Tag Archives: Dancer

Providence Ecstatic Dance DJ

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Last Friday Night I was Providence Ecstatic Dance DJ for the first time and had a great time! I have been there once before and was looking forward to the opportunity to share my rhythm and beats with the Providence Ecstatic Dance Community.

Providence Ecstatic Dance DJ and Ecstatic Dance Guidelines

Ecstatic Dance Guidelines are taken from the Ecstatic Dance Community Page.  They are drawn up by the Ecstatic Dance Community as a whole and its origins in Hawaii and the Bay Area. I was first introduced to Ecstatic Dance in Oakland in 2009 and was blown away by the energy and excitement in the community.

1.  Move however you wish

2.  No talking on the dance floor

3.  Respect yourself and one another

Ecstatic Dance is a Drug & Alcohol Free Space

Please also refrain from photos, video, and shoes & scents.

 

Many people dance in their own space, and others share their space with another.
To engage in a dance with someone, use sensitivity:  Are they open to sharing their space with me?  Mirror movements, offer a hand, brush by, make eye contact, and see & feel how they respond…

Providence Ecstatic Dance DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

If you’d rather not dance with someone, or are ending a dance with someone,

simply thank them by placing your hands in prayer at your heart.

Namaste… Thank You.

“My Spirit Recognizes Yours”

Providence Ecstatic Dance DJ - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Ecstatic Dance is

what you make of it…

a freeform movement space where:
dance expands
spirit activates
boundaries melt
boredom ceases
creativity breaks out
hope happens
beauty flows
communities collaborate
ritual is reinvented
harmony resonates
The beat deepens
as an electronic tapestry
of world rhythms
weave us together
as individuals
within a greater family.

For me, Ecstatic Dance reminds me of Barefoot Boogie in NYC where I was DJ and Coordinator of DJs and Teachers for several years till I moved here to Providence. The freestyle dance community is aligned with many incredible dancers and individuals.

Hope to see you there next month!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

 

 

 

Fun DJ Night at Barefoot Boogie

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Saturday Night we had a fun night of music and dancing at Barefoot Boogie NYC. I do not always get to play music to such a diverse and creative group of dancers. Also, several good, old friends were present as an additional treat for me.

What is The Barefoot Boogie?

The Barefoot Boogie is a freestyle dance which happens twice a month in New York City. We offer a relaxed, smoke- and alcohol-free environment where folks can freely express themselves in movement.

If you’ve enjoyed any kind of conscious dance, ecstatic dance, 5 Rhythms, JourneyDance, contact improvisation, or any other kind of freeform dance, you’ll enjoy the Barefoot Boogie.

People of all ages, families and kids are welcome. Come alone or bring your friends. You’ll find folks at the dance moving solo, with partners, and/or in groups. Dress as you wish, but please leave your street shoes at the door before hitting the dance floor. The Barefoot Boogie is a not-for-profit, cooperative and volunteer-run venture.

Fun DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie - Rhode Island DJ and New York DJ

What Kinds of Music is Played at The Barefoot Boogie?

From our pool of talented DJs, two spin each dance. Each of our DJs has his or her own distinctive style, but one thing you can rely on is that at every Boogie you’ll hear a wide variety of music: R&B, World, Funk, Tribal, Hip Hop, Ambient, Reggae, House, African, Electronica, Disco, Rock, Techno, Drum & Bass, etc.

All professional DJs enjoy the opportunity to volunteer for such a fantastic community of dancers. Fun night at Barefoot Boogie, so grateful.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie 5/25!

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Saturday Night I will make my return to DJ at Barefoot Boogie in NYC! Barefoot Boogie is one of my favorite events to volunteer as DJ. I have been fully booked and not available to DJ there and think February was my last set there, too long and I miss it.

What is The Barefoot Boogie?

The Barefoot Boogie is a freestyle dance which happens twice a month in New York City. We offer a relaxed, smoke- and alcohol-free environment where folks can freely express themselves in movement.

