✤ Join the DTM team in-person to learn the art of conscious dance set creation and develop essential DJ skills for your DJ adventure - all while being the part of a community that is engaging, supportive, and fun!

Looking to make the most of autumn of 2025? Join us for a 7-day immersive DJ Training at Quinta São José dos Montes. Our established DTM team will guide you step-by-step through our tried-and tested curriculum which is suitable for even complete beginners. The comprehensive 9-module program will easefully transform you into a confident DJ! You'll learn the art of song curation, selection, and placement, and seamless transitions to create dance journeys you always dreamt of. Plus, we'll give you a handy technical training manual to guide you through the process and for you to jot down notes, so you have a valuable reference for the future.

✤ Is our Ecstatic DJ School Right for You? 

→ Do you want to be a DJ?

→ Have you attended an Ecstatic Dance and want to create such a magical experience?

→ Are you a seasoned DJ who is keen to step into the world of ecstatic and conscious dance

→ Are you a conscious dance facilitator using iTunes/Spotify, ready to level up?

→ Do you organise Ecstatic Dance events and seek confidence to DJ at them? 

→ Do you already work with Traktor software and want to go beyond the bare essentials?

→ Eager to learn alongside peers that understand the unique skills needed to DJ conscious dance, often overlooked in traditional DJ academies? 

→ Do you want to learn to DJ in a kind, supportive environment where you feel safe asking those potentially “stupid” questions?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES, join us in Portugal for the in-person DTM Ecstatic DJ school, designed specifically for conscious dance music professionals! 

✤ What to Expect at our in-person Ecstatic DJ School?

Our 7-day immersive DJ School is more than just training—it's a full on experience filled with music, dance, activities, and chances to connect. 

We cover a lot of ground, starting with a thorough introduction to the fundamentals of Traktor Software and DTM's unique Set Creation Model. From there, we'll take you on a step-by-step journey, mixing theoretical and technical learning with practice, while ensuring time for group discussions, live demos, and, of course, lots of dancing! 

Some sessions get very hands-on and include individualised 1-on-1 sessions for each student, ensuring a rock-solid foundation, no matter where you are on your journey. 

Overall, we adapt our teaching to your cohort's skill level, interests, and specific requests while covering topics such as:

→ Learning the fundamentals of Traktor DJ Software

→ Smart library management

→ Using DJ controllers

→ Track curation and sourcing

→ Waveform analysis 

→ Looping

→ Effects 

→ Mastering the beatgrid

→ Counting music and phrasing

→ Customising your DJ software

→ And much much more

Our end goal is to create a unique and meaningful learning experience that not only boosts your confidence but also we make sure we have plenty of fun. Rest assured, we've included downtime in our busy schedule to enjoy the comfortable luxury of stunning . And while you develop your DJ skills, you'll be treated to healthy meals three times a day, for a well-rounded and relaxing experience.

Our 9-module curriculum is all about giving you the technical know-how and practise you need to become a DJ with strong foundational skills and confidence. Each module builds on the last, spiced up with plenty of Q&A sessions, dancing, loads of fun, and even chances for you to DJ yourself! It doesn't matter if you're starting from scratch or already have a bit of experience, our kind expert team is here to help every step of the way and by the end of the 6 days, you'll be ready to create some magical music sets.   

Our 9-module curriculum is all about giving you the technical know-how and practise you need to become a DJ with strong foundational skills and confidence. Each module builds on the last, spiced up with plenty of Q&A sessions, dancing, loads of fun, and even chances for you to DJ yourself! It doesn't matter if you're starting from scratch or already have a bit of experience, our kind expert team is here to help every step of the way and by the end of the 6 days, you'll be ready to create some magical music sets.   

✤ Module 01 • THE BIG PICTURE 

→ Introduction to the team and your cohorts 

→ DTM's Conscious/Ecstatic Dance Set Creation Model (aka the 'The Magic Carpet Ride')

→ Demystify DJ Software: an introduction to Traktor Pro3 DJ software

✤ Module 02 • IMPORTING + PREFERENCES

→ Importing: Best practices for getting music into Traktor

→ Get to grips with Traktor: Learn how to fine-tune preferences and configure your setup

→ Group continuity: Ensuring all are ready for the technical segment of the training

✤ Module 03 • SET CREATION + BROWSER

→ Introduction to set creation, with focus on crafting the ‘Body of the Set’

→ Exploring set creation tools, and what determines the “energy level” of a track

→ A deeper dive into Traktor browser and smart library organisation and file management

✤ Module 04 • CONTROLLERS + INTRO TO PRE-CUEING 

→ DJ controllers/consoles: fundamentals of Traktor S2 MK3

→ Getting the hang of pre-cueing 

→ Intro to counting music

✤ Module 05 • TRACKS + DECKS

→ Tracks! When to use them, how to find them, and where to buy them!

