Rocky Mountain Rhythms

We believe movement is medicine.

Fridays |  6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Salida Community Center

Rocky Mountain Rhythms (RMR) is a free form community movement practice that encourages radical self-expression, by providing an opportunity to embody freedom and build a deeper relationship with oneself and community.

By eliminating words on the dance floor our thoughts slow down, allowing us to drop into a meditative state where we can truly be with our emotions, free from story. This is where the magic happens, we have the opportunity to deeply feel AND move through whatever rises to the surface of the energetic (or feeling) body, then we air it out through movement and dance, releasing the energy and increasing dopamine, serotonin and endorphins.

Soulful Newsletter

Dance is the language of the soul.

Ecstatic Dance Practice

 DANCE PRACTICE &  SOUND JOURNEY

Dance is an ancient tradition that predates written language. Before words humans used their bodies to share knowledge, mark transitions, express emotion, unite communities and connect with the divine. Rocky Mountain rhythms is a sacred space for for self expression, not performance. The practice is inspired by Ecstatic Dance and 5 Rhythms

Rhythm is Our Guide

The sound journey is intentionally crafted to include a variety of genres, tempos and global beats to evoke a full spectrum of emotions while simultaneously uniting participants through the universal language of movement.

STAY IN TOUCH about upcoming dance events & movement classes

The Many
Benefits of Ecstatic Dance

Judgement-free space   •   Intergenerational play   •   Freedom   •   Emotional release   •   Inner-child connection   •   Belonging   •   Community   •   Creativity   •   Authenticity   •   Inclusivity   •   Self-exploration   •   Sobriety

"The body can fly without wings. It can sing without voice.
The dance is strong magic." — Pearl Primus

LOGISTICS

WHEN

Fridays

6:30 pm -8:30 pm (Apr-Sept)
6:00 pm -8:00 pm (Oct-Mar)

COST

$15- supported admission
$20- standard admission
$25-35 pay it forward

Free entry for kids 13 and under

LOCATION

Salida Community Center
305 F Street, Salida, CO 81201

RECOMMENDED

Dress in clothes for movement

Bring your water bottle (refill available on site)

Optional

Feel free to bring your own yoga mat for stretching

An item you'd like to place on the shared altar for the evening (take it home afterwards)

The Practice Guidelines

To create a shared movement vocabulary, we offer a 30-minute guided warm up before the opening circle. The focus of warm-up varies on a weekly basis where different facilitators offer a skill-share for us to learn together as a community.

 30 minute warm up
5 minute opening circle
75 minute DJ dance wave
10 minute closing circle

1. We dance without shoes
This allows us to connect more fully with the earth. (If you have a physical condition that you need dance shoes, then please bring a clean pair of shoes to change into so we can keep the dance floor clean.)

2. We dance without words
This non verbal practice allows us to experience the profundity of collective silence while communicating through the body language.

3. We dance as we are
No drugs/alcohol, No phones, No camera/video, No scents, No expectations, No judgements, No shoulds… Just space for you to be as you are.

4. Respect yourself, the space, and one another
We encourage each dancer to define and honor their own boundaries and to respect others boundaries.

5. We celebrate inclusivity
All beings of all ages are welcome, though children must be supervised and are also held responsible for respecting our guidelines.

Rocky Mountains Rhythms Dance Facilitator

We hope RMR is a sanctuary for people to express the fullness of their life experience. RMR aims to eliminate the barrier of vocabulary and unite people through the universal language of the body, dance. Anyone with a body can dance, therefore we create space for intergenerational play to unfold, where kiddos and seniors alike can share their uninhibited expression, building depth in community relations.

Nelle Santiago

Nelle is a somatic guide, yoga teacher and ecstatic dance DJ who is dedicated to the practice of healing arts and crafting transformative spaces for conscious embodiment. Blending elements of yoga, breath and dance with a passion for music curation she designs journeys to unite the mind and body through rhythm. As a facilitator she brings childlike curiosity into the space, guiding people to tap into their own inner child and release inhibitions. As DJ Dakini Drifts, she weaves intentional soundscapes which serve as a catalyst for emotional release, keeping the dance floor a sacred tradition for connection with self, other and nature.

Stay in Touch

Receive updates on dance events and movement classes, with nuggets of inspiration and sharing good news.

No spamming – only good vibes!

"RMR has opened my heart and helped me move through and release stuck emotions. The dynamic community makes every experience feel uplifting, energizing, and alive. I’m so grateful to have found a space where I can express myself authentically and feel completely free to be myself. Thank you!"

~ LS, Salida

"It is so meaningful to have a nonjudgmental space for self discovery and expression. This space allows me to discover things about myself that otherwise could be harder to drop into. Thank you RMR!"

~ DG, Salida

"Dance is one of my favorite expressions of joy. It's also a huge tool for my personal regulation. The people that come together as Rocky Mountain Rhythms are truly special as is the experience being created in our little Salida mountain valley. This community has really been an anchor for me through so many different seasons of time and life and I am so thankful to be a part of it! "

~ LR, Salida

"RMR is a true community cultivator, an incubator of free movement and emotive release, and a massive asset to the area. I have felt such a welcoming spirit from those who lead the dance as well as those who contribute to it. Thanks for making Salida an even better place to be!"

~ CI, Salida

"RMR is THE place to be on a Friday night. A space to be able to FULLY express who you are without fear of judgement or shame. A community that celebrates your differences, reminds you of your similarities and allows you to process your emotions through your body. A space where you are free to express yourself and truly let go. Friendly to all ages, this space is accessible and welcoming and so supportive. The guided warmups and the sharing circles at the end bring the community closer together and bring me closer to myself. RMR has been the highlight of my time in Salida."

~ DN , Salida

Rocky Mountains Rhythms Dance

Friday Dance Practice
Upcoming Workshops

Location

Salida Community Center
305 F ST,
Salida, CO 81201

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