Connie Quayle and her partner, Val Lange are bringing Dance Temple to Cortes Island next week.

Quayle is a former resident of Cortes, returning to live on the island after spending the last five years in Victoria. It was there, in the city, that Quayle first connected with Dance Temple.

“Every Sunday morning we have it in Victoria - ecstatic dance. I've hardly missed a week, even throughout the pandemic, still putting on headphones and dancing on the beaches,” Quayle explains. “Ecstatic dance is completely freeform dance…Movement for the sake of joy and release."

“It's also a completely sober space. And usually there's a held container. Certain rules, like no talking in the space, using cell phones outside the space, no technology within the container,” Val adds.

The ecstatic dance enthusiasts plan to help make Dance Temple a regular occurrence on Cortes.

“My vision would be something like four or five people involved co-holding it and having it run regularly, but it might take a couple years… So for now, maybe just every couple months just to get the ball rolling,” Quayle says.

Quayle and Lange are bringing Dance Temple to Cortes Island at Mansons Hall on Aug. 6. The event is scheduled from 730-930 p.m. Music will be by DJ N Joy, aka Naomi Jason, one of the founders who helped develop Dance Temple on Salt Spring Island and Victoria. Quayle will be offering a sound therapy session at the end of the evening by playing the didgeridoo. All are welcome. Admission is a sliding scale $12-$22.

To connect with this blossoming dance community on Cortes, you may reach out to Connie at mooncatmagicals.com.

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