Do you want to become an Embodied Dance Facilitator? Learn the art of embodiment and develop somatically based skills to confidently guide others into a deeper connection with their bodies, experiences, and communities through the transformative power of dance.

Have you ever attended a conscious dance event and wondered how such a powerful and cohesive feeling of community is created? This potent group field is, in large part, due to the somatic skills of an embodied facilitator. Whether called a "Ceremony Leader," "Space Holder," or "Dance Facilitator," the role is the same: guide dancers, in an embodied way, into a dance journey, stay present with them throughout, and help guide them back out by grounding and integrating the experience.

 Why take the DTM Dance Facilitator Training? This training is a journey of self-embodiment and skill development, designed to help you step confidently into the role of a dance facilitator. In our vibrant learning community, you’ll integrate proven somatic tools and embodiment techniques with your existing skill set, all in an atmosphere of fun, support, and collaboration. Your team will include facilitators from diverse modalities and backgrounds—whether you’re a dancer, DJ, psychologist, yoga teacher, breathwork instructor, or wellness professional, you’ll leave with the tools to guide transformative dance experiences. Our goal is for you to feel confident incorporating dance into your offerings in a way that liberates and connects people through movement.

This Training is ideal for...

• Passionate dancers eager to deepen their involvement in conscious/ecstatic dance.
• Conscious/ecstatic dance event organizers seeking to enhance participants' experiences.
• Conscious/ecstatic DJs who want to facilitate their own DJ sets.
• Therapists & psychologists looking to integrate movement-based practices with clients.
• Leaders & professionals who want to confidently guide others through dance.
• Wellness professionals looking to deepen their connection to embodiment & dance.
• Experienced dance facilitators seeking to expand their skills & find fresh inspiration.

If the above does not describe you or your situation but you want to train with DTM as a Dance Facilitator consider either our Self-Led Dance Facilitator Training or our Online Dance Facilitator Training

If you are a graduate and want to continue your education with our Level 02 Dance Facilitator Training, you can find the application here. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
 

PRE-RECORDED TRAINING MODULES (takes at your own pace)

✤ Module 01 • EMBODIMENT

→ Explore the science of dance/movement and its intersection with the body-mind connection 

→ Learn why dance and music are so effective at creating meaningful community experiences and how to harness this potential

→ Uncover your unique leadership skill-set and create a plan to incorporate somatic methods and embodiment techniques.

✤ Module 02 • CONTAINMENT

→ Explore the role of facilitator; from the moment they walk into a venue until they walk back out again 

→ Move from the theoretical into the practical; discussing what is necessary to contain the spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual dance space in real, tangible ways

→ No-nonsense methods to deal with the everyday joys and struggles which are common in conscious dances (e.g. how to encourage people to remain non-verbal)

✤ Module 03 • HOMEBASE 

→ Explore the foundational role of facilitation, which is to hold a reverent opening and closing, while steering the collective experience during the dance journey.

→ Tangible skills to stay grounded and present even when things don’t go as planned.

→ Practical ways to prepare your facilitation ideas and create timelines 

7-DAY IN-PERSON TRAINING  (in Ireland, October 12-18) 

✤ Module 04 • BODY EXPLORATION

→ Introduction to DTM's 5 Pathways

→ Diving into Body Exploration, the most straightforward of the pathways

→ Ways to explicitly draw attention to body parts, movements, sensations, and impulses. AKA "getting dancers into the body".

✤ Module 05 • PSYCHO-SOMATIC EXPLORATION

→ Explore the second pathway, integrating body and mind by embodying emotions and key themes through dance.

→ Using shared human experiences to encourage connection, coherence, and community

→ Linking emotions to sensations, postures and movements—the foundation of embodiment

✤ Module 06 • VISUALISATION

→ Tapping into the realm of imagination to move beyond time, space, and abilities 

→ Visualization techniques that encourage dancers to translate their visions into expressive physical movement 

→ Facilitation that ignites imagination, while leaving space for dancers to fill in the blanks 

✤ Module 07 • SOCIAL ACTIVATION

→ Explore social activation, its vital role in collective action and the universal need for human connection

→ The comfortable and uncomfortable aspects of social activation, acknowledging the need for both in a healthy community.

→ Facilitators as community leaders to encourage non-political community action

✤ Module 08 • RITUALISATION

→ Demystifying the base meaning of the word "ritual" and applying it to the act of facilitation 

→ Using gestures, words, actions, and/or objects within sequences to create meaningful experiences and connection between community members → Getting real, and learning to ritualize without religious, dogma or cultural appropriation

✤ Module 09 • INTEGRATION 01 

→ Integrate learnings from the six days in Ireland

→ Review in-person experience, extract foundational principles, and receive post-training assignment  

→ Graduation ceremony

POST-TRAINING SESSIONS (Online via Zoom)

✤ Module 10 • INTEGRATION 02 • Wed, Oct 29 2025,

→ Review assignment, discuss implementations, and Q&A

→ SPECIAL GUESTS! A panel of seasoned dance facilitators share insights and stories

→ Enhance your facilitation skills by filling in the gaps and addressing unexplored topics

✤ Module 11 • ONWARD • Wed, Dec 3 2025

→ Update and expand knowledge bases and Q&A

→ Final tips and words of wisdom

→ A final ritual to mark the end of our shared journey... or until we meet again in Level 02.