If you’ve enjoyed any kind of conscious dance, ecstatic dance, 5 Rhythms, JourneyDance, contact improvisation, or any other kind of freeform dance, you’ll enjoy the Barefoot Boogie.

People of all ages, families and kids are welcome. Come alone or bring your friends. You’ll find folks at the dance moving solo, with partners, and/or in groups. Dress as you wish, but please leave your street shoes at the door before hitting the dance floor. The Barefoot Boogie is a not-for-profit, cooperative and volunteer-run venture.

DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie - Rhode Island DJ and New York DJ

What Kinds of Music is Played at The Barefoot Boogie?

From our pool of talented DJs, two spin each dance. Each of our DJs has his or her own distinctive style, but one thing you can rely on is that at every Boogie you’ll hear a wide variety of music: R&B, World, Funk, Tribal, Hip Hop, Ambient, Reggae, House, African, Electronica, Disco, Rock, Techno, Drum & Bass, etc.

DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie - Rhode Island DJ and New York DJ

Our normal schedule is the second and fourth Saturday of each month. We currently have the following format for the dance.

  • From 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm (possibly extended to 12:00). We start off with warm-up music. On alternate Barefoot Boogies (usually the 4th Saturday), we have a dance-related class that ends at 9:15, followed by DJed music. At 10:00, we’ll have a community/announcement circle where new folks are welcomed, we give an overview of the dance community, and anyone is invited to announce a service they offer, an apartment for rent, or an initiative they want to share. This is followed by our traditional circle dance (holding hands), and the rest of the evening is DJed music where you are free to express yourself in whatever way you like!

Barefoot Boogie is now meeting at Insight Meditation Center: 28 W 27th Street, 10th Floor (Buzzer #27).

Come join us Saturday Night at Barefoot Boogie to dance, move and have some fun!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

 

DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie Tonight – 03/09/13

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I still get excited every time I am scheduled to DJ at Barefoot Boogie NYC! It surprises me each event, because in my head, one of these days I am not going to be so excited and pumped for the gig. I have been the DJ there so many times now and feel like I am part of what happens. It is such a positive experience for me and the dance community.

What is The Barefoot Boogie?

The Barefoot Boogie is a freestyle dance which happens twice a month in New York City. We offer a relaxed, smoke- and alcohol-free environment where folks can freely express themselves in movement.

People of all ages, families and kids are welcome. Come alone or bring your friends. You’ll find folks at the dance moving solo, with partners, and/or in groups. Dress as you wish, but please leave your street shoes at the door before hitting the dance floor. The Barefoot Boogie is a not-for-profit, cooperative and volunteer-run venture.

From our pool of talented DJs, two spin each dance. Each of our DJs has his or her own distinctive style, but one thing you can rely on is that at every Barefoot Boogie you’ll hear a wide variety of music: R&B, World, Funk, Tribal, Hip Hop, Ambient, Reggae, House, African, Electronica, Disco, Rock, Techno, Drum & Bass, etc.

DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie NYC

 Where and When is The Barefoot Boogie?

Our normal schedule is the second and fourth Saturday of each month. We currently have the following format for the dance.

  • From 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm (possibly extended to 12:00). We start off with warm-up music. On alternate Boogies (usually the 4th Saturday), we have a dance-related class that ends at 9:15, followed by DJed music. At 10:00, we’ll have a community/announcement circle where new folks are welcomed, we give an overview of the dance community, and anyone is invited to announce a service they offer, an apartment for rent, or an initiative they want to share. This is followed by our traditional circle dance (holding hands), and the rest of the evening is DJed music where you are free to express yourself in whatever way you like!

