Ecstatic DJ Training • Self-Led Course

Online via Thinkific

DT
Dance The Medicine
  • Email address verified
37 reviews
Duration: 7 days
Group size: 1 - 25
Ecstatic DJ Training • Self-Led Course
Online via Thinkific

Dance The Medicine
  • Email address verified
37 reviews

Duration: 7 days
Group size: 1 - 25

About this trip

✤ Dive into the art of conscious dance set creation and learn essential DJ skills with our Self-Led Ecstatic DJ Trainings, offered in three levels; Beginner, Intermediate, and Complete. Perfect for every stage of your DJ journey, from novice to seasoned.

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Knowing which tracks to use, when to use them, while mastering how to get from one track to the next while creating a compelling journey is what we teach! DTM offers 3 different Self-Led DJ Trainings to meet you exactly where you are at. 


Ecstatic DJ Training • Beginner Level is for those who have either not yet used DJ software or who are new to using it and need more guidance

Ecstatic DJ Training • Intermediate Level is for those who know how to use DJ software and would like to up level their skills and while learning about conscious dance set creation

Ecstatic DJ Training • Complete is for those who want it all! This format will provide you with access to all content from both the beginner and the intermediate training.

Are our Ecstatic DJ Self-Led Courses for you?

→ Are you or do you want to be a DJ?

→ Have you attended an Ecstatic Dance and wondered what it takes to create such a set?

→ Are you a conscious dance facilitator using iTunes/Spotify, ready to level up?

→ Do you organise Ecstatic Dance events and seek confidence to DJ at them? 

→ Perhaps you are a dancer who would like to get more involved in the community? 

→ Do you already work with Traktor software and want to go beyond the bare essentials?

→  Are you a DJ who feels comfortable with the technical side of DJ software yet are unsure how to put together an Ecstatic/Conscious set? 

→ Want to understand the unique skills needed to DJ conscious dances, often overlooked in traditional DJ academies? 


If the answer to any of these questions is YES, then one of our DJ Training will work for you. Gain instant access to the self-led training of your choice and begin your dance towards success today! 


What to Expect from Our Self-led Ecstatic DJ Courses?

Our Self-led DJ Trainings are composed of a 9-module curriculum. Each training was created from a Live Online Ecstatic DJ Training which took place in 2023, and includes 74+ lessons and 27+ hours of video content. 


Our curriculum is designed to be delivered to a mixed level cohort to build confident DJs with strong foundational skills. Even a complete beginner will feel prepared to deliver magical music sets by the end of the course, while Intermediate level DJs will find new skills to streamline their workflow, up their game and learn conscious dance set creation methods. Our expert team has layered theory and technical skills, with each module building upon the last, with loads of commonly asked questions along the way. You’ll be armed with knowledge and confidence to step behind the DJ booth and start crafting magical dance journeys. 


Upon enrolment, students instantly gain access to a detailed 200+ page manual and 27+ hours of video learning broken into 74+ lessons for step-by-step learning. As a commitment to the continuous learning journey, unrestricted access to all class recordings is granted for a full nine-month duration. We encourage you to watch the videos again and again, as students often pick up more with each viewing. 


This the Self-led Training Format is for you if…

→ You enjoy learning at a pace that suits your personal needs.

→ You absorb knowledge better when studying independently

→ Your schedules make it challenging to attend our live training sessions (to the Aussies and Kiwis out there-we feel you!)

→ You’re seeking a more cost-effective learning opportunity

→ You don’t require/desire certification

Want the Experience of a Live Training?

Join our LIVE ONLINE ECSTATIC DJ TRAINING for either BEGINNER or INTERMEDIATE and immerse yourself in an enriching and vibrant learning experience. Our Live Training format includes live classes via Zoom, interactive breakout groups, somatic-based activities, and comprehensive Q&A sessions. 


As you journey through the training, you'll connect with a diverse cohort of peers from all corners of the globe, weaving into an enduring network of supportive, like-minded Conscious Dance Leaders. To further enhance this sense of community, you'll be granted access to an exclusive WhatsApp group to foster discussion, share, resources, and create networking opportunities. What's more? Our Live Training also paves the way for you to become certified!


This path 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

Alternatively, if you are looking for an in-person Ecstatic DJ Training, please check OUR FULL LIST OF PROGRAMS OFFERED as we add new trainings regularly.

The Curriculum

Our 9-module curriculum is designed to be delivered to a cohort with varying levels of technical skill. Regardless of level, students learned together much of the time as we delve into theoretical topics which benefit all. During some modules, the group splits into Beginner and Intermediate breakout groups for focused, level-based learning. 


You can purchase the course with the beginner, intermediate breakout session, or opt for the complete program which includes all breakout sessions.

