Dances of Ecstasy (2004) DVD9 VOB IFO 2-Disc Set

Dances of Ecstasy is a 2004 documentary film directed by Michelle Mahrer and co-written with Nicole Ma. It explores how different cultures use rhythm, music, and movement to reach trance states and connect with the divine.

Core Themes and Featured Rituals

The film juxtaposes ancient traditions with modern movement practices, showing that human beings share a fundamental need to experience spiritual transcendence through the body. Featured practices include:

San (Namibia): Traditional healing dances.
Kut (Korea): Shamanic ritual performances.
Yoruba (Nigeria) & Candomblé (Brazil): Orisha and African-derived religious dances.
Whirling Dervishes & Zikir (Turkey): Sufi spinning and meditative ceremonies.
Hadra (Morocco): Trance-inducing chants and movement.
Gabrielle Roth (New York): Modern urban shamanism and 5Rhythms dance.
Rainbow Serpent Festival (Australia): Contemporary all-night techno gatherings.

Release and Availability

Format: Originally released as a multi-disc DVD set (by Opus Arte), which included the main feature, extended anthropological portraits (such as an in-depth look at the Whirling Dervishes), and ecstatic dance workout sessions like the "Power Wave" with Gabrielle Roth.

Directors: Michelle Mahrer
Writers: Nicole Ma, Michelle Mahrer
Producers: Nicole Ma
Country: Australia
Language: English

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEDqeu3s-tg