Barefoot Boogie is now meeting at:

Insight Meditation Center: 28 W 27th Street, 10th Floor (Buzzer #27), NYC, NY.
Come join us for a fun night of movement, dance and community with creative dance, ecstatic dance and freestyle dance.
This is similar to Barefoot Boogie NYC, not the same but great creative dancing and community.
We invite you to join Barefoot Boogie Facebook Group.
Your Party,Your Music, Your DJ!
973.908.8147

DJ Mystical Michael Live At Barefoot Boogie Saturday Night 1/26!

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I am really excited about another opportunity to DJ at Barefoot Boogie NYC Saturday Night! I laugh at myself, that every time I put my name on the schedule to DJ one of our events, I feel like I have just won a prize or something. I have so much fun when I DJ at Barefoot Boogie. If for no other reason than I get to DJ and dance barefoot! I try to be fair in scheduling our team of DJs to make sure we all get a turn. Sometimes I forget that I am not the only DJ that gets really pumped about being the DJ. Since being Coordinator of DJs and Teachers is a volunteer position that I take serious, I am mindful that sharing is important.

DJ Mystical Michael Live At Barefoot Boogie

Creative DJ at Barefoot Boogie NYC with Dancer at Sea

This Saturday Night, we have a Biodanza class before my first set.

What is Biodanza?

Biodanza is a healing system of human development that fuses music, heartfelt emotion and authentic movement providing a safe space for you to express your many potentials. It is a non judgemental space where all are welcome no matter age, race, spiritual tradition or sexual orientation.  Biodanza is here to give value to your life!

Understanding an emotional issue won’t create true healing unless you also make an obvious change in how you conduct your life.  Unlike traditional dance/talk therapy, Biodanza is system that offers you a space where silence is golden (we don’t talk) and you are the true master of your internal/external expression (action) which unfolds organically in its own time as you explore weekly in the sessions.  Over time and with your presence with yourself, the space and others, you embody all of the wonderous potentials within you and and you will begin to notice shifts happening in your life.

Biodanza will open spaces for life integration…
do, say and feel the same thing and BE HAPPY!

Creative DJ at Barefoot Boogie NYC with Dancer with Flame

Biodanza classes meet regularly and stimulate five major human potentials:
vitality, sexuality, creativity, affectivity and transcendence.

I have participated in a Biodanza class before and that is why I asked Michelle Dubreuil Macek if she would be willing to lead another Biodanza class at Barefoot Boogie. We had so much fun last time and it is long overdue for another experience. The dancers are very alive and present by the time the class is completed, I can play music that requires creative and freestyle movement without needing to build them up. They are already peaking. It is fun to express my Creative DJ and Ecstatic DJ interests at Barefoot Boogie after a class like this. It attracts very open and creative dancers and movers. I also appreciate the sense of community that we create together!

I feel it is an honor to be a Barefoot Boogie DJ in NYC and the experiences are rich and profound. Can’t wait to try some new DJ mixes and songs!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Ellie Goulding Lights

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Ellie Goulding Lights was released in North America on August 20, 2011. One year later it is finally at the top of the charts. Ellie Goulding Lights was the third slowest song to reach the Top 40 by a female artist. Ellie Goulding Lights took nineteen weeks to make it to #40 and the longest ever to reach the top five.

Ellie Goulding Lights Music Video

Elena Jane “Ellie” Goulding is a British singer-songwriter who has enjoyed significant success in the U.K. and finally in The USA and Canada. She has won many awards in the U.K. and achieved critical acclaim to match her popularity. The music video was filmed nearly two years ago before the release of the single “Your Song”, a cover of the Elton John classic, “Lights” was released as a single months later. At one point it was not included in the album titled Lights and then the eventual EP Bright Lights in the U.K. The North American version does include the song on the album.

