In this episode, Sophie Bolton takes us on a journey into the transformative power of ecstatic dance, revealing how music and movement can serve as a gateway to profound connection, healing, and self-discovery. Sophie shares her personal ethos of dance as a vehicle for presence, emphasising its ability to awaken the body's innate wisdom without the need for external substances. Through ecstatic dance, participants are invited to respond to the primal rhythms of the music, tapping into their own consciousness and unleashing their inner magic. She discusses how dance has been overshadowed by drugs and alcohol in our culture but sees it as a path to reclaiming our innate joy and healing. Drawing from her own experiences with anxiety, Sophie illuminates how movement serves as a potent tool for grounding and releasing mental loops, bringing individuals back into their bodies and the present moment. She envisions a future where dance spaces are accessible in public areas like stations and airports, fostering human connection amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. Sophie delves into the essence of ecstatic dance and discusses practices like Gabrielle Roth's Five Rhythms. She explores the primal expression and hedonistic joy inherent in ecstatic dance, allowing participants to reconnect with their primal selves and evoke raw emotions in a safe and supportive environment. The conversation extends to the tender exploration of sexuality within dance, emphasising the healing potential of embodied movement and intentional music selection. Sophie emphasises the importance of creating inclusive spaces where individuals can authentically express themselves without judgment. Throughout the discussion, Sophie shares insights from her own journey, including transformative experiences with Samantha Sweetwater in California and the profound connection fostered through silent headphone dances during the COVID-19 pandemic. She underscores the importance of reconnecting with nature and embracing a childlike sense of wonder in dance and in life. Looking ahead, Sophie envisions a future where dance is readily accessible to all, with public spaces repurposed to accommodate community gatherings and ecstatic expression. Through her passion and dedication, Sophie invites listeners to join her in reclaiming the power of dance as a sacred pathway to self-discovery, healing, and communal connection. Recommended reading: - Dancing in the Streets: A history of collective joy by Barbara Ehrenreich  - Maps to Ecstasy by Gabrielle Roth  For Conscious Dances:  @ecstaticdance.uk www.ecstaticdancelondon.com www.5rhythms.com www.ecestaticdance.org  --- Sophie's journey as an Ecstatic Dance DJ and Elemental Conscious Dance Facilitator highlights her deep connection to the transformative power of movement, sound and expression. With a decade of experience in Europe's dance scene, she has honed her craft, creating spaces where individuals can explore their vulnerabilities and strengths alike. In her workshops and retreats, Sophie invites people to embrace their authenticity, recognizing that true strength often lies in acknowledging and embracing one's vulnerabilities. Through Elemental Conscious Dance, she facilitates a journey of self-discovery, using music as a tool to awaken the soul and activate the truth within. Drawing from a diverse range of musical influences, Sophie's sound journeys traverse cultures and genres, creating a tapestry of beats that invite participants to meet their edges and explore their inner landscapes.  At the heart of Sophie's work lies the belief that through movement and expression, we can tap into the deepest parts of ourselves, allowing our true essence to shine forth. Within the supportive container of her workshops and retreats, participants are invited to explore what it means to be fully alive, held and supported by the greatest power of all: love. Follow Sophie: @sophiebolton___ and at www.sophiebolton.co.uk   --- T