Drum Jam

What an excellent evening of trance dance and drumming. Starting with the latter, the drum circle had people from all walks of life, even kids, jamming together and just enjoying the beat of the drum. Somesh the group leader wears his passion on his sleeve and led the circle superbly. This really is an activity where the whole family can join in. After the drumming everyone got to play percussive instruments, then we sang and danced. The vibe was incredibly friendly and the fun hadn’t even truly begun.
After drumming it was time for the trance dance. Shivani led us in the art of ‘Breath of Fire’ and the power of shaking. With the lights turned low, the drums and trance music took each and every participant to a different place as we all took our own journey of dance. It was complete and utter freedom to do whatever the music told us to do. It was a fantastic experience. To finish we all laid on the ground in a meditative state as Shivani sang and used a strange instrument to create the sounds of the ocean. It was so relaxing. Coming out of the meditation the group sat in a circle focused on a single candle and we partook in the ceremony of tea and cake to close the night.
It is unusual to meet so many open, spiritual and earth caring people in one space. This is a group I will meet with at every opportunity I can.

With another obscure and unexpected night under my belt, all I can say about the drum jam and trance dance is you have to feel it to believe it. What a fantastic group of people and a beautiful mix of energy.
The drum jam was the embodiment of rhythm and after a quick technique reminder we were all in. Led by enthusiastic Somesh, we were being guided into the groove but had the chance to find our own beat. The group had an eclectic mix of die-​hard drummers, novices and children. The hula-​hooping by Shivani and all the kids was great and added more depth to the experience. The session ended with some percussion instrument experimentation and a great singing circle where we got a chance to move together and connect even further.
The trance dance that followed was a whole new experience, accompanied by live drumming and trance tunes. The session involved a mix of the «breath of fire», shaking and a let loose 40 minutes of unabashed solo dancing. Tea and talking was a great come down and a good opportunity to rub shoulder with other spiritual artsy people.
I’m really looking forward to the Global Rhythms Festival where I’ll get to try my hand at African dance and watch the UV alien puppetry. Should be a wild adventure.