From Clubs to Coast: Reclaiming Joy Through Dance.

Why I started to dance on the beach

I remember it like it was yesterday. "Bubby, I can't stop dancing," I said to my grandma at my uncle's wedding. The joy of dance was something I always felt as a kid until that joy faded. Dancing turned into clubbing, a place with no room to dance, where dancing became sexualized and a hunt, running from men for safety. I wanted to express myself through movement but found myself confined in a space where I couldn't twirl anymore. The death of that little girl began.

One day, while living in LA, my badass roommate shared with me that she is part of a community called Ecstatic Dance, where they dance on the beach every Sunday.

She told me about this, and I don't remember what I thought, but the next Sunday, we were driving down the highway in her vintage convertible on our way to the beach. I showed up, and it started with a group meditation, over 100 people standing in a circle on Venice Beach, led by someone sharing what ecstatic dance is. They emphasized that this is a drug and alcohol-free zone and an open space to dance however you like, free of judgment.

A Vibe

We all got headphones, and there was a DJ on the beach. As the dance began, I stood on the outskirts, moving my body to the music. The more I danced, the closer I got to the crowd, feeling more and more comfortable. Joy filled my body and fingers, and before I knew it, I was exploding, twirling again on the beach. "Bubby, I can't stop dancing" is what I felt. I felt liberated and free. My body had so much to say. It was talking. Through the rough songs, I had harsher moves, and the soft ones had me twirling. Processing. The next morning as I journaled, I remember feeling breakthroughs. I then continued to go almost every Sunday like it was my church; it was. My body wanted to speak, and I let it.

Fast Forward to Today

So fast forward to 6/13/2024. This morning I walked along the beach, tied my bag to a tree, put on some music, and began to dance. I got to move my body how I wanted. I found a quiet spot so I felt comfortable, with the occasional passerby usually smiling when they saw someone dancing because of the ultimate joy I was in.

Why Am I Writing This?

As many of us know, "the body keeps the score." The body holds on to trauma, and we know that because of all the physical manifestations we see when it comes to mental health, anxiety, stress, etc., and how a calm mind can cure the body. So, if all that is true, how do we release what the body is holding onto? One way can be through dance, allowing the body to move and express itself. It's not only exercise but brings so much joy and happiness.

I write this hoping to inspire you to put on a song in your room and dance, shake that booty a bit more, or bounce to the beat on the street. Let your body talk freely, and have fun.

Final Thought

We see children dancing, and we don't question it, so why not adults? Now, I challenge you to dance—whether it's in your living room, on the street, or at the beach. Let go of inhibitions and let your body speak. Dance through the tough moments and celebrate the good ones. Share your experiences, and let’s start a movement where joy and expression are the norms.

XOXO,

Mattie Chein