Surrender to the rhythm at Yoga Barn’s Sunday ecstatic dance

It’s Sunday morning in Ubud, and instead of easing into the day with coffee and quiet, a growing crowd heads barefoot into The Yoga Barn’s open-air studio to dance—hard. From 10 to 11:30am, DJ Charley, co-founder of the space and long-time Bali creative, spins a set that feels more like a spiritual calling than a club beat.

No need to show up at the exact start. This is an open invitation to anyone ready to shake loose their week, their inhibitions, or just their overthinking mind. The only rule? Silence. Not quiet energy—actual silence. No talking, no phones, no commentary. Just movement, music, and raw, unfiltered expression.

Move like no one’s watching

There’s something strange—and kind of magical—about watching a room full of strangers move in completely different ways, yet somehow still connected. Long-time expats, tourists, kids, yogis, skeptics… all of them converge into one vibrating, pulsing, joyful mass. No one’s taking videos. No one’s posing.

Charley’s mix blends global grooves, rhythmic layering, and sudden drops that make your spine ripple. One minute you’re swaying like a willow, the next you’re ninja-kicking the air like your ex just walked in. This is movement therapy disguised as a dance party.

And the beauty? It’s all welcome. No steps to follow. No partner required. Just follow the beat, your breath, and your body’s cues.

Lose your self-consciousness

That initial flicker of “Am I doing this right?” disappears fast. The regulars lead by example—whirling, flailing, gliding, stomping, fully immersed in their own moments. You can lock eyes with another dancer in shared bliss, then drift away without a word, like dream characters crossing paths.

This isn’t about being sexy, coordinated, or even particularly graceful. It’s about surrendering—to movement, to music, to mood. Some people cry. Some laugh. Some just sweat and let go.

Dress the part, or don’t

Forget the fancy gym gear. This is the kind of place where harem pants, sarongs, or a flowing dress are not only accepted—they’re celebrated. You will sweat, a lot. And you will feel amazing doing it.

By the end, your skin is glistening, your heart is pounding, and your brain has blissfully unplugged. This isn’t a workout in the traditional sense—but somehow, it’s more effective than most. There’s no burnout, no boredom, no judgment. Just freedom.

Stick around and nourish

When the music fades and the crowd slowly reassembles their thoughts, many drift over to the Garden Kafe for post-dance nourishment. The vegetarian buffet is wholesome, earthy, and energizing—salads, curries, juices, maybe a coconut. You’ll find people smiling at nothing in particular, still catching their breath, still floating a bit.

And the best part? There’s no hangover tomorrow. Just a quieter mind, a lighter body, and that deep sense that you’ve reconnected with something real.

Final thoughts

If you’re in Ubud on a Sunday and crave movement that heals more than it performs, don’t miss this. It’s a chance to shake off your stress, awaken your creativity, and remember how joyful your body can be when you let it lead. You might show up alone, but you’ll leave feeling profoundly connected—to music, to the moment, and maybe even to yourself.

This is your invitation. Surrender your body. Surrender your mind. Surrender your soul.

For help designing your healthy holiday to Bali, visit Janelle Maree’s website –  healthytravelsbali.com

For more info on Bali’s best spots for the modern yogi STAY | SPA | PLAY | EAT | SHOP | YOGA – Download our ULTIMATE BALI GUIDE for free.

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