Rhode Island Wedding DJ Ellie Goulding Lights

Ellie Goulding Lights Story

Ellie Goulding Lights received mostly positive reviews from critics. Horatia Harrod of The Daily Telegraph commented that the song is “threaded with dark thoughts, but set to an airy pop production bordering on polite. Her voice is the real star. She has the magical ability, not unlike her heroine, Björk, to sing with a sort of controlled tremulousness: her voice aches with vulnerability but never breaks.” The Guardian reviewer Johnny Dee described the song as “a welcome return to her patented folky-pop-with-some-tasteful-drum-and-bass-wobble sound”. Genevieve Koski of The A.V. Club was also positive of the song, giving it an A− and praising the song’s “organic-sounding” production and Goulding’s “ethereal, restrained” vocals, while Steven Hyden of The A.V. Club gave it a C, claiming that Goulding sounds too “restrained” and “aloof to the point of emotional constipation”.[15] About.com‘s Bill Lamb rated the song three-and-a-half out of five stars, calling it “a pleasing, catchy slice of electro-pop” and noting that “Goulding’s voice has an edge of sadness and vulnerability that sets the song apart from standard dance pop”, but concluded, “In a pop music world dominated by distinctive vocalists, it is too easy for a song like ‘Lights’ to feel polite and get lost in the shuffle.”[

Professional DJs can play Ellie Goulding Lights in many different situations since it matches several genre and demographics.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Daft Punk One More Time

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Daft Punk One More Time. Daft Punk are an electronic music duo consisting of French musicians Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo (born February 8, 1974) and Thomas Bangalter (born January 3, 1975). Daft Punk One More Time reached significant popularity in the late 1990s house movement in France and met with continued success in the years following, combining elements of House with SynthPop that any professional DJ welcomes and embraces.

Fun Wedding DJ Dancing Daft Punk One More Time

Early in the group’s career, the band members were strongly influenced by groups such as The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones.  Daft Punk is noted for its elaborate live shows, in which visual elements and effects are incorporated with the music. The group is also known for its emphasis on visual and story components associated with their musical productions, as well as for wearing ornate robot costumes in public and while performing.

 

The 2001 release Discovery took on a slicker and distinctly synthpop-oriented style, initially stunning fans of Daft Punk’s previous material in Homework. The group states that the album was conceived as an attempt to reconnect with a playful, open-minded attitude associated with the discovery phase of childhood. This accounts for the heavy use of themes and samples from the late ’70s to early ’80s era on the album. It reached #2 in the United Kingdom, and its single Daft Punk One More Time was a major club and mainstream hit, which nearly topped the UK Singles Chart. The song is well known for being heavily auto-tuned and compressed. The song and album created a new generation of fans mainly familiar with the second Daft Punk release

 Daft Punk One More Time Music Video

From a professional DJ’s perspective, Daft Punk One More Time is a great song to segue from one genre to another, whether it be from House to Pop/Dance/R&B or the reverse. Daft Punk One More Time will work if mixed properly with almost all music.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Dance School With A Mission

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Tonight I had the opportunity to enjoy a dance performance by The Everett Company Stage School in Providence, Rhode Island, A Hip Hop Holiday. It was fun seeing local youth dance with such passion, commitment and purpose.  Unfortunately, the media often portrays Hip Hop Culture as something bad and violent. Those who know better, are aware of the historical roots of Hip Hop as a Social Movement.

Fun Dance Party with Rhode Island DJ

“By 1989, hip-hop had long since graduated from its humble, thrilling origins as innovative party music in the Bronx in the late 1970s. Hip-hop had become a movement, a collective platform for African-American youth to voice frustration and inspiration alike. It had spread through inner cities and as far as suburbia, but was still seen as a sort of underground and lacked the big pop stars and cash flow of genres like R&B or rock.” (Dead Prez)

For me, it was a means of those who needed a voice to find one and speak their minds through music, verse and poetry.  It was possibly the next wave of social movement after the Sixties.

Dance Saved My Life

Time, money and the record industry have shifted a significant majority of the popular mainstream Hip Hop artists message and style to meet the needs of White, suburban culture. Hip Hop often does not resemble the sound and voice of its humble beginnings as social movement for change.

