Soul Sanctuary Dance

Introduction / Overview

For Californians, particularly those in the vibrant East Bay area, Soul Sanctuary Dance in Berkeley offers a truly unique and enriching "dance hall" experience. Founded in 2003, this weekly community gathering is far from a typical night club or formal dance studio. Instead, Soul Sanctuary Dance is a welcoming and inclusive space dedicated to freestyle and ecstatic dance, open to all ages. Its core mission revolves around supporting free expression, fostering community, promoting physical and emotional health, and embodying a spirit of generosity. Participants dance to an irresistible and eclectic blend of music, ranging from world music, funk, house, and soul to electro swing, positive hip hop, reggae, dance classics, jazz, blues, and electronica. What truly sets Soul Sanctuary Dance apart is its unique "gift economy" model: there is no admission fee, and the entire operation is run by dedicated volunteers. This approach ensures that the joy and benefits of movement are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. It’s a space where you can shed your inhibitions, connect with yourself and others through movement, and become part of a truly supportive community.

Location and Accessibility

Soul Sanctuary Dance is held at 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, USA. This location is within the Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center, a well-known and respected cultural hub in Berkeley. Situated on San Pablo Avenue, the venue is highly accessible for residents across Berkeley and the broader East Bay region. San Pablo Avenue is a major thoroughfare, well-served by AC Transit bus lines, making it convenient for those utilizing public transportation. While specific parking information for Soul Sanctuary Dance directly is integrated with Ashkenaz, the Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center often has street parking available in the surrounding area, and it's always wise to allow extra time for parking in an urban setting. A significant accessibility feature to note is that Ashkenaz, the host venue, is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that the dance space is welcoming to a wider range of participants. The central location in Berkeley means it's often easy to combine your dance experience with other activities, whether it's grabbing a bite to eat or exploring other local attractions before or after the dance.

Services Offered

• Weekly Freestyle/Ecstatic Dance Sessions: Soul Sanctuary Dance hosts regular, weekly sessions every Sunday from 11 AM to 1 PM. These are freeform, shoes-optional dance opportunities where participants can move authentically without structured choreography.
• Diverse Music Selection: Each session features an "irresistible eclectic blend of world music, funk, house, soul, electro swing, positive hip hop, reggae, dance classics, jazz, blues, electronica, and other music" designed to inspire diverse movement and emotional release.
• Community-Focused Environment: The primary "service" is fostering a welcoming and inclusive all-ages community that supports free expression, connection, and a spirit of generosity among dancers.
• "Gift Economy" Model: Uniquely, there is no admission fee to participate in the dance. It operates entirely on a "pay it forward" donation basis, ensuring accessibility for everyone while inviting participants to contribute voluntarily to sustain the program.
• Volunteer-Run Organization: The entire dance event is organized and produced by a dedicated team of volunteers, embodying the spirit of community contribution and shared effort.
• Support for Physical and Emotional Health: The dance sessions are designed to support participants' physical and emotional well-being, offering a space for stress release, energetic movement, and self-care.
• Shoes Optional Environment: Dancers have the freedom to choose whether they want to dance with or without shoes, promoting comfort and a more grounded connection to the dance floor.
• Online Participation Option: Recognizing that not everyone can attend in person, Soul Sanctuary Dance often includes an online option, allowing remote dancers to be equally important and cherished parts of the community.
• Cool-down and Closing Circle: Sessions typically include slower music towards the end for cooling down, followed by an optional closing circle where participants can share their experiences, fostering deeper connection.
• Organic Fruit After Dance: As a gesture of generosity and community, organic fruit is often provided for all participants after the dance, further enhancing the welcoming atmosphere.

Features / Highlights

• Welcoming and Inclusive Community: A paramount highlight of Soul Sanctuary Dance is its exceptionally "welcoming and inclusive all-ages community." This fosters a safe and judgment-free space where everyone feels comfortable to express themselves through movement, regardless of age or background.
• Freestyle/Ecstatic Dance Focus: The core offering is freeform, ecstatic dance. This style encourages uninhibited movement, allowing dancers to connect with their bodies and emotions authentically, providing a powerful outlet for self-expression.
• Unique "Gift Economy" Model: Operating with "no admission fee" and being "100% volunteer produced" is a standout feature. This generous model reflects a deep commitment to accessibility and community spirit, making dance available to everyone and fostering a culture of giving.
• Irresistible Eclectic Blend of Music: The quality and variety of music are frequently praised. The DJs curate an "irresistible eclectic blend of world music, funk, house, soul, electro swing, positive hip hop, reggae, dance classics, jazz, blues, electronica, and other music," ensuring a dynamic and inspiring soundscape for movement.
• Support for Well-being: Beyond just dancing, the sessions actively "support free expression, community, physical and emotional health, and a spirit of generosity," highlighting its holistic benefits for participants.
• Held at Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center: The venue itself, Ashkenaz, is a well-established and respected hub for music and dance, contributing to the professional and vibrant atmosphere of Soul Sanctuary Dance events. Its wheelchair accessibility is also a key feature.
• Shoes Optional: The flexibility to dance with or without shoes allows for personal comfort and a deeper connection to the floor, enhancing the sensory experience of the dance.
• Emphasis on Free Expression: The environment is specifically designed to encourage participants to "make yourself comfortable" and "set yourself free in your expression," inviting a deeply personal and liberating dance journey.
• Community Agreements and Protocols: While not explicitly listed as a highlight, the mention of "Community Agreements and Covid-19 protocol" suggests a responsible and caring approach to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all attendees.

Contact Information

For those interested in experiencing the unique and welcoming community of Soul Sanctuary Dance, the primary contact details for their physical location and general inquiries are as follows:

Address: 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, USA (inside Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center)

Phone: (510) 525-5099

Mobile Phone: +1 510-525-5099

While these phone numbers are associated with the Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center, which hosts Soul Sanctuary Dance, for the most direct and up-to-date information specifically about Soul Sanctuary Dance sessions (such as schedule changes, themes, or how to "pay it forward"), it is highly recommended to visit their dedicated website or community social media pages. They often communicate their weekly updates and details through these online platforms. We encourage you to reach out and discover how Soul Sanctuary Dance offers a unique path to movement, connection, and well-being in the heart of Berkeley.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Soul Sanctuary Dance is an ideal fit for Californians, particularly those residing in and around Berkeley, who are seeking a refreshing and meaningful approach to movement and community. Its commitment to being a "welcoming and inclusive all-ages community freestyle/ecstatic/shoes optional dance" directly caters to the diverse and open-minded spirit prevalent in California. The unique "gift economy" model, with "no admission fee" and being "all-volunteer run," resonates strongly with the local value of accessibility and shared community responsibility, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from experiencing the joy of dance. Located conveniently at 1317 San Pablo Ave within the respected Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center, it offers easy accessibility via public transport, a crucial factor for many urban Californians. The "irresistible eclectic blend of music" and the emphasis on free expression provide a much-needed outlet for physical and emotional well-being in a fast-paced world. For locals looking to de-stress, connect authentically with others without judgment, and engage in a truly communal and healthy activity, Soul Sanctuary Dance offers more than just a place to move; it provides a nurturing "sanctuary" where mind, body, and soul can thrive, making it an invaluable part of the Berkeley community and a perfect fit for the Californian lifestyle.

Soul Sanctuary Dance

1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, USA