This was THE single most powerful ecstatic dance sets I have ever experienced, as either a music facilitator or as a dancer.

All because I arrived in Hawaii while the deadliest wildfires seen on US soil in over a century raged across the island of Maui, destroying the old capital city of Lahaina, leaving in its wake immense loss, pain, grief, anger, and sadness across the community.

I was extremely apprehensive about proceeding with this EDance as scheduled, because I felt ashamed that my role was non-essential in a time of crisis, and that there were more important things that could be prioritised. However the organisers and other dancers from the community reaffirmed with me in the lead up that this Dance was important, even amidst a crisis like this. 

They advised that even though many dancers in the community may need to attend to other priorities, those that were drawn to the sacred space would be there, as it has been cultivated as a space where the community can gather to process trauma, to express their grief, and to support each other.

We decided to proceed with the dance, and give the powerful intention of Strength & Resilience, to honour these attributes within the survivors and the community. 

All throughout the dance, there was a heavy grief in the air, a communal sense of loss and sadness that I saw expressed in waves of different human emotions. I witnessed a wide spectrum of responses - singing, crying, yelling, hugging, and more, amidst a sea of beautiful humans coming together in this space, dancing to music, just like we have done for thousands of years.  

When the dance was over, amidst the sea of sadness and grief, there was a notable feeling of relief, as the time and space given to express themselves through movement had been cathartic, and it was an honour to hear words of gratitude and love reflected back to me for facilitating this extremely raw, and powerful container. The power of this dance is a testament to the strength of the Maui dance community that I feel lucky to have witnessed.

I am extremely grateful to the Hulahula Kai community for having me there for the dance, especially during this difficult time, and I honour those that passed, and the strength and resilience of the survivors of this tragedy. 

With love and respect,
HAFNER

Ecstatic Dance @ Hulahula Kai, Maui 13-8-23

I love to play emotive, energizing electronic dance music, often drawn towards deep, downtempo electronica influenced from instrumental and organic soundscapes from the many cultures of this world. 

My intent is to create meaningful musical journeys suited to anything from a meditative state of reflection, hypnotic movements, and all the way through to ecstatic dance. 

Creating, or shifting the vibe of a space with intention and style is the core element of my sets, using an ebb and flow of musical moods to mold that of the listener, and to move the heart, the body and the soul.