Through music, energy, and intuitive touch, InnerDance invites you to lie down, let go, and awaken the natural intelligence of your body and spirit

Innerdance is a transformative self-healing practice that uses sound, music, and energy work to facilitate deep trance and healing​.  It was developed by Pi Villaraza in the Philippines in the early 2000s after his own seven-year spiritual journey living as a hermit on a secluded beach​.

​This unique modality blends elements of sound healing, intuitive touch, and energy work to help people release emotional blockages and connect with their true selves​.

In essence, Innerdance exists at the intersection of science and spirituality – it can be seen as part meditation, part conscious trance, and part energy therapy, setting it apart from more familiar practices like seated mindfulness meditation or Reiki healing​.

The Experience

The session begins with a brief introduction and instructions from the facilitator. Participants are invited to set an intention or simply let go. You’ll get comfortable – usually lying on your back on a yoga mat or blanket, perhaps with an eye mask – and enter a meditative posture similar to savasana (corpse pose) in yoga. The atmosphere is quiet and calming, sometimes with dim lighting.

The facilitator then plays a specially curated playlist of music and soundscapes. This isn’t random background music; the sounds are crafted to guide your brain through different brainwave states (alpha, theta, delta) in a pattern similar to the stages of sleep, inducing a wakeful dream-like state.

As the music builds and shifts, it “primes” the brain and nervous system – many sessions use nature sounds, ethereal vocals, drums, gongs, and even periods of silence. The facilitator may also use live instruments (like drums, rattles, singing bowls) and intuitive touch or energy work by gently placing hands on or hovering over certain areas (with permission). All of this helps move energy in the body and create a space for inner exploration. Participants are simply asked to relax, close their eyes, and surrender to whatever they experience.

As the journey progresses, you might enter a deep meditative trance. Physical sensations and spontaneous movements are common – some people’s bodies may start to sway, shake, or even appear to dance subtly on their own, while others remain completely still in a heavy trance. You could experience visions or imagery behind closed eyes (sometimes dream-like scenes, colors, or symbolic pictures). It’s also common to feel waves of emotion: joy, sadness, laughter, or emotional release can arise without any obvious trigger. Many participants report tingling or “electric” energy flowing through their limbs. Despite the intensity of these experiences, you remain aware that you are in a session – in fact, people often describe it like “lucid dreaming” or being in a dream while awake.

Each person’s journey is unique: one participant might have a vision of traveling through space or nature, while another simply feels a deep calm or falls into a theta-wave flow state of creativity. For example, one first-time attendee recounted

“It was like taking drugs, without a single drug involved – I traveled to outer space, became a mermaid under the ocean, and saw colors and animals, all within my mind”.

Others might feel emotional catharsis; it’s not uncommon for someone to shed tears or laugh as they release long-held feelings. Importantly, there is no “right” or expected experience – even if it feels like “nothing is happening,” an internal process may still be unfolding gently.

After roughly 1 to 2 hours of music (session lengths can vary), the sound gradually comes to silence. Participants are gently brought back to normal awareness by the facilitator. There is usually some quiet time to rest and reflect before sitting up. The facilitator will hold a sharing circle at the end, where participants can (if they wish) talk about what they experienced or simply ground themselves by listening to others. This sharing helps in integrating the journey, as sometimes the experiences can be profound or hard to put into words immediately.

The facilitator ensures everyone feels safe and back to a stable state before closing the session. It’s common to feel relaxed and a bit “dreamy” right after; facilitators often encourage drinking water, journaling about the experience, or just taking it easy for the rest of the day.

Throughout the session, the role of the facilitator is to hold a safe space – they are not “doing the healing” to you, but rather guiding and supporting your own inner healing process. The music and energy lead the way, and your job as a participant is simply to trust and let go.

Lay down, close your eyes, listen, relax. In the act of doing absolutely nothing, we find everything. That surrender is key to the Innerdance experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What do I need to prepare for an Innerdance session?
A: Wear comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat or blanket, and perhaps an eye mask. Arrive hydrated and avoid heavy meals beforehand. Come with an open mind and a journal if you want to capture insights afterward.

Q: Is Innerdance safe for everyone?
A: Innerdance is gentle and non-invasive, but people with epilepsy, severe mental health conditions, or those recovering from recent trauma should consult a professional first. Pregnant participants are usually fine but should inform the facilitator.

Q: Do I need experience in meditation or energy healing?
A: No experience is needed. Innerdance is beginner-friendly. Just lie down, relax, and listen. Whether or not you are familiar with concepts like energy or chakras, you can still have a meaningful experience.

Q: What should I expect after a session?
A: Many feel relaxed, reflective, and peaceful. You might experience vivid dreams, emotional releases, or insights in the days that follow. Rest, hydrate, and take care of yourself after a session.

Q: How often should I attend Innerdance sessions?
A: There’s no fixed schedule. Some people attend once and feel complete, while others come monthly or a few times a year for a “tune-up.” If you’re working through specific issues, you may benefit from regular sessions. Always listen to your needs and allow time for integration.