Ecstatic Stories, Dreams, and Journeys Through Dance

To dance means to be new
To be fresh in every moment
As though one had just issued life 
from the hands of God.

Tarunajaya

Years back my first trip to Bali ~ I lived with a family of
Balinese dancers studying this traditional dance.
It is the story of the young winner ~ balancing male and female
aspects within ~ finding one’s soul presence.
Sharing the dance at home for the family and neighbors. 

Daphne of the Dunes

A magical performance at La Mama NYC as part of a PBS documentary Harry Partch 
Genesis of Music performed with Harry Partch instruments & New Band musicians
Alice Farley costumes and collaborative choreography ~ Shelley ~ a twin muse to Apollo

The wood nymph Daphne and Sun God Apollo are pierced by
the hermaphrodite Cupid’s arrow.  One arrow is of gold ~
the other is of lead.  One creates attraction ~ the other repulsion.
No desire arises without it’s opposite. 

Samsara Nirvana ~ Sleeping Buddha

Dance based on the awakening of humanity ~ the collective Maitreya Buddha.
Depicting the four aspects of the Buddha ~ sitting, standing, motion, and sleeping.
Shaolin hand mudras for immortatility are danced as the chorus throughout.
Video taken at an outdoor performance in Bali ~ entire village of families partake
with great exuberance.  Choreographed by Shelley ~ original composition
by Gamelon Orchestra Semara Ratih of Ubud Bali performed with
Balam Dance Theater ~ an east west theatrical dance company NYC.

Sunda Upasunda

Sunda Upasunda … an ancient tale of two brothers who grew up to
be very powerful and of one mind.  Together they embark upon
a journey of world domination beginning with extreme ascetisism.
They develop such heat the Gods became alarmed and try to distract them.
Finally Brahma is moved to action sending beautiful Tilottama to bring dissent
to the brothers.  Seeing Tilottama the brothers begin fighting over her…
to their own demise.  Sunda and Upasunda kill one another.
Upon their death world order is reestablished.

For The Love Of My Home

This dance came through as a contemporary fusion piece
during dates with the sunset on this very sacred land in Kalaheo Kauai.
I felt it as a gift from the earth into me with the intent of sharing it with you.
It is unique ~ not a traditional dance ~ a fusion with subtle fragrances
 of Balinese, Indian, & Hula.  
Begins in silence ~ music by Makana ~ Olomana
www.makanamusic.com 

~~~
Fusion is the power of connection and union
Fusion is the desire to innovate reaching beyond into new levels
Fusion is to understand the relationships between things
Fusion requires confidence to venture into the unknown
Carlos Fittante Artistic Director of Balam Dance Theater

For more videos visit Ecstatic Dance on
Jai Sri Yogis You Tube Page

Temple Dancing

Temple Dancing is an ancient method of manifestation,
a means of praying through the body. 
Offered as a ritual as well as a philosophy for living.  

It is the process of connecting to your essence or creator,
intricately forming clear intentions and visuals in your mind,
feeling the intentions deeply within your heart,
and joyously dancing ~ living ~ your dreams into form. 

This ecstatic experience will surely take you to new terrains
realizing your life is an ongoing creative process.  
What a gift to connect with life itself ecstatically
through this temple of our own body.  
Jai!