Residents of Bracknell and beyond have embraced the transformative power of sound and movement therapy at 'Ecstatic Dances in the Park,' a unique series of events organized by Alison Heaslewood of Just BE Sound and Movement Therapy.

Since July, participants of all ages have gathered at Lily Hill Park on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings to experience the liberating effects of dancing barefoot in nature.

With silent disco headsets, dancers are free to explore the park while immersing themselves in a soundwave journey.

Alison, also a children's author, has made a concerted effort to make Ecstatic Dance accessible to children, adding face paints, tattoos, ribbons, and butterfly wings to the experience.

She said: "Ecstatic dance was life-changing for me. After 5 years with chronic pain it was one of the key things that brought movement back into my life.

"It helped me to reconnect with my body, disconnect my mind, release my emotions, and find a sense of freedom in a non-judgmental space. Being able to run my own sessions is incredible.

"The vibes are always high, the feedback is wonderful and people just keep coming back! I start with a cacao ceremony and end with a mini sound bath. The whole evening is a journey and I aim to create a safe and held space where people feel able to truly be themselves." 

Family bonding is encouraged, and the Sunday morning dances have become particularly popular for parents and children to connect in a non-judgmental space.

Alison Heaslewood, who is qualified in Sound and Movement Therapy with the British Academy of Sound Therapy, has been running Ecstatic Dances in Bracknell, Reading, and Ascot for the past year.

In addition to Ecstatic Dance, Alison has hosted Sound Baths in the park, which have been well-received by participants seeking relaxation and inner peace.

The permission to run these sessions in the park has been invaluable, especially as people are increasingly prioritizing their wellbeing and seeking out communal experiences.

It is worth noting that Sound Therapy, which is an integral part of Alison's events, is gaining mainstream recognition.

Recently featured on ITV's This Morning and Loose Women, Sound Therapy is shedding its alternative stigma and becoming more accepted.

However, there are still misconceptions and jokes surrounding events like Ecstatic Dance, despite them being explicitly sober gatherings.

Alison collaborates with Monica Bazzini, a qualified Gong Master, Reiki Practitioner, and Qigong Teacher, who brings her expertise to the Sound Baths.

Monica attests to the ancient origins of Sound Therapy, highlighting its effectiveness in calming and alleviating anxiety, particularly in children and teenagers.

So, what exactly is Ecstatic Dance?

According to an article in The Standard, it is a movement based on ancient traditions that invites participants to abandon inhibitions and move freely to drums and rhythmic beats.

The goal is to achieve a meditative state by reconnecting with the body.

Alison adds that it offers an opportunity to let go of conditioning and find healing through music and movement.

Sound Therapy, on the other hand, harnesses the power of sound vibrations to restore balance and harmony within the body and mind.

By influencing brainwaves and inducing a state of deep relaxation, Sound Therapy can alleviate physical and emotional difficulties, reduce depression and anxiety, and improve sleep quality.

Sessions typically involve the use of gongs, crystal bowls, percussion instruments, and vocals to facilitate the healing process.