Empowered Dance at Wicked Eden
July 27th 2:00pm - 5:00pm ∙ Columbus, OH
Are you ready to dance?
This is Empowered Dance — an ecstatic dance style event centered around freedom in movement, healing, and connection through music. This event is centered around body positivity and freedom to wear as much or as little as you feel is freeing, while feeling safe that you won’t be objectified or interrupted in your own personal space. Our events, as always, are femme & them-led LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC safe spaces, so our events are geared towards a feeling of ease and belonging.
What is ecstatic dance?
Ecstatic dance is a free form of dance with the goal to achieve ecstasy. This is a natural state in which your awareness shifts and you get to experience a meditative and happy state of mind through body movement. Besides the fact that it is a lot of fun to move your body to music, Ecstatic Dance is also scientifically proven to help your mental & physical health. This is a great link to give you perspective and more insight!
If you’ve never been to an ecstatic dance, there are a few rules you’ll need to know:
1. No Shoes on the Dance Floor
- To connect deeply, we ask you to remove your shoes! (Socks? Totally fine.)
- Dance shoes for health reasons? Absolutely OK.
2. No Talking, Phones, or Recording on the Dance Floor:
- We let our movements speak for us, but you can always take a break in the community lounge for conversations.
- No spoken words – this includes both our facilitators and you, our beautiful dancers.
3. Authentic Vibes Only:
- Leave behind: drugs/alcohol, phones, cameras, and strong scents.
- Embrace the here and now: no expectations, no judgments.
- Respect is our mantra – for ourselves, this shared space, and each other.
EVENT SCHEDULE
- 2:00 – 2:15 Arrival & Greetings
- 2:15 – Warm-Up & Stretch
- 2:30 – 4:30ish – Dance Set
- 4:30 – 5:00 Cool Down, Guided Meditation & Community Gathering Time
COST & TICKETS
This is a suggested donation event of $15, but you’re welcome to pay what you can afford. We encourage tickets to be purchased ahead of time, but donations will also be taken at the door.
This is an 21+ event.
WHAT WE’LL HAVE FOR YOU!
- DJ Maneater (AKA Alexandra Snow): Our fearless leader is making her DJ debut with a sensual mix of tribal, deep house, and vocal house that will get your body moving and the sweat flowing.
- Drinks! The bar will be open with a variety of sodas and mocktails to quench your thirst!
- Snacks! When the urge to snack hits you, we’ve got you covered! As always, our signature merch is always available!
- Comfy Spots! Places to sit and chill! Floor Pillows! Relaxing chairs.
DRESS CODE
When it comes to attire, anything goes at Wicked Eden. We want you to feel comfortable and in the mood to have an adventure! Wicked Eden is a place where you can wear as much or as little as you desire. We want you to feel comfortable expressing yourself in whatever you desire. We encourage you to go outside your comfort zone with festive, outrageous, or fantastic clothing you never get to wear anywhere else.
ticket Details:
DRESS CODE
When it comes to attire, anything goes at Wicked Eden, we want you to feel comfortable and in the mood to have an adventure! Wicked Eden is a place where you can wear as much or as little as you desire. We want you to always feel comfortable expressing yourself in whatever ways you desire. We encourage you to go outside your comfort zone with festive, outrageous, or amazing clothing that you never get a chance to wear anywhere else.
VOLUNTEERS
We LOVE volunteers! Join our team of community volunteers, and you will find new friends, a support system and a tight knit center of empowerment. Once you have obtained membership as above, please check out the volunteering section of The Autonomy Project website.
By volunteering with us you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, but you will also get perks such as discounted or free access to our events and classes, and most importantly, collaborative input in what we do here. Your ideas are important to us, and as a volunteer, we want you to feel like you’re part of our community: one that celebrates who you are and supports your journey.
HIGH POTENTIAL, NO PRESSURES
Our community thrives in a space where countless delightful interactions could happen, but none are obligated to occur. Think of it as “high possibility, low expectations.” Outside of our general requirements of respect, you are under no obligation to interact with anyone in any particular way. This makes our space ideal for new faces and seasoned community members alike.
HIGH POTENTIAL, NO PRESSURES
Our events aren’t the product of one person hosting a party for pay; they’re the result of a community coming together and creating something new. Everyone who attends is expected to co-create: money, time, energy, enthusiasm, work, intention, example, concern and/or awareness. Have ideas, games, art, music to share? Want to bring them to life with us?
A FOUNDATION OF TRUST
Our gatherings are magical because of trust. We fiercely protect each member’s privacy, encourage honest risk communication, and take diligent care of our shared environments. It’s our collective respect and integrity that fortify this safe space.
CLEAR AND PRESENT CONSENT
Upholding consent goes beyond preventing harm; it’s about affirming everyone’s freedom to fully and joyfully agree to their interactions. It’s through this affirmation that our spaces thrive with genuine, unreserved participation.
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We’re committed to inclusivity. Our community is a tapestry of individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and social backgrounds, including all gender identities and expressions. We encourage everyone to engage with empathy and curiosity, always asking rather than assuming someone’s identity or preferences.
Our space is and always will be wheelchair accessible, with multiple spaces for varying sensory needs.
PLEASE NOTE:
No refunds will be given on ticket purchases. Address is provided to confirmed ticket holders after purchase. Wicked Eden is located on the south side of Columbus, approximately 10 minutes from downtown, and is one block away from a COTA bus stop.
ABOUT US
Wicked Eden is operated by The Autonomy Project, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to education, community building, and empowerment for individuals within the alternative sexuality community, sex work industry, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Our mission is to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals can freely express their sexuality and gender identity without fear of discrimination, judgment, or violence.