In a monthly class in the Topanga Community Center, people learn ecstatic dance

Growing up as a dancer, Jenna Stewart recalls that dance wasn’t “something I did, it was how I processed the world.” But somewhere along the way into adulthood, “without realizing it, I slowly lost my connection to my body. Pain crept in quietly at first, then loudly—chronic, confusing, and relentless—until my body felt more like a burden than a home.”

Today she holds a monthly class at the Topanga Community Center where several people join her to learn ecstatic dance — a form of exercise that helps people cope with stress, and to attain calmness.

“Think of it less like a dance class and more like a journey,” Stewart said. “The music acts as a guide, and each person’s experience is different. Some people move vigorously; others barely leave the floor. All of it is welcome.”

Among the people who attend her class, Bret Anthony from Topanga said, “I was skeptical at first but decided to take a creative risk, having no idea what I was getting into. Jenna’s ecstatic class was an incredible experience and total overhaul on my dance background. I enjoyed the free form movement and the music was awesome. I definitely felt connected to my body in a new way, and I slept like a baby.”

Katie Zeller, from Lake Balboa, said she joined the class “stressed and kind of numb. I didn’t think anything would happen. But by the end, I felt emotional in a good way … not overwhelmed, just lighter. I slept better that night than I have in weeks.”

Shea Spencer, from Tarzana, took the class because he was tense. “I didn’t expect much,” he said. “But halfway through, something dropped. I walked out feeling calmer than I have in a long time. Like my body finally got a break and it felt really good to just move to music.”

Stewart says ecstatic dance “is a guided space where people move their bodies freely to music—without choreography, instruction, or judgment. There are no steps to learn and no experience required.”