Module 01 • THE BIG PICTURE 

→ Introduction to the DTM team and the flow of the course

→ DTM's Conscious/Ecstatic Dance Set Creation Model (aka the 'The Magic Carpet Ride')

→ Demystify DJ Software: an introduction to Traktor Pro3 DJ software 


Module 02 • IMPORTING + PREFERENCES 

→ Importing tracks into Traktor
→ Best practices with Traktor and finalising installation

→ Live demo set followed by a Q&A with the DJ


Module 03 • SET CREATION + BROWSER 

→ Reviewing set creation, with focus on creating the ‘Body of the Set’

→ Exploring set creation tools, and what determines the energy level of a track

→ A deeper dive into your Traktor browser including library organization & file management


04 • CONTROLLERS + INTRO TO PRE-CUEING

→ DJ controller/console 101: A basic intro to the Traktor S2 MK3

→ Intro to counting music

→ Live demo set followed by a Q&A with the DJ


05 • TRACKS + DECKS

→ Tracks! When to use them, how to find them and where to buy them!

→ Demystifying track formats plus tips & tricks for track selection 

→ Deck Layout, Track Decks, Waveform & how it relates to counting music and phrasing

Module 06 • INTRO TO TRANSITIONS

→ Introductions to the theory behind transitions, what they are and what they aren't

→ Introduction to the phrasing

→ Live demo set followed by a Q&A with the DJ


Module 07 • FOUNDATIONAL TRANSITION SKILLS + MIXER

→ Intro to three basic transitions: Intro/Outro, Drop on the 1 and Syncing

→ Top tips, shortcuts and lowering stress, so you can have more fun!

→ Deep dive into the mixer section of Traktor Pro 3 and your controller


Module 08  • MORE TRANSITIONS SKILLS

→ Group check-in, mini-lesson, & practice instructions 

→ Stacking transition skills to create seamless mixes

→ Live demo set followed by a Q&A with the DJ


Module 9  • ONWARD 

→ Playing Live, reading the room and Improvisation

→ Final bits of wisdom from DJ Coaches + Q&A

→ Filling in the gaps: How to step out into the world as “DJ” with best practices

How to decide which level is right

As mentioned, a large portion of the training is taught to the entire mixed level group, with level-based breakout sessions ranging from 20 to 50 minutes for some modules. Consider the following when deciding.  


BEGINNER:
If you're starting your journey, our beginner training will leave you with strong foundational skills. We're confident that by the end, you'll feel prepared to deliver magical music sets. Start here if you don’t use DJ software yet or if you have been using it but only use the bare essentials.


INTERMEDIATE:

For those comfortable with DJ software, the intermediate training is for you. We'll deep dive into set creation, perfect for those familiar with DJing but less so with creating a conscious dance set. Technically, you'll refine your skills, learn new tips and tricks, and enhance your abilities through an emergent curriculum addressing arising curiosities


COMPLETE COURSE (BEGINNER + INTERMEDIATE)

For ambitious learners seeking a comprehensive DJ education, the Complete course is ideal. You'll access both Beginner and Intermediate materials, letting you master the basics and then deepen your knowledge at your own pace.

The Teachers

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 Training

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.


AMRIT DHILLON (Amritaji) • DTM DJ Coach, Founder of Ecstatic Dance Milwaukee & Resident DJ @ Ecstatic Dance Salt Like City

Amritaji (Amrit Dhillon) has been enchanting global audiences since 2007 with her unique fusion of psychedelic worldbeat and bass music. Rooted in psytrance and infused with a love for trance-like states induced by Kirtan, she has a unique style of weaving traditional Eastern and indigenous music with deep bass lines and modern dance rhythms. Her music is more than an auditory experience—it’s a sonic space for healing, free and authentic expression, and most importantly, fun!


In 2016, she founded Ecstatic Dance Milwaukee, a venture that continues until today. Currently, she’s also a Resident DJ at Ecstatic Dance Salt Lake City and serves as an ambassador for Ecstatic Dance Records. Since 2019, she has been using her while skills set as a DJ coach with Dance The Medicine, offering support during training sessions and providing personalized 1-on-1 DJ lessons. Through her various roles, she persistently spreads her love for conscious dance and movement across the globe, thereby nurturing the global Ecstatic Dance community.

Testimonials from Graduates

"The Beginners DJ School not only fulfilled my dream of being a DJ, but it allowed me to develop and create my own music/dance medicine flavor for the world to experience. I'm so excited about what is ahead for me, and I know that I am in good hands: the people I met are so incredible, we will forever be connected and follow each other's journey, and that in itself is a gift!"  

→ Maïté Azarov • San Francisco, USA 


"Overall, it went beyond my expectations. I thought I would just learn how to be a DJ. But I found a community, support, and courage to be strong, daring and me! This training gave me balance in my daily life, allowing me to incorporate music, dance and DJ sessions. I improved fast and am shocked at where I am today: having released a first set. Now I am thrilled and scared to be on my own for my DJ journey, even though I feel the support still present from DTM and the whole group. So much advice on “do it your own way” “get inspired by others but remain yourself” “just do it!” “Some might criticize or judge, but they are not doing it, you are!” still resonates and allows me to feel that I can do it and that my music is worth being heard and dancing to! I don’t have to be the perfect expert or the greatest musician to be allowed to create sets and share them with people willing to dance to it. I am thankful for the diversity in our group, of age, gender, race and styles, countries and cultures. It was so great to meet all those people, not even knowing what job they might have, but knowing what music they dance to!"

