Inner Child Re-membering Ecstatic Dance. We contain within us, every age we’ve ever been. A mosaic of experience, emotion and perception. Our inner child is a precious part of our being and humanness. May we not forget the power of play, fun, creativity, curiosity, adventure, flow and spontaneity.

This dance experience will support us in reigniting our spark for life and the delight and playfulness within and whatever else organically unfolds. Our inner child, however old they are, is a wise leader in our development and can become a resilient ally for us throughout our whole lives. Evidently, our childhood, upbringings and conditioning, impact us now and forever.

May this dance, along with meditation/rituals/practices shared before the dance, allow us to explore what our inner child wants to say to us, how they want to express themselves, what wounds they’re holding and how we can tend to them and form a healthy relationship with them. Befriending and rekindling our relationship with our inner child can truly transform our outlook on life and release pent up emotion/stagnate energy and so much more. Allowing us to reclaim our innate wholeness and see the world and ourselves with wonder and awe. May we live and see the world through the eyes of a child.

Date: November 8th, 2025

Time: 12-2 pm

Location: 333 Cesar E Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids MI

$20 (PayPal or Venmo @lexamaxdi or cash at the door).

Email to:amaxd@me.com if you’re interested in volunteering to check participants in and collect payment the day of the event, in exchange for a free ticket!

*Email mailto:amaxd@me.com if you need a sliding scale payment option

*$5 dollars from each ticket will be donated to AllArtWorks.Thank you AllArtWorks for the opportunity to share ecstatic dance!

AllArtWorks is a unique organization that promotes artists and allows one to browse art online and bring beloved pieces home. They have regular events and rotating art in their gallery. It’s an organization that exemplifies dedication, care, passion for sharing art and community connection.Learn more at www.allartworks.com

About Ecstatic Dance:

It's a free form dance, with no choreography. Simply intuitive movement. The dance playlist creates a wave of rhythms to facilitate journeying. The intention is to form community connection and connection with one's body/mind and soul.

Ecstatic Dance Guidelines:

-This is a substance free event. Refrain from being under the influence of substances, including marijuana, vaping etc. when you show up to the dance and no substance use during the event. Please show up as you are.

-No photographs or video recording is permitted, unless the whole group consents.

-No verbal communication on the dance floor. Feel free to leave the dance floor if you need to speak with someone.

-You may dance with or interact with others during the dance but provide clear nonverbal communication to say yes or no to engage with another. Honor your needs!

-Have fun, respect the collective space and yourself and listen to your body!

-All ages welcome

*EVERYbody is welcome, regardless of ability. This event is a supportive space to move your body as much or as little as you'd like. Listen to what your body needs throughout the dance and feel free to honor it's needs.

River Noel/Alexa Magsoudi’s Bio:

Dance has been a soulful companion throughout my life. I first discovered ecstatic dance in the Red Woods of California in 2019 and became inspired to share this embodied, community driven and holistic practice. It has been a gift to host and co-create events in Lansing, Grand Rapids and Traverse City, Michigan, along with British Columbia, Canada.

Ecstatic dance offers organic body movement, feeling waves of e-motions and connecting in a space that is supportive and liberating. Dance feels like home and sharing it is a calling and return to love.

~Osteopathic Healer, Artist and Ecstatic Dance Facilitator

~Connect with River/Alexa via email at mailto:amaxd@me.comSee less

Participating First Friday Art venues for include:

106 Gallery @avenueforthearts

AllArtWorks Viewing Studio @all.art.works

ArtRat Gallery @artratgallery

Cocoon Art Space @cocoonartspace 

The Arts Marketplace @the_arts_marketplace

Each location will have special events throughout the year! Whether you’re new to the art world, you’ve already invested in your own collection, or you’re seeking the perfect pieces for private and commercial design projects, you’ll gain insights and information during a fun day out on the town. Check each location's details for hours and activities.

Grand ValleyPianoChamber Series www.gvpcs.org and AllArtWorks jointly present a classical chamber music concert featuring Dvořák F-minorPianoTrio performed by GVPCS Artistic Director Sookkyung Cho, Grand Rapids Symphony Assistant Concertmaster Grace Kim, and GRS Associate Principal Cello Andrew Laven. This event is free but requires reservation. Please use this link to reserve your free tickets. For more information, please visit www.gvpcs.org.