Publication Date:May 1, 2008 Shipping:Eligible for Super Saver Shipping Availability:Usually ships in 24 hours
Editorial Reviews:
Product Description Have you ever wondered what it would be like to truly lose yourself in the music? To experience a form of self-hypnosis that actually works? Have you ever wondered what trance dancing really is or wanted to be able to do it repeatedly and consistently with success? Within these pages awaits your chance to learn and perform exactly these things and much more. Ecstasia is a complete system for the transcendental arts of dance, instrumentation and chant. This book is your guide to understanding the often misunderstood fundamentals of the transcendental arts; a must-have for musicians, dancers, chanteurs, trance monitors and aficionados! There has never been a more thorough treatment of trance work from a practical perspective. This book does not hold back. Will you? Are you ready to enhance your body mastery and descend into deeper realms of consciousness? If your answer is yes. Welcome to Ecstasia.
Customer Reviews:
Exceedingly InterestingAugust 16, 2008 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Mrs. Zay's exemplary foray into the realm of transcendental tradition is a long awaited synthesis of trance styles from all over the Mediterranean region. Thoughout the text Mrs. Zay reveals her knowledge of the history and traditions of the region with witty prose and dignified bearing. I was singularly impressed by her knowledge of classical piety and her dedication to preserving the heart and manner of the traditions that she so seemlessly melds together. Too many modern neoclassicalists adopt a "pick and choose" mentality in their adoption of archaic customs, especially from a foreign culture, and in doing rob those traditions of their soul as well as their unique idiosyncrasies. Not so for Zay. It is obvious that she knows precisely what she is doing.
Her knowledge of transcendental states and the psychological impacts implied therein is likewise above reproach. Though I was more interested in the book from a scholastic perspective, I must admit that I was very tempted to try some of the techniques she discusses if only to experiment with their efficacy. Her discussion of musical styles was informative and easy to understand, even for someone with no musical training such as myself. When I was unable to decipher some of the internal jargon, I found the details on her website (transcendentaldance.com) to be helpful in that regard.
I was sorely tempted to give this book only 4 stars because some of the scholarship is a tad haphazard for my tastes. Zay has a tendency to go from topic to topic with more bombast than is usual for a scholastic thesis. Considering that this is an instruction manual, though, and most decidedly not a college thesis, that can be forgiven. I heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in the transcendental dance traditions of the Mediterranean region or to those who have an interest in altered states of consciousness without any of the messy consequences inherent in drugs or alcohol. I very much look forward to her next work.
Every trance dancer needs this book!August 10, 2008 4 out of 4 found this review helpful
With her expertise, wit and wisdom, Ms. Zay has blessed us with the best beginners guide to trance. Even though trance dancing is not an easy concept for everyone to grasp this book is easy to understand since she has given the background and procedure of this valuable tool. I was particularly impressed that she not only broke down the steps of the session, including both mental and physical preparations, but also gave special consideration to warn readers about what not to do regarding trance sessions. This is a definite must for any and every person even slightly curious about trance dancing.
The Single Most Important Book on Trance EVER!May 7, 2008 6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Ecstasia is more than a book. It is the beginning of a lifestyle change. It is a broad and bold new direction in spirituality. It is an experience. Not only is it an informational source on historical and cultural dance traditions, it is also a how-to guide on personal spiritual change through the wonders of trancendental dance and music.
Chapter One gives an excellent overview on the concepts and roles that encompass Ecstasia. In it, the author expounds upon her personal theory of the origins of music and dance as well as gives an introduction to the spiritual significance of those arts. The introduction rounds out with a series of frequently asked questions that are sure to help both beginner and long-time dancer.
Chapter Two provides a thorough look at the preparations that go into an Ecstasia ritual and the steps toward execution that need to be taken to insure that all the participants achieve their goals in a safe and constructive atmosphere. It covers what dancers, musicians and other participants should do to prepare for various different types of Ecstasia experiences as well as expounding on the different procedures required between men and women.
Chapter Three provides a much more in depth look at the different types of music and musicians that take part in an Ecstasia ritual. In it you'll find the various different musical styles, instruments, beats and melodies required along with special clothing and/or accessories that the musicians will need to participate. The end of the chapter provides a list of recommended music as well.
Chapter Four focuses on actual technique and is centered around the dancer. Some of the description may require previous dance experience to understand completely, but most of the chapter is easily understood. It is the mastery of the techniques that will take time. The chapter also gets more in depth with the specific preparations and/or lifestyle changes that the dancers will need to make in order to be successful in Ecstasia. Perhaps most importantly, the chapter provides the proper mindset for the dancer in an Ecstasia ritual.
Chapter Five focuses on two important figures to Ecstasia called the Iatros and the Monitor. These two roles, pivotal to a successful Ecstasia ritual, are unique to the ritual format of Ecstasia. As such, it is difficult to give an overview of their position in a short review. Like the rest of the book, the writing is fabulous and easily explains the steps necessary to fulfill these roles with little difficulty.
Chapter Six focuses on how to begin trancing especially if you don't have a group. The main point of the chapter is essentially how to turn the words of the book into a lifestyle that promotes the spirituality the book espouses. There are some excellent pieces of advice on how to conduct yourself at your first public ritual (if you are joining an Ecstasia group) as well as what to do if you want to start a group. The chapter ends with a brief discussion of obstacles on the path to successful trance work and group work.
Chapter Seven gives an excellent overview of the various Ecstasia rituals and the experiences that can be expected. In it you can find a good selection of ritual formats as well as the appropriate ways and times to perform those rituals. The chapter ends with tips and advice to being successful in Ecstasia.
The book finishes off with a glossary of terms that will be helpful to the would be Ecstacene. Most readers will probably find themselves accessing the glossary more than most other sections because some of the terminology is borrowed or brought from other dance cultures that many readers may not be familiar with. The ease of use makes the glossary one of the most useful sections in the book as well.
Overall I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Mrs. Zay has provided the spiritual community in general and the dance community in specific a priceless gem that will doubtless help many readers overcome obstacles to spiritual growth like never before.