→ Demystifying track formats and golden tips for track selection 

→ Deck layout, track decks, and waveform

✤ Module 06 • INTRO TO TRANSITIONS

→ Introduction to the phrasing

→ Understanding how the filter function

→ Top tips, shortcuts and lowering stress, so you can have more fun!

✤ Module 07 • FOUNDATIONAL TRANSITION SKILLS + MIXER 

→ Intro to three basic transitions: intro/outro, drop on the 1 and syncing

→ Deep dive into the mixer/EQ section of Traktor Pro 3 and your controller

→ Transition demo with tracks select by students 

✤ Module 08 • MORE TRANSITIONS SKILLS 

→ Stacking transition skills to create seamless mixes

→ Skilful looping to mix tracks  

→ Incorporating effects for even better transitions 

✤ Module 09 • ONWARD

→ Filling in the gaps: Best practices to step into the world as a DJ

→ Extra bits of wisdom and personal top tips from our DJ Coaches

→ We will end our time together with a graduation ritual ♥

✤ BERNICE RAABIS • Founder of Dance The Medicine

Having begun humbly in the Kootenay Mountains of Western Canada, Bernice is now a respected mentor for Conscious Dance Leaders across the globe. Her journey started with hosting Dance Church for over ten years, where she harnessed her expertise from training in various disciplines, including Soul Motion, Movement Based Expressive Therapy (The Life Art Process), and Relational Somatic Therapy. These were brought together to nurture her local multi-generational dance community, which flourished and surpassed even her most ambitious expectations.

In 2016, she stretched her wings co-founding Ecstatic Dance International, facilitating successful leadership trainings in the US, the Netherlands, Guatemala, and Portugal. Driven to incorporate DJ and dance facilitation skills into available trainings, she used the name of her unique practice, and founded Dance The Medicine, a collective of accomplished conscious dance professionals determined to infect the world with dance. 

While Bernice loves DJing and creating transformative events, her deepest fulfilment comes from facilitating deep somatic processes using a combination of dance, art, and ritual; to help dancers find freedom through connection to self, community, and humanity. 

✤ ALEX SEVILLA • Resident DJ @ Ecstatic Dance Madrid & Co-teacher @ DTM DJ Training 

After more than two decades behind the decks as club DJ, Alex stumbled upon conscious dance. This encounter reshaped not only his personal life but also his profession. He soon traded in his career as a computer engineer to become a conscious dance entrepreneur, sharing his passion for dance, music, and consciousness with the world. Stepping into his new life, to become a resident DJ at Templo del Baile, a monthly conscious club in his hometown Madrid, regularly attended by over 200 dancers. Two years later, an invitation to play Ecstatic Dance Madrid, enabled him to take his sets to the next level.

During the pandemic, it became Alex’ mission to help the worldwide Ecstatic Dance community by navigating the technical challenges of live-streaming dance and music events as we all struggled to fulfil our need to dance during lockdown. Post-restrictions, he facilitated in-person dancing again by offering donation-based sessions in the streets of Spain, giving birth to a monthly gathering known as La Plaga del Baile (The Plague of Dance) In May 2020, Dance The Medicine recognized Alex’ talent and generous nature recruiting him as a teacher and tech guru during their first Ecstatic DJ Conference. He has been with us ever since, lucky DTM!

✤ AMRIT DHILLON (Amritaji) • DTM DJ Coach, Founder of Ecstatic Dance Milwaukee & Resident DJ @ Ecstatic Dance Salt Like City

Amritaji (Amrit Dhillon) has been enchanting global audiences since 2007 with her unique fusion of psychedelic worldbeat and bass music. Rooted in psytrance and infused with a love for trance-like states induced by Kirtan, she has a unique style of weaving traditional Eastern and indigenous music with deep bass lines and modern dance rhythms. Her music is more than an auditory experience—it’s a sonic space for healing, free and authentic expression, and most importantly, fun!