✤ BERNICE RAABIS • Founder of Dance The Medicine

Having begun humbly in the Kootenay Mountains of Western Canada, Bernice is now a respected mentor for Conscious Dance Leaders across the globe. Her journey started with hosting Dance Church for over ten years, where she harnessed her expertise from training in various disciplines, including Soul Motion, Movement Based Expressive Therapy (The Life Art Process), and Relational Somatic Therapy. These were brought together to nurture her local multi-generational dance community, which flourished and surpassed even her most ambitious expectations.

In 2016, she stretched her wings co-founding Ecstatic Dance International, facilitating successful leadership trainings in the US, the Netherlands, Guatemala, and Portugal. Driven to incorporate DJ and dance facilitation skills into available trainings, she used the name of her unique practice, and founded Dance The Medicine, a collective of accomplished conscious dance professionals determined to infect the world with dance. 

While Bernice loves DJing and creating transformative events, her deepest fulfilment comes from facilitating deep somatic processes using a combination of dance, art, and ritual; to help dancers find freedom through connection to self, community, and humanity. 

✤ ALEX SEVILLA • Resident DJ @ Ecstatic Dance Madrid & Co-teacher @ DTM DJ Training 

After more than two decades behind the decks as club DJ, Alex stumbled upon conscious dance. This encounter reshaped not only his personal life but also his profession. He soon traded in his career as a computer engineer to become a conscious dance entrepreneur, sharing his passion for dance, music, and consciousness with the world. Stepping into his new life, to become a resident DJ at Templo del Baile, a monthly conscious club in his hometown Madrid, regularly attended by over 200 dancers. Two years later, an invitation to play Ecstatic Dance Madrid, enabled him to take his sets to the next level.

During the pandemic, it became Alex’ mission to help the worldwide Ecstatic Dance community by navigating the technical challenges of live-streaming dance and music events as we all struggled to fulfil our need to dance during lockdown. Post-restrictions, he facilitated in-person dancing again by offering donation-based sessions in the streets of Spain, giving birth to a monthly gathering known as La Plaga del Baile (The Plague of Dance) In May 2020, Dance The Medicine recognized Alex’ talent and generous nature recruiting him as a teacher and tech guru during their first Ecstatic DJ Conference. He has been with us ever since, lucky DTM!

✤ AMRIT DHILLON (Amritaji) • DTM DJ Coach, Founder of Ecstatic Dance Milwaukee & Resident DJ @ Ecstatic Dance Salt Like City

Amritaji (Amrit Dhillon) has been enchanting global audiences since 2007 with her unique fusion of psychedelic worldbeat and bass music. Rooted in psytrance and infused with a love for trance-like states induced by Kirtan, she has a unique style of weaving traditional Eastern and indigenous music with deep bass lines and modern dance rhythms. Her music is more than an auditory experience—it’s a sonic space for healing, free and authentic expression, and most importantly, fun!

In 2016, she founded Ecstatic Dance Milwaukee, a venture that continues until today. Currently, she’s also a Resident DJ at Ecstatic Dance Salt Lake City and serves as an ambassador for Ecstatic Dance Records. Since 2019, she has been using her skills as a DJ coach with Dance The Medicine, offering support during training sessions and providing personalized 1-on-1 DJ lessons. Through her various roles, she persistently spreads her love for conscious dance and movement across the globe, thereby nurturing the global Ecstatic Dance community.

✤ ESTA POLYESTA • Co-teacher @ DTM, Global Ecstatic Dance DJ & Dance Facilitator, Event Organizer & Resident DJ @ Ecstatic Dance Amsterdam & Ecstatic Dance Goa 

Introducing Esta, your globe-trotting full time professional DJ and ceremony leader from Amsterdam. While she found her passion for music and dance early in life, she waited until 2005 to share her talent with the world. Nearly two decades later, Esta is celebrated for her significant influence on global beats, world music, and Ecstatic Dance, extending her reach from Russia to Thailand, USA to India, and beyond. Her playful facilitation and adventurous sets invite expression, connection, and joy have enchanted crowds worldwide. 

