There is a particular musical genre nowadays called trance music, which to some, indeed has an otherworldly sound with its digitally altered sounds and indigenous music, though not all would agree that trance music puts them in a trance.

Trance dance, though, is not necessarily related to trance music. In fact, trance dancing can be done even without music. There are many trance dance practitioners and teachers, thus, leading to many versions of trance dance, but what these have in common is that trance dancing indeed puts you in a trance – or at least, an altered state.

Trance dancing was actually practiced by shamans in indigenous tribes as part of rituals or as communication with the divine. In such an altered state, Divine Wisdom becomes readily accessible to the shaman.

Today, anyone can practice trance dance – you need not be a shaman. But you have to have an open mind and a ready consciousness for it – after all, trance dance is about entering an altered mind state.

Trance dancing usually requires blindfolds, as a blindfold helps in getting rid of distractions and allowing you to just focus on your body. Blindfolding can also help release inhibitions. There is also usually a specific breathing practice for trance dance to help the dancer move into an altered state. Usually, a trance dance facilitator guides the entire process. The dance music can be healing music or even just plain drumbeats to awaken the body’s rhythm.

Trance dancing has practical benefits like healing, better mental clarity and improved intuition.