete with weekly assignments, worksheets, and vital resources

→ Complete access to class recordings, available 48 hours after each live session.

→ An exclusive WhatsApp group to foster vibrant discussions, resource sharing, and networking opportunities with your classmates

→ A graduation certificate acknowledging your accomplishment

→ An enduring network of supportive, fellow Dance Facilitators

€1,395
Deposit:€150

Available options

1-on-1 Coaching Sessions
€100

Add a private 60-min coaching session with Coach of your choice! 



Who’s Going

Your Organizer


DT
Dance The Medicine
37 reviews
Our Dream Team at Dance the Medicine includes established Conscious and Ecstatic Dance event organizer, movement facilitators and DJ's, We are diverse, coming from a wide array of backgrounds and modalities with varying visions about how to deliver our dance medicine to the world. What we share is a love of dance, music and community. We are collaborative, empathetic, action-minded and believe that dance has the ability to change the world! Come learn, play and DANCE with us!

Reviews

Thank you very much
By Valentyna C for Ecstatic DJ School 2024 • IRELAND on Sep 20, 2024
CQ
This was a hugely enjoyable experience with a really great community of people, in a fantastic environment. Bernice and her team cover a wide range of technical skills, but also maintain a strong emphasis on helping people develop the underlying intuition that drives a great ecstatic DJ set. It's more than classroom training, it's a community experience where you get to spend quality time with a fantastic network of individuals who are on similar paths, resulting in a support system that can last long after the training ends. Great people, lessons, space, food, fun and dance!
By Carlos Q for Ecstatic DJ School 2024 • IRELAND on Sep 15, 2024
JK
As always with Dance the Medicine it wasn’t just about the training. It was the whole experience from start to finish! The wonderfully talented and patient team. The incredible food. The magical venue. The love and care shown to each and every student. It was awesome.
By Joules K for Ecstatic DJ School 2024 • IRELAND on Sep 10, 2024
This was an excellent course that I would definitely recommend if you are hoping to learn basic and intermediate DJing skills. The teachers were very patient and knowledgable and helped us through all our questions and challenges! This was an intensive course so there is a lot to learn if you are new to the Traktor DJ software but there is some time to practice also. The good side for me was there was time to dance every morning to a DJ set one of the teachers made and the course work was comple mented by movement and embodiment of the work. The setting was incredible: a grand Georgian style house with many original features in beautiful grounds which you could walk in. The food was amazing - wholesome vegetarian and delicious. It was a great way to meet budding DJ's and we now have a network to use to keep in touch and help each other with any issues which come up which is an excellent bonus.
By JESSICA D for Ecstatic DJ School 2024 • IRELAND on Sep 09, 2024
What a fantastic experience and training week. I loved dancing three times a day, the training was very hands on and practical, the teachers were amazing. I love having three meals a day cooked for me in the amazing dining yurt. Beautiful location and an all round immersive and amazing experience. Thank you
By Melanie M for Dance Facilitator Training 2024 • UK on Jun 11, 2024
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