In 2016, she founded Ecstatic Dance Milwaukee, a venture that continues until today. Currently, she’s also a Resident DJ at Ecstatic Dance Salt Lake City and serves as an ambassador for Ecstatic Dance Records. Since 2019, she has been using her skills as a DJ coach with Dance The Medicine, offering support during training sessions and providing personalized 1-on-1 DJ lessons. Through her various roles, she persistently spreads her love for conscious dance and movement across the globe, thereby nurturing the global Ecstatic Dance community.

✤ ESTA POLYESTA • Co-teacher @ DTM, Global Ecstatic Dance DJ & Dance Facilitator, Event Organizer & Resident DJ @ Ecstatic Dance Amsterdam & Ecstatic Dance Goa 

Introducing Esta, your globe-trotting full time professional DJ and ceremony leader from Amsterdam. While she found her passion for music and dance early in life, she waited until 2005 to share her talent with the world. Nearly two decades later, Esta is celebrated for her significant influence on global beats, world music, and Ecstatic Dance, extending her reach from Russia to Thailand, USA to India, and beyond. Her playful facilitation and adventurous sets invite expression, connection, and joy have enchanted crowds worldwide. 

Esta's expertise isn't confined to the decks; Her versatile skill set includes ritual design,  music production, and Trance Dance facilitation. She showed her entrepreneurial prowess by pioneering Ecstatic Dance at Odessa and co-organising both Ecstatic Dance Amsterdam and Ecstatic Dance Ruigoord. She further shapes the Ecstatic Dance scene by offering 1-on-1 mentorship of emerging DJs and conscious leaders and teaching in several DTM trainings.

Esta's collaboration with DTM stretches back to the very first live DJ Training when she was hired as DJ Coach after Bernice stumbled across her play on a pirate ship. As one of DTM's first team members, she's been instrumental in shaping its identity as professional, fun, and supportive, and remains a crucial team member until this day.

✤ ÉADAOIN NÍ CHALLARÁIN • Dance Facilitator & Conscious DJ

Éadaoin, hailing from the scenic West coast of Ireland, ventured into the realm of DTM, driven by her passion for dance and a desire to enhance the musical experience for dancers in her Open Floor classes, a venture she embarked on in 2017. This journey not only met her initial aspirations but unfolded into much more. Being a part of DTM has enveloped her in an incredibly supportive community, sparking continual inspiration to delve deeper into the art of DJing and nurturing conscious dance spaces, fuelling cycles of learning, loving, and growth

.

Her journey as a movement junkie began at the dawn of the millennium, propelling her to explore various corners of the globe in pursuit of her passion. Her exploration included engaging with 5 Rhythms under the guidance of Gabrielle Roth and Caitriona Nic Ghiollaphadraig, Open Floor with Andrea Juhan among others, Amerta with Suprapto, Move into Life with Sandra Reeve, Ecstatic Dance with Bernice Raabis, and more. These experiences have been her source of medicine, joy, and motivation.

"The Beginners DJ School not only fulfilled my dream of being a DJ, but it allowed me to develop and create my own music/dance medicine flavour for the world to experience. I'm so excited about what is ahead for me, and I know that I am in good hands: the people I met are so incredible, we will forever be connected and follow each other's journey, and that in itself is a gift!"  → Maïté Azarov • San Francisco, USA

"Overall, it went beyond my expectations. I thought I would just learn how to be a DJ. But I found a community, support, and courage to be strong, daring and me! This training gave me balance in my daily life, allowing me to incorporate music, dance and DJ sessions. I improved fast and am shocked at where I am today: having released a first set. Now I am thrilled and scared to be on my own for my DJ journey, even though I feel the support still present from DTM and the whole group. So much advice on “do it your own way” “get inspired by others but remain yourself” “just do it!” “Some might criticize or judge, but they are not doing it, you are!” still resonates and allows me to feel that I can do it and that my music is worth being heard and dancing to! I don’t have to be the perfect expert or the greatest musician to be allowed to create sets and share them with people willing to dance to it. I am thankful for the diversity in our group, of age, gender, race and styles, countries and cultures. It was so great to meet all those people, not even knowing what job they might have, but knowing what music they dance to!"

→ Héloïse Ferber • Bagnolet, France 

“This school was amazingly well-thought-out and put together. A great balance of learning technique, theory, and practicing. The 1-on-1 time with experienced DJs was also extremely helpful. I ended this school experience feeling like my time and money was well-invested!” 

