Friday Ecstatic Dance at The Yoga Barn
Friday Ecstatic Dance at The Yoga Barn
Every Friday night, The Yoga Barn in Ubud clears its studios for Ecstatic Dance — a free-form, substance-free dance gathering that has run in Bali since 2009, when Yoga Barn co-founder Charley Patton brought the global movement to the island. Doors are at 7:15pm and the dance runs to 9:00pm.
There is no choreography and no teacher. A different guest DJ each week builds a set from ethnic rhythms, cumbia, melodic house and global dance tracks, and the floor moves however it wants to. Each night closes with a delicate final set, sound healing, or singing and chanting.
The etiquette is what makes it work, and it is strictly enforced. No talking anywhere in the studios or on the upper deck. No phones, no photography, no video — leave them switched off in your bag. No shoes on the dance floor. No alcohol or other substances. Respect other people’s space, and wear actual clothes.
There are two studios. Upstairs (Studio Nyoman, capacity 170) is where the DJ plays and costs IDR 180,000. Downstairs (Studio Ketut, capacity 100) costs IDR 100,000. Downstairs tickets do not let you move upstairs once that room is full, and upstairs sells out fast — book ahead through Megatix rather than hoping.
Practical notes for visitors: children under 12 are not admitted, and Friday nights skew adult. If you have a ticket, arrive by 7:15pm; check-in runs from 8:00am on the day, so collect your wristband early. Walk-ins should turn up an hour before. Bring a towel if you sweat, and the Garden Kafe stays open until 10:00pm for a meal afterwards.
