Spirit Fest dances into life

Departed dancer Gabrielle Roth. The 5 Rhythms classes will be dedicated to her.

The second annual Byron Spirit Festival, March 1–3, features teachers, yogis, dancers, tantra experts and musicians sourced from around the globe, leading daily workshops and forums, and evening concerts, ceremony and dances. Dance is one of the main streams in the daily workshop program, and this year over a dozen dance innovators will get the bodies moving!

On Friday the dedicated dance venue hosts nonstop 5 Rhythms classes led by certified teachers from around the globe in a tribute to Gabrielle Roth, the recently departed founder of this free form approach. The day concludes with Michelle Mahrer presenting her film award winning feature Dances of Ecstasy, which features Roth’s work and influence, as well as ecstatic and trance dance traditions from Brazil, Korea, Egypt, West Africa, Turkey, followed by a final 5 Rhythms dance led by Michelle. This is a golden opportunity to find out why 5 Rhythms classes draw thousands of people from all walks of life to this accessible practice.

On Saturday and Sunday all are invited to try the incredibly popular Hawaiian Ka Lele, Nia Dance jam, Bollywood Dancing, Salsa for Yogis, Kundalini Dance with founder Leyolah Antara, Future Sound of Yoga’s yoga/dance blend, Bellydance, and Peta O’Doherty’s indescribable Geometric Dance Lynx!

All classes are geared towards a general level, and no experience is necessary to fully reap the benefits.

And if dancing at night is your pleasure, check out the Wild Nights evening events for some truly unique dance experiences on offer!

A visit to the website will reveal the particulars about the presenters, and the full program. www.spiritfestival.com.au.

For the first time camping tickets for the festival will be at the Mullumbimby Showgrounds, minutes from the heart all the action. Sites are limited, and all bookings are via the website.