→ Stephen Wieber • USA

Quinta São José dos Montes is a stunning mountain retreat in the center of Portugal: Tomar. In 2012 Quinta São José dos Montes Retreat Center was remodeled and adapted for a Tourism with an ecological aspect and a Retreat Centre. The breathtaking view from the main part of the Farm allows guests to observe various animals in their natural habitat, as well as peeking into the Castelo do Bode Lake. The retreat centre is situated 120km from Lisboa, 190km from Porto, 15km from Center of Tomar and 7km from Ferreira do Zezere. Offering multiple gathering spaces and accommodation options, Quinta São José dos Montes will be a serene backdrop on which we will dance, connect, and learn to DJ ecstatic dance!

Quinta São José dos Montes Retreat Center in Tomar, Portugal offers cosy 4 apartments, dorms and glamping with yurts. Its four apartments are arranged around a patio with a swimming pool, an old dovecote (pigeon house) transformed into a dining room, a tent for catering, a porch with barbecue and a saltwater pool for moments of pure leisure and fun in contact with Nature. There are also dorms for groups and a Glamping with Yurts – Mongolian Tents as accommodation, a wooden house as support and a geodesic dome for events. Further details of each accommodation type are provided below. Upon registration for the training, you can select your preferred lodging. The accommodation cost will be added at checkout.

✤ ADDRESS

Estrada dos Montes, Nº134
2300-087 Olalhas – Tomar
Portugal

Google Maps

✤ CONTACT

+351917935392

✤ CLOSEST AIRPORT

•  Lisbon

✤ ARRIVAL

On Sunday, November 9th between arrival is between 15:00 and 17:00 to allow time to check in, explore the grounds and settle in before we start. 

✤ DEPARTURE

The retreat will be over on Saturday, November 15th. Check out will be after lunch so we can share one last meal together before we all depart around 13:00. 

✤ WHAT TO BRING

→ Tech & Gear

- Laptop

- DJ controller—for questions, email info@dancethemedicine.com

- DJ headphones

- Bag or backpack to carry your DJ gear

- Cables, stands or gear you need to DJ 

→ Clothing & items

- Headlamp or head torch to walk around at night

- Clothing suitable for dancing (we’ll dance numerous times a day, both inside and outside)

- Clothing suitable to bring outside
- Bring layers. It can get cold at night!

- Swimsuit

- Comfortable and appropriate outdoor shoes to walk/dance outside (lots of nature to explore)

- Dress up for a fun night; not fancy, just fun. Bring something if you enjoy dressing up.

- Towel!

→ Other

- Toiletries 

- Talisman (or sacred item) for the community altar

- Pens and markers

- Ear plugs (if sharing accommodation)

✤ PAYMENT

A non-refundable deposit is required to book and secure your place. Balance due 15 days before the retreat starts. Please carefully read our Retreat Terms & Conditions as by booking on our retreat, you become legally bound by these terms.

→ I'm coming from abroad. Do we need a visa to enter Portugal? 

It depends, please check with your own government and check your specific requirements. 

→ Can I come on my own?
Absolutely! Most of our participants actually come on their own, and many do not know anyone else who is coming. This training is inclusive, and we strive to create a culture of belonging. The program is designed to facilitate connections between one another with ice-breakers, group exercises and a daily sharing circle in small groups.

→ Do I need a DJ controller?

Yes, for this training you will need to bring a DJ Controller. We recommend the Traktor S2 MK3. If you need support with deciding which controller to acquire, please email info@dancethemedicine.com. We would also like to point out that our students get a 25% discount voucher for Native Instruments, the manufacturer of the Traktor software and controller.  

→ Is this a beginner's training? 

The DTM in-person DJ School offers training ideal for both complete beginners and conscious dance professionals with some DJ-ing experience. We provide personalised 1-on-1 sessions during the training and at times will divide participants into groups based on skill level. This approach ensures that everyone, regardless of where they are in their journey, is supported and leaves the training with new knowledge and a significant boost in confidence. 

→ Will I receive a certification?
Yes, after successful completion of the in-person part of the training, you’ll be a DTM certified Ecstatic DJ.

→ What's your cancellation and refund policy? In case of cancellation from your side, we don't offer any refunds, regardless of the reason.

→ If I can no longer make it, can I transfer my booking to someone?

If you transfer your booking to someone else, there's a €100 admin fee. If the retreat is full, and you want us to sell your spot, we'll keep your deposit and refund the balance only if we find a full-paying replacement. Booking transfers and posts on our social media are allowed only when the training is fully booked.