Mass Transit is one of the largest weekly conscious dance in the San Francisco Bay Area where people from all walks of life convene to celebrate life, to heal, to move and connect through dancing and music. The sacred space is enhanced through two very simple guidelines: “no talking on the dance floor” and “respect the space and one another.”

Sunday morning. Walk up the stairs. Notice the sunlight streaming through the windows onto the 8,000 sq ft sprung-wood dance floor at Sweet’s Ballroom at 1933 Broadway in Oakland, the spacious  home of Mass Transit Dance. See kind faces of those you know and those you have yet to meet. Take a deep breath and relax into the flowing music. Visit the nondenominational altar. Glide back to the dance floor as the musical shaman, the DJ, begins to awaken the dancers with a stronger beat. Listen deeper to your heart, and hear the reflection in the music. Allow the music, the space, the people, to wash over you as the journey unfolds.

Laugh, play, cry, skip, twirl, fly, and sashay around—knowing any expression and all movement are welcomed and encouraged in the space. Slow down your dance as the music settles into stillness and the live musician takes over for a brief sound healing. Join in the circle of those you now know a little bit better (including yourself) and share your prayers & gratitude.

Photos by Karina Louise