 

Fortunately, there are many excellent dance schools like Everett that are keeping it alive and sharing it with youth of all shapes, colors and sizes. The dancers echo the deep commitment of their Creative Director, Sokeo Ros

 

 

It was a pleasure to support such a valuable piece of dance, education and culture for talented youth!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Has A Great Time

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Saturday Night was the 30th Anniversary of Barefoot Boogie at Insight Meditation Center in NYC! It was such a fun night with an incredible energy and feeling of celebration. As the Coordinator of DJs and Teachers for our twice monthly dance events, it was extra special for me personally. When I returned to The USA almost three years ago after living in South Korea and traveling Asia, I discovered Barefoot Boogie as a means for dance and building community here in the New Jersey and New York area, after being away from this region for fifteen years. The Barefoot Boogie has been an essential piece of my life and was a driving force in me returning to being a professional DJ full-time again. I am so grateful for that cold, snowy January Night when I first walked in the doors to the Insight Center and heard the flowing music in the background. I felt home for the first time since landing on American soil.

 

We danced, sang, moved and grooved to fun music and special events we had planned. We did this really fun dance that the DJ played a short clip of a song form each of the thirty years and the person who was wearing the bib-like shirt that we made with the year corresponding to the song, did a brief solo dance and then gave way to the next dancer and subsequent year. We had two children present who also picked a year to dance solo.

 Barefoot Boogie celebrates 30 Years with Three DJs

I was the DJ for the last set and played some really open and expansive music, since the two earlier DJs played mostly popular old and new songs. I felt like I needed to offer another alternative to balance things out, since we are a very diverse and alternative community of freestyle dancers. This is one of the more unusual songs I played for the first time at a gig Saturday Night. Music likes this is not something I typically get to play at Weddings, Parties and Events and the Barefoot Boogie is a great place for me to experiment as a professional DJ.

What do you think of this tune for dancing or listening?

Creative DJ at Barefoot Boogie NYC

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie Saturday Night 10/27

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As Coordinator of DJs and Teachers at Barefoot Boogie, it is important for me to try and give as m ch of my time to actually being there and DJing to show our new and upcoming DJs how to master the skills. I have not been able to DJ at The Boogie since last month but it seems much longer since I miss it. Playing music for such an open and diverse group is fun, it allows me, or any DJ, to get creative and stretch the playlist far beyond what would be acceptable or productive at a Wedding, Party or Event. Of course, I always enjoy DJing in NYC, especially downtown or at least in Chelsea.

What is The Barefoot Boogie?

The Boogie is a freestyle dance which happens twice a month in New York City. We offer a relaxed, smoke- and alcohol-free environment where folks can freely express themselves in movement.

What Kind of Music Do The DJs Play?

From our pool of talented DJs, two spin each dance. Each of our DJs has his or her own distinctive style, but one thing you can rely on is that atevery Boogie you’ll hear a wide variety of music: R&B, World, Funk, Tribal, Hip Hop, Ambient, Reggae, House, African, Electronica, Disco, Rock, Techno, Drum & Bass, etc.

People of all ages, families and kids are welcome. Come alone or bring your friends. You’ll find folks at the dance moving solo, with partners, and/or in groups. Dress as you wish, but please leave your street shoes at the door before hitting the dance floor. The Barefoot Boogie is a not-for-profit, cooperative and volunteer-run venture.

The Barefoot Boogie as about to celebrate its 30th anniversary next month! It is amazing to me that a group of dancers started this back in 1982 and have found a way to keep it going for thirty years! This is one of the reasons I am so willing to volunteer and DJ when I can at Barefoot Boogie. What DJ would not want to support a creative dance community with such history and talent like the Barefoot Boogie? Besides, where else can I play World, Buddha Bar, Rock, Soul, R&B, Oldies, Hip Hop, Jazz, House and Top 40 as a DJ all in one night?

Dancers Partying with DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie

Looking forward to tomorrow night at Barefoot Boogie!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