Alchemy of Oneness: Sacred Dance & the Third Force at Menla

Discover a transformative evening of ecstatic dance at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, NY, on Thursday, July 30, 2026. This sacred gathering brings together the ancient wisdom of Qigong with the liberating practice of ecstatic movement, creating a unique portal for embodied healing and spiritual connection. Led by Mingtong Gu, a renowned Chinese Qigong master and founder of the Chi Healing Institute, this ecstatic dance event invites you to experience the "Third Force"—that mysterious convergence where body, breath, and spirit unite in profound synchronicity.

This is not a typical fitness class or performance. Instead, the Alchemy of Oneness offers a participatory journey into the deeper dimensions of sacred movement, where structured Qigong principles meet the spontaneous joy of ecstatic dance. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner seeking new dimensions of practice or a curious newcomer drawn to ecstatic dance in a supportive setting, this event at Menla creates a container for authentic transformation. The evening's design honors both the precision of traditional Chinese energy work and the freedom of intuitive, heart-centered movement.

What to Expect

Upon arrival, you'll enter Menla's serene sanctuary nestled in the Catskill Mountains, where the energy of the retreat center itself becomes part of your experience. The evening begins with grounding and centering practices—gentle Qigong movements that awaken your body's internal chi, or life force energy. As the session unfolds, you'll move progressively deeper, transitioning from structured Qigong flows into unrestricted ecstatic dance, where your unique expression becomes medicine for yourself and the collective.

Expect to feel a gradual opening—physically, emotionally, and energetically. The second half of the evening invites you into fuller freedom of movement, where there's no "right way" to dance. Instead, you're guided to follow the music, your breath, and the subtle intelligence of your own body. By the closing moments, many participants experience a natural descent back into stillness and integration, leaving you resourced, awakened, and held by the group's shared presence.

About the Artists

Mingtong Gu is a Chinese Qigong master whose life's work bridges ancient energy practices with contemporary wellness. As founder of the Chi Healing Institute, Mingtong has trained thousands of students globally in techniques that harness the body's natural healing capacity. His unique gift lies in making profound energetic principles accessible and immediately felt, whether in traditional Qigong or in ecstatic dance experiences like this one.

Venue & Location

Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa is a sanctuary dedicated to holistic wellness, located in the picturesque Hudson Valley town of Phoenicia, NY. The retreat center sits on 107 acres of pristine natural beauty, offering the perfect setting for sacred and transformative experiences. Phoenicia is easily accessible from New York City (approximately 2 hours north) and provides ample parking on-site. The venue combines Himalayan aesthetics with modern comfort, creating an atmosphere of both reverence and ease.