Esta's expertise isn't confined to the decks; Her versatile skill set includes ritual design,  music production, and Trance Dance facilitation. She showed her entrepreneurial prowess by pioneering Ecstatic Dance at Odessa and co-organising both Ecstatic Dance Amsterdam and Ecstatic Dance Ruigoord. She further shapes the Ecstatic Dance scene by offering 1-on-1 mentorship of emerging DJs and conscious leaders and teaching in several DTM trainings.

Esta's collaboration with DTM stretches back to the very first live DJ Training when she was hired as DJ Coach after Bernice stumbled across her play on a pirate ship. As one of DTM's first team members, she's been instrumental in shaping its identity as professional, fun, and supportive, and remains a crucial team member until this day.

✤ ÉADAOIN NÍ CHALLARÁIN • Dance Facilitator & Conscious DJ

Éadaoin, hailing from the scenic West coast of Ireland, ventured into the realm of DTM, driven by her passion for dance and a desire to enhance the musical experience for dancers in her Open Floor classes, a venture she embarked on in 2017. This journey not only met her initial aspirations but unfolded into much more. Being a part of DTM has enveloped her in an incredibly supportive community, sparking continual inspiration to delve deeper into the art of DJing and nurturing conscious dance spaces, fuelling cycles of learning, loving, and growth

.

Her journey as a movement junkie began at the dawn of the millennium, propelling her to explore various corners of the globe in pursuit of her passion. Her exploration included engaging with 5 Rhythms under the guidance of Gabrielle Roth and Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphadraig, Open Floor with Andrea Juhan among others, Amerta with Suprapto, Move into Life with Sandra Reeve, Ecstatic Dance with Bernice Raabis, and more. These experiences have been her source of medicine, joy, and motivation.

Éadaoin is thrilled to welcome DTM to Ireland, knowing it will not only further ignite the conscious dance community within the country but also attract those from abroad, inspired by the training. She believes Ireland's enchanting landscape plays its own tune, compelling everyone to dance. "The Land sings here...you can't help but dance.” She foresees the transformative impact DTM will have on the dance community. It’s going to be a great time and amazing training experience!

"The Beginners DJ School not only fulfilled my dream of being a DJ, but it allowed me to develop and create my own music/dance medicine flavour for the world to experience. I'm so excited about what is ahead for me, and I know that I am in good hands: the people I met are so incredible, we will forever be connected and follow each other's journey, and that in itself is a gift!"  → Maïté Azarov • San Francisco, USA

"Overall, it went beyond my expectations. I thought I would just learn how to be a DJ. But I found a community, support, and courage to be strong, daring and me! This training gave me balance in my daily life, allowing me to incorporate music, dance and DJ sessions. I improved fast and am shocked at where I am today: having released a first set. Now I am thrilled and scared to be on my own for my DJ journey, even though I feel the support still present from DTM and the whole group. So much advice on “do it your own way” “get inspired by others but remain yourself” “just do it!” “Some might criticize or judge, but they are not doing it, you are!” still resonates and allows me to feel that I can do it and that my music is worth being heard and dancing to! I don’t have to be the perfect expert or the greatest musician to be allowed to create sets and share them with people willing to dance to it. I am thankful for the diversity in our group, of age, gender, race and styles, countries and cultures. It was so great to meet all those people, not even knowing what job they might have, but knowing what music they dance to!"

→ Héloïse Ferber • Bagnolet, France 

“This school was amazingly well-thought-out and put together. A great balance of learning technique, theory, and practicing. The 1-on-1 time with experienced DJs was also extremely helpful. I ended this school experience feeling like my time and money was well-invested!” 

→ Stephen Wieber • USA

Rockfield House, nestled near Kells and a stone's throw from Dublin, is a breathtaking nine-bay three-storey mansion that radiates both elegance and tranquillity. Surrounded by charming stone courtyards and boasting a three-acre walled garden, this exquisite estate offers a serene escape just moments away from the bustling city life. Imagine it as learning to DJ in Downton Abbey! 

Rockfield House, this enchanting accommodation, which is a beautiful blend of old-world charm meets modern luxury, is divided into three parts; The House, The Courtyard Apartment, and The Gardener’s Lodge.

The House can host guests across ten uniquely themed bedrooms, each named after historical families tied to Rockfield's rich past. Each room is a comfy haven of rustic elegance, with plush beds and large windows that showcase the stunning landscape. Here modern comforts meet historical architecture, including luxe ensuites with copper baths and chic showers.

The adjoining Courtyard Apartment offers two more elegant bedrooms and includes a kitchen, dining area, and a lounge where you can relax by the open fire. The beautifully renovated Gardener’s Lodge is next to the peaceful walled garden, and features three bedrooms arranged in a cosy, dormitory-style setting, perfect for a communal experience.

Outside you can enjoy tea on the charming patio or have a stroll in the manicured gardens which have vibrant flowers and native plants. Rockfield House’s grounds are full of surprises, from collecting fresh eggs to encountering Fred and Ted, the charming resident goats. Rockfield House is more than a stay; it's a playful Irish experience where history, comfort, and nature dance together.

