Nothing can make you physically feel the essence of fire and inspiration like trance dancing...

A trance is an altered state of consciousness. Individuals may enter a "trance state" through a variety of means. These include: drugs, hypnotism, physical hardships (starvation, exhaustion), sensory deprivation, sound (music, drumming), and vigorous exercise (dance). A trance can be used in the context of a spell and/or ritual.

One of the most effective mechanisms for inducing trance is prolonged dancing, or trance dancing. The dancer becomes a modern day shaman, traveling the inner planes. Through movement, the dancer expresses his or her self, moving to the rhythms of music. Breathing and concentration conducts the energy. The dancer pulls down the higher vibrational wavelengths of light and sound into etheric energy fields. The trance dancer can infuse others by means of these flowing movements (via the kinesthetic energy created). Moving energy with intent in this state is an ancient form of dance magic.

Trance dancing has been practiced for thousands of years all over the Earth. Ritual trance journeys have been a major part of shamanic and eastern dance cultures for thousands of years. It is still very much a part of the native cultures in Australia, North and South-Africa, Siberia and Lapland. It remains in practice by many of the Native North-American Tribes.


Music itself cannot induce trance, but can trigger it, particularly in combination with vigorous physical movement. Sound operates through the harmonics of the melodies, and the physical impact of amplified sound waves. Today, modern stereo sound systems can have the same effect once created by monks chanting. Music combined with dance alters the relation of the self to the world, modifies the psyche (internally, and in relation to external space/time), resonates through the body vibrating internal erogenous zones (in the abdomen), and produces a mild hypnosis.

The creation of art in relation to trance is considerable, as trances are creative mental states. Trances remove ego and open an inspiration where the mind achieves a higher, deeper understanding of self. Through trance dancing you experience artistic creativity, increased physical healing, mental well-being and spiritual awareness. Many that have trouble meditating deeply, will find they can achieve these states far more freely with trance dance.

I belly dance. I dance for myself, when I am alone. I dance to set my soul free and to make magick! I dance for exercise. Sometimes I dance for ritual. I have been dancing many years now, and I will be dancing until I am old and gray. So put on music you love and get lost in it and the movements. Let it take you, and it will bring you back again!