The Chakra Club presents

Ecstatic Dance

A SAMHAIN CELEBRATION
Friday 30 October · 7-9pm

The Senhouse Centre, Whitehaven✦Doors 6.45pm

A guided journey by Leila Wilcox

Donation-based · Everyone welcome · Just turn up

New to this?

What is ecstatic dance?

A blend of meditation, breath, movement and music. Settle in gently, then move in your own way as the music rises and falls.

  • First-timers welcome
  • Move at your pace
  • All bodies welcome
For Samhain
Remember✦Release✦Rejoice

For Samhain, the Celtic New Year, we honour our ancestors and loved ones, release the old, and welcome in the new together.

Samhain marks the Celtic New Year, a natural moment to look back with love and step forward lighter. You’re welcome to bring a photo or small memento for our shared remembrance altar, or simply come as you are.

How the evening flows

What to expect

Leila guides you through the whole evening, so you’ll always know what’s happening.

  • Arrive and settle in

    Leave bags, coats and phones outside the hall, with phones switched off. Inside, the lights are low and gentle music is playing. Lie down, rest or stretch, and let yourself land. This is a quiet, talk-free time for grounding.

  • Welcome and guidance

    Leila welcomes everyone, explains how the evening works and shows you a few simple ways to get moving. Along the way she offers gentle invitations and practices, and every one of them is optional. At its heart, this is about the music and the dance.

  • The music journey

    The music travels through different rhythms and tempos, each linked to an element, a chakra and its own energy: from slow and earthy to flowing, fiery, light and free, and back to stillness.

  • Your dance, your way

    There’s no routine to follow. Move however your body wants, let your voice and expression out, or rest whenever you need. We close in stillness and a gentle circle.

“If you have a body, you are a dancer.”Gabrielle Roth, creator of 5Rhythms

Holding the space together

Our dance floor agreements

A few gentle agreements help everyone feel safe enough to let go.

  • No talkingon the dance floor. Let the music and your body do the talking.
  • No phonesSwitched off and left in your bag, outside the hall.
  • No alcoholA clear, sober space where the music is the high.
  • Barefootor grippy socks, or clean soft-soled indoor shoes.
  • Respect spaceMove freely, look after yourself and each other.
The essentials

Event details

Date
Friday 30 October
Time
7-9pm · doors open 6.45pm
Where
The Senhouse Centre
3 Senhouse Street, Whitehaven CA28 7ES
Open in Google Maps
Cost
Donation-based: give what feels right, on the night or online
Booking
Just turn up. Come on your own or bring a friend.
Guided by
Leila Wilcox
Feeling nervous? That’s normal

Your questions

Can I come on my own?

Absolutely. Lots of people come alone, and many first came because nobody else fancied it. You’ll be welcomed at the door, and the opening circle helps everyone settle in together. Come on your own or bring a friend.

I’m scared I’ll feel silly. Will people be watching?

Nobody is watching. Most people dance with their eyes soft or closed, lost in their own world. The room is softly lit and the dance floor is phone-free, so there are no cameras either. Everyone there is letting go a little, and many are trying it for the first time too. We’re all in it together, and we’re there to support each other.

I can’t dance. Is this for me?

Yes. There are no steps to learn and no right way to move. Sway, stretch, stamp, shake, or simply sit and breathe. Moving at your own pace is all you need.

I’ve never danced sober. What’s that like?

It surprises most people. Without alcohol you feel the music more, and the buzz comes from the movement, the music and the people around you. It’s an alcohol-free space, and many leave feeling lighter than any night out.

What if I need a break or feel emotional?

Rest whenever you like. Some people sit, lie down or step out for some air. Feelings can come up, and that’s welcome too. Leila holds the space with care, and you can always talk to her.

What should I wear?

Anything comfy you can move and stretch in, in layers, as you’ll warm up as the music builds. Dressing up for Samhain is welcome but never needed.

Do I dance barefoot?

Most people dance barefoot, which helps you feel grounded. If you’d rather keep something on your feet, grippy socks or clean, soft-soled indoor shoes are perfect. Please leave outdoor shoes by the door to keep the floor clean and safe.

What should I bring?

A water bottle, as you’ll get thirsty. Maybe a cardigan or jumper for the stillness at the end. If you’d like, bring a photo or small memento of a loved one for our remembrance altar; you’ll take it home with you afterwards.

Is it religious, or do I need to be spiritual?

Not at all. It’s open to every belief and none. Samhain is simply a lovely seasonal moment to remember, let go and celebrate. Take what feels good and leave the rest.

Can I leave early or take a break?

Of course. Move, rest or step out whenever you need. You’re in charge of your own evening.

How much should I give?

Whatever feels right for you. As a guide, most people give between £10 and £20, but every amount is welcome and nobody is turned away. Pop cash in the pot on the night or donate online. It all helps keep future dances open to everyone.

Can I book Leila, collaborate, or suggest an idea?

Yes, please! Leila runs dances, circles and workshops for groups, festivals, retreats and private events, and loves to collaborate. If you’d like to book her, work together, or have an idea for a future event, tell us in the form below or email:
hello@thechakraclub.org

Is there an age limit?

We suggest 16+ for this evening. If someone younger would love to come, please get in touch first and we’ll chat it through. Family sessions are on the way too.

Help shape what happens next

Share your thoughts

Coming soon, or already been? This two-minute form helps us plan future dances around what you’d love. Your feedback also helps us report back to the Kick Start Fund, who made these dances possible.

Have you been to a Chakra Club dance yet?
What would you love to come to? Tick any
Donation-based

Give what feels right

Pop cash in the pot on the night, or donate online. Every contribution helps keep future dances open and accessible to everyone.

Your guide

Leila Wilcox

Leila is a dance facilitator and artist living by the sea in West Cumbria. She brings eight years of dancing 5Rhythms and four years of Emotional Alchemy training in breath, energy and the chakras, and holds every session with warmth, care and plenty of joy.