✤ ADDRESS

Rockfield House, 

Kells, Co. Meath, 

A82 V9D5, Ireland

Google Maps 

✤ CONTACT

+353(0)46 9434 135

+353(0)86 129 6425

✤ CLOSEST AIRPORT

•  Dublin Airport 

✤ BY TRAIN

To travel by train from Dublin to the nearest station to Kells, you would:

Take a train from Dublin Heuston or Dublin Connolly station to Navan or Drogheda.

There is no direct train to Kells, so Navan or Drogheda are the closest stations with train services from Dublin. From there, you would need to take a bus or a taxi to reach Kells.

✤ BY TAXI

Should be booked between 24–48 hours in advance. You can contact Magees Cabs to arrange a ride from Kells to Rockfield House. 

• +353 879674334 
• +353868765917 
• TIP: coordinate with fellow trainees via your DTM WhatsApp group! 

✤ BY BUS

To get to Rockfield House from Dublin or Kells, you can use the bus service. 

• Kells is just 3km from Rockfield House and is accessible via the 109 bus line, which runs from Donegal to Dublin. 
• If you're coming from abroad and arriving at the airport, you can catch the 109a service, which operates hourly. 
• For a faster journey from Dublin, use the 109x express service. 
• The regular 109 bus will also get you there but takes longer as it stops at various points along the way. 
• For more detailed information and schedules, visit www.buseireann.ie.

✤ BY CAR 

• From Dublin
  • Start by taking the M3 highway towards Kells.
  • Take the Kells North exit (Exit 11).
  • At the roundabout, take the third exit to go towards Kells.
  • Drive on R941 for about 1 km.
  • At the first T junction, take a right turn onto R164.
  • Drive for about 1.8 km, cross over the M3 motorway, and Rockfield House will be the first gateway on your right.

• From centre of Kells town:
  • Take the road towards Athboy.
  • After crossing the M3 motorway, Rockfield House is the first gateway on your right. 

✤ ARRIVAL

On Sunday, October 12th between arrival is between 15:00 and 17:00 to allow time to check in, explore the grounds and settle in before we start. 

✤ DEPARTURE

On Saturday, October 18th check out will be after lunch so we can share one last meal together before we all depart around 13:00. 

✤ WHAT TO BRING

→ Clothing & items

- Headlamp or head torch to walk around at night

- Clothing suitable for dancing (we’ll dance numerous times a day, both inside and outside)

- Clothing suitable to bring outside
- Bring layers. It can get cold at night!

- Comfortable and appropriate outdoor shoes to walk/dance outside (lots of nature to explore)

- Dress up for a fun night; not fancy, just fun. Bring something if you enjoy dressing up.

 → Swimsuit for the pool and the lake 

- Towel!

→ Other

- Toiletries 

- Talisman (or sacred item) for the community altar

- Pens and markers

- Ear plugs (if sharing accommodation)

✤ PAYMENT

A non-refundable deposit is required to book and secure your place. Balance due 15 days before the retreat starts. Please carefully read our Retreat Terms & Conditions as by booking on our retreat, you become legally bound by these terms.

→ I'm coming from abroad. Do we need a visa to enter Ireland? 

No! But to be sure, check with your own government and check your specific requirements. 

→ Can I come on my own? Absolutely! Most of our participants actually come on their own, and many do not know anyone else who is coming. This training is inclusive, and we strive to create a culture of belonging. The program is designed to facilitate connections between one another with ice-breakers, group exercises and a daily sharing circle in small groups.

→ Will I receive a certification? Yes! Those taking the training live via Zoom or in person will be certified as completing our Level 01 Dance Facilitator Training and receive a certificate upon request.  While we offer a Level 02 and 03 these are continuing education opportunities and you have no need to complete them to be certified. 

→ What's your cancellation & refund policy? In case of cancellation from your side, we don't offer any refunds, regardless of the reason. We require a minimum of 15 sign-ups to go ahead with in-person events. We will issue you a full refund if we do not hit this number. Please make sure to insure any travel ticket as DTM can not be responsible for cancellation fees on travel. 

→ If I can no longer make it, can I transfer my booking to someone?

If you transfer your booking to someone else, there's a €50 admin fee. If the training is full, and you want us to sell your spot, we'll keep your deposit and refund the balance only if we find a full-paying replacement. 

→ What are the payment requirements and do you have payment plans?

A non-refundable deposit is required to book and secure your place. Balance due 15 days before the retreat starts. Please carefully read our Retreat Terms & Conditions as by booking on our retreat, you become legally bound by these terms. We offer flexible payments plans, please inquire with [email protected]

→ I'm not sure which path is right for me. Can you please advise me? 

Absolutely! Simply send us a message here on WeTravel or email us at [email protected]