→ Héloïse Ferber • Bagnolet, France

"For me, the training gave me more than foundation skills for DJing, but led me to bust through some self-conscious patterns. It was a rewarding journey on many levels, and I wasn't expecting that! Everyone in the group, the teachers and assistants are just so lovely and unpretentious, it made participating so much easier. I couldn't have wished for better people to learn these skills, and I'm already using them out here in the world, so it's very exciting. Thank you, DTM!" 

→ Venetia Clarke • Wales, UK


"This course was an amazing experience. I am so grateful to the teachers who share the technical and artistic aspects beautifully - even online - which is no easy task! They are so understanding of what it feels like to be a beginner with this technology and take the time to break things down in a fun, gradual way that helps you actually get it! The welcoming environment helps you feel comfortable to relax into your own learning style/pace, and also digest the content and ask questions as needed. I felt like we all bonded deeply, and it was delightful to cheer each other on as we each launched our first recorded mixes." 

→ Joy Balsam • Santa Fe, USA

FAQ

→ How do I know if I am a beginner or an Intermediate student? 

If you like, fill out this form to help you decide! 


The short answer is; If you can comfortably improvise using DJ software at a dance or party, you're likely an Intermediate. If you've played with a pre-made playlist from iTunes or streaming services, opt for the beginner course.


The main difference between beginner and intermediate is proficiency with DJ software. If you've used it for years but only know the essentials, the beginner course would still benefit you most. If you want guidance to support your decision, please reach out at info@dancethemedicine.


If you feel you would be better served in a live interactive course, please check out our FULL PROGRAM OF OFFERINGS HERE 


→ 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. 


→ What gear/software do I need? 

You’ll be required to download and install the latest version of Traktor Pro 3 (software). If you wish to purchase a controller (hardware), we recommend Traktor Kontrol S2 which comes with Traktor Pro 3 software. It is an entry-level controller and likely the easiest DJ controller to learn on; however, you can use any brand/model of DJ controller that is compatible with Traktor Pro 3 for this training. While you are not required to have a DJ controller/console for this course, you will get far more out of the course if you do have one.  We offer our students a 25% discount on all Native Instruments' Traktor products.


→ For how long will the videos be available? 

The video recordings will be available for you to watch for a period of 9 months.


→ I'm not sure if the Self-led Training is right for me. Can you advise me? 

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


→ What's your refund policy?
We don't offer any refunds, no matter the reason. 

What’s included

  • 9 Extensive Modules
    A comprehensive curriculum with a total of 27+ hours of video recordings (74+ lessons) based on years of experience in creating transformative & magical conscious dance sets
  • Course Manual
    200+ page DTM Ecstatic DJ Training Manual & Workbook in PDF format for you to print
  • Immediate access
    Instant unrestricted access to all video content for a 9-month period
  • Assignments
    9 assignments to keep you engaged and put your knowledge to practise
  • Private coaching session
    A 45-min 1-on-1 mentoring session with a teacher of your choice
  • 25% discount on Traktor
    A voucher you can use on Native Instruments' website to buy your controller and/or any other gear
  • 12 tracks
    Carefully curated by our team to kick-start or add to your collection

What’s not included

  • Traktor Pro 3
    Software should be downloaded and installed before training start
  • DJ Controller
    We recommend Traktor Kontrol S2 (beginner) or S4 (intermediate)

Available Packages

SELF-LED TRAINING | Beginner

→ Immediate access to a comprehensive 200+ page manual and engaging video content


→ 9 carefully curated beginner level content modules, providing a total of 28+ hours of video learning broken into 71+ lessons


→ Unrestricted access to all video content for a 9-month period


→ A 45-min 1-on-1 mentoring session with a teacher of your choice


NEW! A voucher code for 25% off all Native Instruments' Traktor products.

€795
SELF-LED TRAINING | Intermediate

→ Immediate access to a comprehensive 200+ page manual and engaging video content


→ 9 carefully curated intermediate level content modules, providing a total of 27 hours of video learning broken into 69 lessons


→ Unrestricted access to all video content for a 9-month period


→ A 45-min 1-on-1 mentoring session with a teacher of your choice


NEW! A voucher code for 25% off all Native Instruments' Traktor products.

€795
SELF-LED l Beginner & Intermediate

→ Immediate access to a comprehensive 200+ page manual and engaging video content


→ 9 carefully curated beginner level content modules PLUS extra Intermediate level content, providing a total of 33+ hours of video learning broken into 77 lessons


→ Unrestricted access to all video content for a 9-month period


→ A 45-min 1-on-1 mentoring session with a teacher of your choice


NEW! A voucher code for 25% off all Native Instruments' Traktor products.

€895
SELF-LED: Certified

You receive everything in the self-led package, and you would be required to:

• For each module, submit a picture of the homework and a short paragraph to explain your work. The intention here being we know you are grasping the content and doing the work.

• Take a 1-hour one-on-one whenever you wish

€1,195

Available options

60-min 1-on-1 coaching session
€100

Additional private 1-on-1 coaching session with a DTM coach of your choice



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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